Month: June 2021

Funding of £1.24m has now been allocated to take forward these schemes, which were identified in the Hereford Transport Strategy Review, to help increase low carbon active travel options and also to provide an alternative to the single river crossing.

The council has also secured government funding to develop proposals for improved bus services across the county. Government published its National Bus Strategy in March and has confirmed that it intends to provide more funding for councils to improve bus services in partnership with local operators.

Councillor John Harrington, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport said: “This is very welcome news. This more detailed allocation of the money already agreed by full Council allows us to manage our projects more robustly and to move at pace with these priority schemes to help deliver much needed improvements to travel and transport in our City.

“We now have a joined up vision and approach that supports our plans to support economic development, healthier lifestyles and one that will respect and protect our environment. We have here all the much needed elements required for a good, 21st Century transport system. This process started with a complete review of an outdated transport strategy and the development of a new and more holistic one that better aligns with the government’s direction on the climate and ecological emergency and legally binding carbon zero targets.

“The Hereford Transport Strategy incorporates a long term forward view and plan – we can’t do everything at once but we will able to deliver some elements very quickly, including tackling our school run issues and developing an enhanced partnership with our bus operators. We can also now pick up the pace with plans for a second river crossing, giving the City that much needed resilience. This is an exciting time, a real opportunity to change the way we travel for the benefit of our residents and our precious environment whilst making sure we have the necessary resilience in our existing road network.

“We will also be looking more closely at a number of proposals to improve travel in the wider county including continuing to support plans for a new parkway railway station at Pontrilas, facilitating schools to provide transport at cost to parents and smart lift sharing, and community-led proposals such as the rural greenways projects. This will enable the council to assess the benefits and determine which of these extra projects should be taken forward.”

“This is a truly exciting time for us all as a county and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get things right.”

How Herefordshire Council plans to support the county to recover from the impact of Covid-19 has been outlined in a £6million economic and wellbeing recovery plan agreed by Cabinet yesterday (Thursday 24 June 2021).

Measures taken to reduce the spread of Covid-19 have had a significant impact on the national and local economy and on people’s wellbeing, mental and physical health.

In Herefordshire, many of our key sectors have been hardest hit, such as tourism and leisure, food production and distribution. Young people have been adversely impacted through the disruption in education and the lack of apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

The economic and wellbeing recovery plan focuses on four priority areas:

• Business viability and resilience – Business support such as grants and facilities will be made available, and there will be promotion of Herefordshire as a fantastic place to visit and shop, supporting the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, as well as an attractive investment location.
• Safe and welcoming places – People will be encouraged to return to our towns and city with incentives such as discounts for activities, enhancements such as refurbished shop fronts and infrastructure for events, and to the wider county with investment in footpaths/ public rights of way and public seating areas.
• Support employment – Advice and support for return to work, opportunities to re-skill/ change career path, and find new job opportunities will be available in a one stop shop. A new Youth Employment Hub will offer additional support for young people who are not in education, employment or training.
• Support wellbeing – There will be opportunities for individuals, families and communities to improve physical and mental wellbeing, with free events, activities and on-line resources, and enhanced support to reduce alcohol consumption.

Councillor David Hitchiner, Leader Herefordshire Council explains: “This additional £6m investment recognises there is more we need to be doing now to support economic and wellbeing recovery in the county. Our focus areas are based on what our residents and businesses tell us is important and our understanding of what our county needs for a successful and sustainable future.

“The council has already urgently established a wide range of activity to support local businesses and help save local jobs. For example, so far we have delivered almost 20,000 grants totalling over £100m of support to local businesses, and secured more than £6.5m of external funding for a wide range of activities such as promoting tourism, encouraging people back to the high street and offering work experience to 16 to 24 year olds.

“We know how important it is to connect people with their communities and to the wider world and to help people feel safe and supported. The investment, support and activities outlined in the recovery plan help to address the impact of covid-19 on people of all ages, as our communities look towards recovery.”

