Herefordshire
Council helps businesses get to grips with regulations
- By Chief Editor
- Published 4 Feb 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council is working closely with members of the county’s business community to ensure they are kept up-to-date as ever-changing regulations affect the way they operate.
The Herefordshire Business Partnership, attended by officers from Herefordshire Council as well as representatives from different business sectors, meets every four months and also offers an opportunity for business leaders to raise any concerns or issues they have.
Marc Willimont, Herefordshire Council’s acting regulatory manager, said: “As a council, we are responsible for ensuring businesses comply with a wide range of regulations such as licensing, waste management, planning and food hygiene.
“We also have an active role in economic development and finding sites for creating employment opportunities together with promoting tourism.
“This forum allows us to work more closely in partnership with businesses over any concerns they may have as well as ensuring everyone is kept up-to-date on new regulations that affect them.
“The Partnership includes representatives from small businesses and agriculture as well as the hospitality, retail, manufacturing and estate agency sector, and is also used to provide a business perspective on any consultations the council is running as well as updates on the major Edgar Street Grid scheme.
“Recently, the Partnership has received a presentation on the council’s consultation for the Local Development Framework and members will be giving feedback on the current options,” he added.
The next meeting is being held in May.
The Herefordshire Business Partnership, attended by officers from Herefordshire Council as well as representatives from different business sectors, meets every four months and also offers an opportunity for business leaders to raise any concerns or issues they have.
Marc Willimont, Herefordshire Council’s acting regulatory manager, said: “As a council, we are responsible for ensuring businesses comply with a wide range of regulations such as licensing, waste management, planning and food hygiene.
“We also have an active role in economic development and finding sites for creating employment opportunities together with promoting tourism.
“This forum allows us to work more closely in partnership with businesses over any concerns they may have as well as ensuring everyone is kept up-to-date on new regulations that affect them.
“The Partnership includes representatives from small businesses and agriculture as well as the hospitality, retail, manufacturing and estate agency sector, and is also used to provide a business perspective on any consultations the council is running as well as updates on the major Edgar Street Grid scheme.
“Recently, the Partnership has received a presentation on the council’s consultation for the Local Development Framework and members will be giving feedback on the current options,” he added.
The next meeting is being held in May.
Council encourages residents to waste less food and help environment
- By Chief Editor
- Published 1 Feb 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council is encouraging residents to make a late resolution and make 2010 the year they start saving money and playing their part in helping the environment by wasting less food.
Research has shown that the average family in the UK throws away around £50 worth of perfectly edible food every month but by following the simple advice on offer people can keep more money in their pockets.
Some of the top tips include:
Why not start writing a shopping list – Did you know that half of us make a shopping list all or some of the time, but half don’t stick to it in the store? Try making 2010 the year of the shopping list and sticking to it.
Try planning weekly menus – Take the effort out of thinking what you are going to cook each night, and wondering if you have the ingredients to make it, by planning weekly menus. By buying ingredients for the delicious meals we've planned at the supermarket, we will be less likely to buy foods we won’t get round to using up.
There really is such a thing as a free lunch - Simply by using what’s already in the fridge, or last night’s leftovers for a packed lunch at work, we can save between £3.00 and £5.00 a day.
Get friendly with your freezer – There’s not much that can’t be frozen for later.
Double up on family favourites – When you’re cooking dishes such as Bolognese, chilli, soups and casseroles, cook one for now and freeze one for later. That way you will have a readymade meal when you get in on these cold winter nights.
Storecupboard essentials – Keeping essentials such as oils, sauces, beans, pasta and rice means that there will always be something to add to odds and ends in the fridge to create a quick meal
Perfect Portions – One of the reasons we throw away food is because we cook too much! Its easy to cook too much of foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes, so use the Love Food Hate Waste portion calculator to help you buy and cook just the right amount of food for yourself, your family and your friends.
Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: "This is the time of year when we all look forward and make promises to ourselves about a number of things that can make things better. I'd like to encourage people to make 2010 the year where we all try to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in our bins.
"By following these handy hints, residents can really reduce food waste and save money, protecting those pennies, as well as preventing waste ending up in the landfill site," he added.
A host of information and advice on reducing food waste is available at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com and www.wastemissionimpossible.com. Residents can also call the County Council's Waste Prevention team to find out more on 01905 766883.
Research has shown that the average family in the UK throws away around £50 worth of perfectly edible food every month but by following the simple advice on offer people can keep more money in their pockets.
Some of the top tips include:
Why not start writing a shopping list – Did you know that half of us make a shopping list all or some of the time, but half don’t stick to it in the store? Try making 2010 the year of the shopping list and sticking to it.
Try planning weekly menus – Take the effort out of thinking what you are going to cook each night, and wondering if you have the ingredients to make it, by planning weekly menus. By buying ingredients for the delicious meals we've planned at the supermarket, we will be less likely to buy foods we won’t get round to using up.
There really is such a thing as a free lunch - Simply by using what’s already in the fridge, or last night’s leftovers for a packed lunch at work, we can save between £3.00 and £5.00 a day.
Get friendly with your freezer – There’s not much that can’t be frozen for later.
Double up on family favourites – When you’re cooking dishes such as Bolognese, chilli, soups and casseroles, cook one for now and freeze one for later. That way you will have a readymade meal when you get in on these cold winter nights.
Storecupboard essentials – Keeping essentials such as oils, sauces, beans, pasta and rice means that there will always be something to add to odds and ends in the fridge to create a quick meal
Perfect Portions – One of the reasons we throw away food is because we cook too much! Its easy to cook too much of foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes, so use the Love Food Hate Waste portion calculator to help you buy and cook just the right amount of food for yourself, your family and your friends.
Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: "This is the time of year when we all look forward and make promises to ourselves about a number of things that can make things better. I'd like to encourage people to make 2010 the year where we all try to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in our bins.
"By following these handy hints, residents can really reduce food waste and save money, protecting those pennies, as well as preventing waste ending up in the landfill site," he added.
A host of information and advice on reducing food waste is available at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com and www.wastemissionimpossible.com. Residents can also call the County Council's Waste Prevention team to find out more on 01905 766883.
Herefordshire continues to lobby government for fairer funding for schools
- By Chief Editor
- Published 26 Jan 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
A delegation from Herefordshire met with Minister for Schools and Learners, Vernon Coaker yesterday (January 25) to lobby for fairer funding for the county’s schools. This follows a similar meeting which took place between Herefordshire Council and the previous Minister for Schools, Jim Knight in March 2008.
Herefordshire Council’s director of children’s services Sharon Menghini, was invited to join MPs Bill Wiggin and Paul Keetch, Peter Box, head of Sutton, Lord Scudamore and Kings Caple primary schools, Chris Barker, head of Fairfield High School, Denise Kennedy, vice chair of governors at Kingstone High School and John Spackman, community governor at Dilwyn Primary School.
The delegation told the minster that Herefordshire remains the third worst funded authority in the country which has made development, investment and opportunities for improvement very difficult. As pupil numbers fall, Herefordshire is facing reduced funding and as schools feel the squeeze on budgets, there is serious concern that the quality of education is likely to suffer.
Mr Coaker heard about the difficulties local schools have recruiting head teachers, the growing number of schools with budget deficits and the rising costs of school redundancies.
“We are already beginning to see the quality of education being affected by reduced funding and are concerned that we have more schools needing local authority support and a growing number in Ofsted categories,” said Sharon Menghini, director of children’s services.
Mr Coaker explained that the way schools are funded is set to change in 2011 and that as a result of a nationwide consultation, five key principles would be used to set funding from 2011. Although he was unable to provide detail, he explained that the new formula will continue to work on an amount per pupil with additions made for sparsity, additional educational needs, deprivation and area cost adjustment.
“Collectively we outlined our hopes that future funding would align Herefordshire with average levels of funding rather than remaining one of the poorest,” continued Sharon Menghini. “Although the meeting went well and Mr Coaker listened to our concerns, he explained that any change would produce winners and losers and that all local authorities would have good arguments as to why their authority deserved more.
“The meeting was a welcome opportunity and of value in raising awareness and understanding of the issues with the minister although I believe we will continue to face challenging times in the months ahead.”
Herefordshire’s head teachers will discuss the implications of Mr Coaker’s comments and the new funding formula when they meet with the council’s director of children’s services on February 12.
Herefordshire Council’s director of children’s services Sharon Menghini, was invited to join MPs Bill Wiggin and Paul Keetch, Peter Box, head of Sutton, Lord Scudamore and Kings Caple primary schools, Chris Barker, head of Fairfield High School, Denise Kennedy, vice chair of governors at Kingstone High School and John Spackman, community governor at Dilwyn Primary School.
The delegation told the minster that Herefordshire remains the third worst funded authority in the country which has made development, investment and opportunities for improvement very difficult. As pupil numbers fall, Herefordshire is facing reduced funding and as schools feel the squeeze on budgets, there is serious concern that the quality of education is likely to suffer.
Mr Coaker heard about the difficulties local schools have recruiting head teachers, the growing number of schools with budget deficits and the rising costs of school redundancies.
“We are already beginning to see the quality of education being affected by reduced funding and are concerned that we have more schools needing local authority support and a growing number in Ofsted categories,” said Sharon Menghini, director of children’s services.
Mr Coaker explained that the way schools are funded is set to change in 2011 and that as a result of a nationwide consultation, five key principles would be used to set funding from 2011. Although he was unable to provide detail, he explained that the new formula will continue to work on an amount per pupil with additions made for sparsity, additional educational needs, deprivation and area cost adjustment.
“Collectively we outlined our hopes that future funding would align Herefordshire with average levels of funding rather than remaining one of the poorest,” continued Sharon Menghini. “Although the meeting went well and Mr Coaker listened to our concerns, he explained that any change would produce winners and losers and that all local authorities would have good arguments as to why their authority deserved more.
“The meeting was a welcome opportunity and of value in raising awareness and understanding of the issues with the minister although I believe we will continue to face challenging times in the months ahead.”
Herefordshire’s head teachers will discuss the implications of Mr Coaker’s comments and the new funding formula when they meet with the council’s director of children’s services on February 12.
Rock salt record in worst cold spell for 30 years
- By Chief Editor
- Published 20 Jan 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Over 10,000 tonnes of grit have been used on Herefordshire’s roads this winter so far, mostly during the first two weeks of January, when the county was in the grip of the worst cold spell for 30 years.
Herefordshire Council reports that storage barns were full with 6,500 tonnes of rock salt stockpiled before Christmas to ensure it could fulfil its pledge of keeping the county’s 600 miles of priority routes open over the winter.
This was backed up with more deliveries as needed and more rock salt has been received today (20 January 2010).
Last year, the council used 10,000 tonnes of salt during the whole winter period, and in the year before that under 4,000 tonnes were used, with under 3,000 tonnes used in total the year before that.
The council’s winter service plan is to grit the strategic routes that carry heavy traffic, the key commuter and public transport routes, and those important to the emergency services. But the council says it is almost impossible to also grit the unclassified and minor roads that make up the remainder of Herefordshire’s 2,000 plus miles of roads.
“I know many people in rural areas would want us to grit every minor road”, said Clive Hall, the council’s highway network manager. “If the council attempted to do so, it would soon have run out of rock salt altogether, given that the whole country was in the grip of icy conditions and there were national shortages due to the high demand on supply.
“Running out of supplies would mean it would be almost impossible for most people to get anywhere in the county, and this could bring business and commerce to a halt, as well as endangering lives and seriously impacting emergency and public services”.
“We do have a good track record in keeping primary routes open in even the worst conditions, but the recent prolonged period of below freezing temperatures has been a real challenge to our services”.
The council also has to carefully manage the way its salt is stored and used, as there is the risk of environmental damage if too much is washed into the soil or into water courses.
In the aftermath of the big freeze, there is also the problem of the potholes created as water freezes, expands and breaks up road surfaces. The council estimates it will cost over £5.5 million to rectify the damage to Herefordshire’s roads.
Herefordshire Council and its highways partner, Amey Herefordshire, are currently scouring the streets and lanes across Herefordshire to make sure that all hazardous potholes are repaired as soon as possible.
Local authorities are expected to lobbying central government for financial help in addressing the full costs of the damage to road networks during the extreme weather.
“We have contingencies in our budgets for the impact of winter on our roads, for we will be seeking help from government”, explained Clive Hall.
“Teams are out and about already repairing potholes,” he added. “They are also be inspecting drains at critical locations to make sure they are not blocked by debris and not the cause of localised flooding.
If anyone spots a pothole, they are asked to contact the council’s street care line on 01432 261800 or at streets@herefordshire.gov.uk
Herefordshire Council reports that storage barns were full with 6,500 tonnes of rock salt stockpiled before Christmas to ensure it could fulfil its pledge of keeping the county’s 600 miles of priority routes open over the winter.
This was backed up with more deliveries as needed and more rock salt has been received today (20 January 2010).
Last year, the council used 10,000 tonnes of salt during the whole winter period, and in the year before that under 4,000 tonnes were used, with under 3,000 tonnes used in total the year before that.
The council’s winter service plan is to grit the strategic routes that carry heavy traffic, the key commuter and public transport routes, and those important to the emergency services. But the council says it is almost impossible to also grit the unclassified and minor roads that make up the remainder of Herefordshire’s 2,000 plus miles of roads.
“I know many people in rural areas would want us to grit every minor road”, said Clive Hall, the council’s highway network manager. “If the council attempted to do so, it would soon have run out of rock salt altogether, given that the whole country was in the grip of icy conditions and there were national shortages due to the high demand on supply.
“Running out of supplies would mean it would be almost impossible for most people to get anywhere in the county, and this could bring business and commerce to a halt, as well as endangering lives and seriously impacting emergency and public services”.
“We do have a good track record in keeping primary routes open in even the worst conditions, but the recent prolonged period of below freezing temperatures has been a real challenge to our services”.
The council also has to carefully manage the way its salt is stored and used, as there is the risk of environmental damage if too much is washed into the soil or into water courses.
In the aftermath of the big freeze, there is also the problem of the potholes created as water freezes, expands and breaks up road surfaces. The council estimates it will cost over £5.5 million to rectify the damage to Herefordshire’s roads.
Herefordshire Council and its highways partner, Amey Herefordshire, are currently scouring the streets and lanes across Herefordshire to make sure that all hazardous potholes are repaired as soon as possible.
Local authorities are expected to lobbying central government for financial help in addressing the full costs of the damage to road networks during the extreme weather.
“We have contingencies in our budgets for the impact of winter on our roads, for we will be seeking help from government”, explained Clive Hall.
“Teams are out and about already repairing potholes,” he added. “They are also be inspecting drains at critical locations to make sure they are not blocked by debris and not the cause of localised flooding.
If anyone spots a pothole, they are asked to contact the council’s street care line on 01432 261800 or at streets@herefordshire.gov.uk
Herefordshire’s young poet laureate marks snowy weather
- By Chief Editor
- Published 15 Jan 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire’s young poet laureate Sapphire de Sousa Stayton has written a poem to mark the snowy weather conditions that have gripped the county.Sophie, who won the Poet Laureate for Herefordshire competition run by the council’s libraries service in June 2009, has been using her time off school constructively to pen a poem about her own experience of the snowy weather.
The poem is:
Smelling Snow
A fragment of a second,
A minute less than time,
It was gone before I realised
That it was there and mine.
It was faster than the speed of light,
As calming as the sea.
As confusing as a Labyrinth
Of which you can’t get free.
It had the wonder of a waterfall,
The intensity of the sun.
The freeness of a child
In the meadow having fun.
It brought me all my memories
Of winters, Christmases past.
Hanging out the stockings,
Building snowmen in the park.
On that calm day in October,
When the sun was slipping low,
That moment in early autumn,
That’s when I smelt the snow.
Council supports local food suppliers by trialling new regional produce vending machine
- By Chief Editor
- Published 13 Jan 2010
- Food and Drink , Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council is encouraging staff and councillors to eat locally produced food in 2010 and is piloting a new vending machine concept to be launched at the council’s headquarters this month.
The vending machine is part of a Savour the Flavour project run by Heart of England fine foods (HEFF), the regional food group for the West Midlands.
HEFF aims to make locally produced, quality food available to a wider public, raising consumer awareness of regional strengths and providing sustainable business opportunities to local food economies.
Savour the Flavour is the consumer facing brand provided by HEFF to promote regional food and drink. The vending machine has a chiller to keep food fresh and will be stocked with regionally produced food and drink including freshly made sandwiches and baguettes topped up and checked on a daily basis, cakes, biscuits, cold pastries, apple juice and smoothies. HEFF has been working with the council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire to provide the facility in the council’s headquarters.
Herefordshire’s new vending machine will be located at the council and primary care trust’s Brockington site, which currently has no catering facilities for councillors who regularly attend meetings in the council chambers, or the 70 employees who are based there.
To ensure products are good quality, all produce has to comply with HEFF’s own Hygiene and Food Safety Standard and has been consumer tested before being used. A recycling bin will be installed alongside the vending machine for the glass bottles and sandwich packaging.
Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, chairman of the Herefordshire Food Partnership* and cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “We believe Herefordshire Council will be one of the first councils in the region to use local produce in such a way.
More follows
“The products will be good quality, healthy and priced competitively so anyone wishing to begin the New Year with a healthy eating regime will have no excuse, although there will be some home made cakes and biscuits included in the carousel for those who just can’t resist.
“The council supports local business wherever it can and this is an excellent way of encouraging some of the county’s excellent food suppliers to develop and grow.
“The vending machine at Brockington is just the beginning and, if successful, the opportunities for further development are substantial so we are very excited about this project.”
HEFF chief executive Karen Davies said: “We are very pleased to be working with Herefordshire Council on this initiative to improve accessibility to quality, regional food and drink. We hope that by highlighting the source of the vending products it will encourage people to continue to consider regional food and drink away from the council offices.”
Rhian Brown, Amey Herefordshire, said: “We have tried to source as many products as possible from Herefordshire and surrounding county suppliers, but we would love to hear from anyone else locally who would like to be involved in this project. Please ring us on 01432 845900 or email catering@amey.co.uk.”
The vending machine is part of a Savour the Flavour project run by Heart of England fine foods (HEFF), the regional food group for the West Midlands.
HEFF aims to make locally produced, quality food available to a wider public, raising consumer awareness of regional strengths and providing sustainable business opportunities to local food economies.
Savour the Flavour is the consumer facing brand provided by HEFF to promote regional food and drink. The vending machine has a chiller to keep food fresh and will be stocked with regionally produced food and drink including freshly made sandwiches and baguettes topped up and checked on a daily basis, cakes, biscuits, cold pastries, apple juice and smoothies. HEFF has been working with the council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire to provide the facility in the council’s headquarters.
Herefordshire’s new vending machine will be located at the council and primary care trust’s Brockington site, which currently has no catering facilities for councillors who regularly attend meetings in the council chambers, or the 70 employees who are based there.
To ensure products are good quality, all produce has to comply with HEFF’s own Hygiene and Food Safety Standard and has been consumer tested before being used. A recycling bin will be installed alongside the vending machine for the glass bottles and sandwich packaging.
Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, chairman of the Herefordshire Food Partnership* and cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “We believe Herefordshire Council will be one of the first councils in the region to use local produce in such a way.
More follows
“The products will be good quality, healthy and priced competitively so anyone wishing to begin the New Year with a healthy eating regime will have no excuse, although there will be some home made cakes and biscuits included in the carousel for those who just can’t resist.
“The council supports local business wherever it can and this is an excellent way of encouraging some of the county’s excellent food suppliers to develop and grow.
“The vending machine at Brockington is just the beginning and, if successful, the opportunities for further development are substantial so we are very excited about this project.”
HEFF chief executive Karen Davies said: “We are very pleased to be working with Herefordshire Council on this initiative to improve accessibility to quality, regional food and drink. We hope that by highlighting the source of the vending products it will encourage people to continue to consider regional food and drink away from the council offices.”
Rhian Brown, Amey Herefordshire, said: “We have tried to source as many products as possible from Herefordshire and surrounding county suppliers, but we would love to hear from anyone else locally who would like to be involved in this project. Please ring us on 01432 845900 or email catering@amey.co.uk.”
Local people to reshape Herefordshire as a new land of opportunity – major consultation starts next week
- By Chief Editor
- Published 12 Jan 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Thousands of residents are expected to participate in discussions to help turn Herefordshire into a new land of opportunity, with more and better paid jobs, more decent and affordable homes, and better transport links.
Herefordshire Council is launching next week the Shaping Our Place 2026 consultation, the findings of which will affect everyone who lives and works in the county. A public event at the Kindle Centre at Asda in Hereford - from 10am to 4pm – on 18 January kicks off an eight-week series of exhibitions and road shows across the county.
“Herefordshire Council needs you to share your views now in what will be one of the most important consultations ever to take place in the county”, said Councillor John Jarvis, cabinet member for environment and strategic housing. “The council wants to help create a land of opportunity, right here in Herefordshire, for all our communities.
“Herefordshire has the room and freedom to grow, while retaining its special heritage and environment. Everyone has a view about how Herefordshire can be improved – whether we need a relief road for the city, more decent and affordable homes, a university or better-paid jobs. But it will be up to local people to help grow the right future for the county, the city and the market towns”.
The consultation is driven by the need to grow the county. Herefordshire has below average wage levels for the region but above average house prices. There are 5,000 people on the county’s housing waiting list and demand is high for homes that are decent and affordable.
Herefordshire is recognised as providing a good education. But without a university, or sufficient higher education to build skills and qualifications, or good career prospects, the council knows young people are more likely to find better prospects elsewhere.
The county also needs more enterprises, offering high quality jobs. More space for employment land has to be found. Growth in the county will provide stronger markets for local firms to thrive and prosper - and safeguard local essential public services.
Sorting out Hereford’s traffic problems is a major priority. Previous consultation shows that most local people feel that a blend of public transport improvements and a new relief road and second river crossing is the preferred solution. However, the route – either to the west or the east of the city – needs careful consideration and the consultation details the implications of either option. Leominster is also identified as requiring a southern relief road.
The strategy for the market towns is to further promote their roles as service and economic centres for their rural hinterlands but also improve links with Hereford. Several villages could see development designed to increase affordable housing and sustain essential services, including schools, and new shops, along with rural transport improvements. The options are also to promote extended employment land and more enterprise centres to encourage the creation of new jobs, particularly creative industries and environmental technologies to boost the economic viability of villages.
The council is holding several exhibitions and road shows across the county in the coming weeks, as well as workshops in schools and colleges. People’s views will be analysed and proposed policies developed and presented back to cabinet later in 2010 and publicised, before being submitted to the Secretary of State, who will arrange for a public examination and inspector’s report with final adoption anticipated in 2011.
It provides a chance for everyone to help finalise the Local Development Framework, which will be the blueprint for planning and developing Herefordshire for the future.
In parallel, the council is also running a consultation on the Local Transport Plan, which will be adopted by April 2011 and will drive the county’s transport strategy for the next 15 years. The review of the transport strategy is intended to align transport policy with the wider needs of the county and will help coordinate support for growth. The Local Transport Plan consultation enables local people to let the council know what their priorities for transport are for the county, whether it is greater public transport investment, more cycle routes, better highway maintenance or further road safety improvements.
Members of the public wishing to comment can access the consultation documents on the council’s website www.herefordshire.gov.uk. Literature can also be picked up from council facilities like info shops and libraries.
More public events are expected to be announced by Herefordshire Council soon, but the following have been arranged:
Herefordshire Council is launching next week the Shaping Our Place 2026 consultation, the findings of which will affect everyone who lives and works in the county. A public event at the Kindle Centre at Asda in Hereford - from 10am to 4pm – on 18 January kicks off an eight-week series of exhibitions and road shows across the county.
“Herefordshire Council needs you to share your views now in what will be one of the most important consultations ever to take place in the county”, said Councillor John Jarvis, cabinet member for environment and strategic housing. “The council wants to help create a land of opportunity, right here in Herefordshire, for all our communities.
“Herefordshire has the room and freedom to grow, while retaining its special heritage and environment. Everyone has a view about how Herefordshire can be improved – whether we need a relief road for the city, more decent and affordable homes, a university or better-paid jobs. But it will be up to local people to help grow the right future for the county, the city and the market towns”.
The consultation is driven by the need to grow the county. Herefordshire has below average wage levels for the region but above average house prices. There are 5,000 people on the county’s housing waiting list and demand is high for homes that are decent and affordable.
Herefordshire is recognised as providing a good education. But without a university, or sufficient higher education to build skills and qualifications, or good career prospects, the council knows young people are more likely to find better prospects elsewhere.
The county also needs more enterprises, offering high quality jobs. More space for employment land has to be found. Growth in the county will provide stronger markets for local firms to thrive and prosper - and safeguard local essential public services.
Sorting out Hereford’s traffic problems is a major priority. Previous consultation shows that most local people feel that a blend of public transport improvements and a new relief road and second river crossing is the preferred solution. However, the route – either to the west or the east of the city – needs careful consideration and the consultation details the implications of either option. Leominster is also identified as requiring a southern relief road.
The strategy for the market towns is to further promote their roles as service and economic centres for their rural hinterlands but also improve links with Hereford. Several villages could see development designed to increase affordable housing and sustain essential services, including schools, and new shops, along with rural transport improvements. The options are also to promote extended employment land and more enterprise centres to encourage the creation of new jobs, particularly creative industries and environmental technologies to boost the economic viability of villages.
The council is holding several exhibitions and road shows across the county in the coming weeks, as well as workshops in schools and colleges. People’s views will be analysed and proposed policies developed and presented back to cabinet later in 2010 and publicised, before being submitted to the Secretary of State, who will arrange for a public examination and inspector’s report with final adoption anticipated in 2011.
It provides a chance for everyone to help finalise the Local Development Framework, which will be the blueprint for planning and developing Herefordshire for the future.
In parallel, the council is also running a consultation on the Local Transport Plan, which will be adopted by April 2011 and will drive the county’s transport strategy for the next 15 years. The review of the transport strategy is intended to align transport policy with the wider needs of the county and will help coordinate support for growth. The Local Transport Plan consultation enables local people to let the council know what their priorities for transport are for the county, whether it is greater public transport investment, more cycle routes, better highway maintenance or further road safety improvements.
Members of the public wishing to comment can access the consultation documents on the council’s website www.herefordshire.gov.uk. Literature can also be picked up from council facilities like info shops and libraries.
More public events are expected to be announced by Herefordshire Council soon, but the following have been arranged:
- 18 Jan - Launch at Kindle Centre, Asda, Hereford. Turn up any time from 10am to 4pm
- 26 Jan - Public event at the Town Hall, Hereford from 10am to 1pm
- 02 Feb - Road show at Ross Market Square. Visit any time from 10am to 1pm
- 03 Feb - Road show at Leominster Corn Square from 10am to 1pm
- 04 Feb - Road show at Evans Easyspace at Rotherwas, starting 11pm
- 09 Feb - Road show at Kington Mill Street Car Park from 10am to 1pm
- 11 Feb - Road show at Bromyard Tenbury Road Car Park from 10am to 1pm
- 13 Feb - Road show at Hereford High Town from 10am to 3pm
- 23 Feb - Road Show at Ledbury St Katherine Street Car Park from 10am to 1pm
- 23 Feb – Evening event at Hereford’s Aylestone School from 6pm to 8pm
- 24 Feb - Road show at Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall Car Park from 10am to 1pm
Waste collections resume across Herefordshire
- By Chief Editor
- Published 12 Jan 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council has reported that waste collections across Herefordshire have resumed today (Tuesday 12 January 2010). The council apologises for the disruption and crews will be making every effort to collect all refuse and recycling - but are still hampered by difficult icy conditions on many minor roads.
Residents are asked that if they have not had a collection by 6pm today, then could they please bring in their refuse and recycling and put it out again on their next collection day.
In the face of the worst cold spell for 30 years, the council is making the decision whether to send out the crews on a day-by-day basis. Rotherwas, Leominster and Bromyard household waste sites have re-opened today.
The council’s contractors will collect recycling material, over and above that in the authorised bins and sacks, for the next round of collections, which will take place when refuse collection vehicles are out again.
It will mean residents can put out excess recycling in their old purple and clear sacks or in any other sacks, so long as they are clearly labelled up as "recycling".
A decision on Wednesday’s collection will be made first thing tomorrow morning - residents are advised to tune in to their local radio stations or visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk to find out the latest information.
Residents are asked that if they have not had a collection by 6pm today, then could they please bring in their refuse and recycling and put it out again on their next collection day.
In the face of the worst cold spell for 30 years, the council is making the decision whether to send out the crews on a day-by-day basis. Rotherwas, Leominster and Bromyard household waste sites have re-opened today.
The council’s contractors will collect recycling material, over and above that in the authorised bins and sacks, for the next round of collections, which will take place when refuse collection vehicles are out again.
It will mean residents can put out excess recycling in their old purple and clear sacks or in any other sacks, so long as they are clearly labelled up as "recycling".
A decision on Wednesday’s collection will be made first thing tomorrow morning - residents are advised to tune in to their local radio stations or visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk to find out the latest information.
Drivers asked to watch out for black ice and freezing fog this morning
- By Chief Editor
- Published 12 Jan 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council reports that all A and B roads in the county have been gritted throughout the night and are passable with care – but motorists are advised that they are likely to encounter black ice without warning, and there is freezing fog in some areas. Most minor and unclassified roads are all passable with extreme care - but pavements in villages, market towns and parts of Hereford are hazardous.
Around 90 schools in Herefordshire are expected to be open today and parents can check with individual school’s web sites or call the council’s emergency information line, which opened at 6am this morning. The number is 0844 939 6101.
The council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire dispensed 170 tonnes of rock salt on the roads overnight. They reported at 3.30am a major water leak on the A49 southbound, just past the traffic lights for Saxon Gate in Hereford, and Welsh Water have been notified.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service warns that people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.
NHS services remain under pressure and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening. Anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than Accident and Emergency and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at http://www.nhs.uk/.
While social services are doing their best to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are looked after, residents are asked please to check on their older neighbours as many may be in need of basic supplies.
Around 90 schools in Herefordshire are expected to be open today and parents can check with individual school’s web sites or call the council’s emergency information line, which opened at 6am this morning. The number is 0844 939 6101.
The council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire dispensed 170 tonnes of rock salt on the roads overnight. They reported at 3.30am a major water leak on the A49 southbound, just past the traffic lights for Saxon Gate in Hereford, and Welsh Water have been notified.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service warns that people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.
NHS services remain under pressure and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening. Anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than Accident and Emergency and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at http://www.nhs.uk/.
While social services are doing their best to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are looked after, residents are asked please to check on their older neighbours as many may be in need of basic supplies.
Herefordshire struggling under renewed snowfall
- By Chief Editor
- Published 11 Jan 2010
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council reports that some primary routes in the north of the county, around Wigmore and Weobley, are coming under pressure after renewed snowfall this morning - despite two gritting runs during the night.
The council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire has 18 gritting teams out on the A and B roads now working to keep them open. Motorists are advised to check local road and weather conditions before making the decision to drive. Visit the council’s website on www.herefordshire.gov.uk and look in the spotlight on the home page to access information on which roads will have been gritted.
Several schools in Herefordshire have reported to local radio and to the council that they will be open today – but one school – Eastnor Primary near Ledbury has had to close after all.
Parents are advised to check the school’s individual websites for updated information or call Herefordshire Council’s emergency information line– the number is 0844 939 6101.
The following schools are expected to be open today:
Primary Schools
Almeley Primary
Ashfield Park
Ashperton Primary
Bredenbury primary
Broadlands Primary – packed lunches required
Brockhampton Primary
Burghill Primary
Burley Gate Primary
Canon Pyon Primary
Colwall Primary
Cradley Primary
Dilwyn Primary
Eardisley C E Primary
Eastnor Primary have this morning decided NOT TO OPEN
Ewyas Harold Primary – no after school clubs
Fownhope, St Mary's Primary
Garway Primary
Goodrich primary
Gorsley Goffs Primary
Hampton Dene – no blue group, start 10am
Holme Lacy Primary
Holmer Primary
Ivington C E Primary
Kings Caple Primary
Kingsland Primary
Kingstone & Thruxton
Kington primary – no buses
Ledbury Primary
Leominster Infants
Leominster Juniors
Llangrove Primary
Lord Scudamore
Luston Primary
Marden Primary
Michaelchurch Esceley
Much Birch Primary – packed lunches required
Orleton Primary
Our Lady’s R.C. Primary
Pencombe Primary
Shobdon primary
St Francis Xavier
St James Hereford
St Joseph’s R. C. Primary – no breakfast Club, packed lunches required
St Martin’s Primary
St Michael’s Bodenham – no after school clubs
St Pauls Primary
St Thomas Cantilupe Primary
St. Marys Credenhill
Staunton on Wye Primary
Sutton St. Nicholas Primary
Trinity Primary
Walford Primary
Weobley Primary
Weston under Penyard Primary
Whitchurch Primary
Whitbourne Primary
Wigmore Primary
Withington Primary (and nursery)
High Schools
BHBS yrs 10 & 11
Fairfield
John Kyrle High School for years 11,12,13 and exam candidates only
John Masefield - 9.45am start for all students who can make it into school – exam candidates must be in for 9am
Kingstone High
Lady Hawkins - no school buses
Queen Elizabeth - no school buses
St Mary's RC High for years 10 & 11 only.
( St Mary's have asked us to inform parents that Packed lunches required and parents are advised that if they drive their children to school, they should pick them up at 3pm).
The Hereford Academy for years 10,11,12 & 13
The Minster for years 11,12, 13 and exam candidates only
Weobley High
Whitecross High
Wigmore High
Special Schools
The Brookfield School
The Aconbury Centre
St David’s Centre PRU
The Priory PRU
Westfields Special School
Motorists are respecting the difficult road conditions and driving with care on the county’s principle roads, which have been kept open by gritting teams, who were out at 12.30am and 4am this morning. Herefordshire Council and its contractor Amey Herefordshire are focusing on treating the 600 miles of A and B roads and managing road salt supplies - but much of the county’s 2,500 miles of minor roads remain icy and hazardous.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service warns that people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.
NHS services remain under pressure and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening. Anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than Accident and Emergency and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at http://www.nhs.uk/.
There will be some visitor restrictions at some wards of the county hospital due to continued Norovirus problems. It is imperative that anyone experiencing any symptoms of
diarrhoea and/or vomiting does not visit the hospital.
While social services are doing their best to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are looked after, residents are asked please to check on their older neighbours as many may be in need of basic supplies.
The council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire has 18 gritting teams out on the A and B roads now working to keep them open. Motorists are advised to check local road and weather conditions before making the decision to drive. Visit the council’s website on www.herefordshire.gov.uk and look in the spotlight on the home page to access information on which roads will have been gritted.
Several schools in Herefordshire have reported to local radio and to the council that they will be open today – but one school – Eastnor Primary near Ledbury has had to close after all.
Parents are advised to check the school’s individual websites for updated information or call Herefordshire Council’s emergency information line– the number is 0844 939 6101.
The following schools are expected to be open today:
Primary Schools
Almeley Primary
Ashfield Park
Ashperton Primary
Bredenbury primary
Broadlands Primary – packed lunches required
Brockhampton Primary
Burghill Primary
Burley Gate Primary
Canon Pyon Primary
Colwall Primary
Cradley Primary
Dilwyn Primary
Eardisley C E Primary
Eastnor Primary have this morning decided NOT TO OPEN
Ewyas Harold Primary – no after school clubs
Fownhope, St Mary's Primary
Garway Primary
Goodrich primary
Gorsley Goffs Primary
Hampton Dene – no blue group, start 10am
Holme Lacy Primary
Holmer Primary
Ivington C E Primary
Kings Caple Primary
Kingsland Primary
Kingstone & Thruxton
Kington primary – no buses
Ledbury Primary
Leominster Infants
Leominster Juniors
Llangrove Primary
Lord Scudamore
Luston Primary
Marden Primary
Michaelchurch Esceley
Much Birch Primary – packed lunches required
Orleton Primary
Our Lady’s R.C. Primary
Pencombe Primary
Shobdon primary
St Francis Xavier
St James Hereford
St Joseph’s R. C. Primary – no breakfast Club, packed lunches required
St Martin’s Primary
St Michael’s Bodenham – no after school clubs
St Pauls Primary
St Thomas Cantilupe Primary
St. Marys Credenhill
Staunton on Wye Primary
Sutton St. Nicholas Primary
Trinity Primary
Walford Primary
Weobley Primary
Weston under Penyard Primary
Whitchurch Primary
Whitbourne Primary
Wigmore Primary
Withington Primary (and nursery)
High Schools
BHBS yrs 10 & 11
Fairfield
John Kyrle High School for years 11,12,13 and exam candidates only
John Masefield - 9.45am start for all students who can make it into school – exam candidates must be in for 9am
Kingstone High
Lady Hawkins - no school buses
Queen Elizabeth - no school buses
St Mary's RC High for years 10 & 11 only.
( St Mary's have asked us to inform parents that Packed lunches required and parents are advised that if they drive their children to school, they should pick them up at 3pm).
The Hereford Academy for years 10,11,12 & 13
The Minster for years 11,12, 13 and exam candidates only
Weobley High
Whitecross High
Wigmore High
Special Schools
The Brookfield School
The Aconbury Centre
St David’s Centre PRU
The Priory PRU
Westfields Special School
Motorists are respecting the difficult road conditions and driving with care on the county’s principle roads, which have been kept open by gritting teams, who were out at 12.30am and 4am this morning. Herefordshire Council and its contractor Amey Herefordshire are focusing on treating the 600 miles of A and B roads and managing road salt supplies - but much of the county’s 2,500 miles of minor roads remain icy and hazardous.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service warns that people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.
NHS services remain under pressure and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening. Anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than Accident and Emergency and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at http://www.nhs.uk/.
There will be some visitor restrictions at some wards of the county hospital due to continued Norovirus problems. It is imperative that anyone experiencing any symptoms of
diarrhoea and/or vomiting does not visit the hospital.
While social services are doing their best to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are looked after, residents are asked please to check on their older neighbours as many may be in need of basic supplies.