Special flag raising ceremonies to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week took place at Hereford Cathedral and in the market towns on Monday 21 June.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire Mr Edward Harley OBE, The Chair of Herefordshire Council Councillor Sebastian Bowen, Mayor of Hereford Councillor Paul Stevens and senior figures from all three services attended a small outdoor tribute at Hereford Cathedral with invited guests representing military charities, the armed forces and veteran community.

Armed Forces Week (21-26 June 2021) a chance to show public support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

 

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire Mr Edward Harley OBE said:

“Today marks Flag Raising Day – the beginning of Armed Forces week. It is a chance to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community; from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans, and cadets. By having our ceremony today, we are showing our support for the Armed Forces which I hope will provide a much-valued morale boost for the troops and their families. Over the past year we have been particularly aware of the armed force’s significant role in the life of our nation. Over 5,000 troops involved in the rolling out of the vaccine programme, which the Ministry of Defence has called ‘the biggest ever homeland military operation in peacetime’. I would like to say a big thank you to our Armed forces past and present.”

Councillor Sebastian Bowen, Chair of Herefordshire Council said:

“We are here to celebrate and support our Armed Services. The word ‘services’ is very important in this context as it is key to what they do. They give enormous service to this country and all around the world. We must never forget their contribution to the welfare of this country both in peace time and war time.”

Ross-on-Wye Town Council where due to host Armed Forces Day this year on behalf of the county. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions celebrations have been postponed to 2022 when large-scale public events will hopefully resume.

Other flag-raising events organised by town councils took place on Monday 21 June in Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury and Leominster.

Erica Hermon, Associate Director of Corporate Governance for Wye Valley NHS Trust said:

“An Armed Forces flag will fly throughout the week at Hereford County Hospital. Wye Valley NHS Trust employs, and has as patients, many veterans, reservists who give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career, and family and friends without which our Armed Forces couldn’t do their job – all should be celebrated. The Trust are also very proud to have been recognised recently as a Veteran Aware trust, leading the way in improving veterans’ care within the NHS, as part of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).”

Although Armed Forces Day events have been cancelled this year there are still plenty of ways to show support.

#SaluteOurForces is a social media campaign where businesses and the public can post and dedicate their salutes online.

There are also some great resources and activities to be found on the Armed Forces Day website including how each branch of the Armed Forces salutes. To find out more please visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk

 

Herefordshire Council is urging residents to check their own homes and their family member’s homes for medical equipment and return items that are no longer needed.

Thousands of items of equipment have been loaned to help people in the community by NRS Healthcare, on behalf of the Council, or the NHS. Currently there is a shortage of equipment such as: height adjustable shower chairs, commodes, perching stools, toilet frames, door frame ramps and adjustable bed rails.

Many people have these items sitting unused in their home – these items have met the need and are now are no longer wanted. They often get donated and sold in charity shops or car boots sales, when they should be returned. Retrieval of equipment saves public funds and is better for the environment as it enables the items to be recycled for another resident to use, subject to rigorous decontamination and safety checks.

Returning unwanted equipment is really easy. If you, or a relative or friend, has equipment supplied by Herefordshire Council (via NRS Healthcare) or the NHS that they no longer need, the item(s) can be DROPPED OFF at the NRS Healthcare depot at Unit 3a, Thorn Business Park, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6JT.  The depot is open 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Or choose one of the following options to arrange a FREE COLLECTION of height adjustable shower chairs, commodes, perching stools, toilet frames, door frame ramps and bed rails:

• Call 0300 100 0045
• Email enquiries@herefordshire.nrs-uk.net

Please ensure items are in a clean condition before returning.

The free collection service does not apply to walking aids. These items can be returned to any NHS physiotherapy department within the county or taken to NRS Healthcare at Rotherwas

Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), cut the ribbon today (4 June) on Hereford’s Shell Store, newly refurbished into a modern business incubation and innovation centre.

The Shell Store has a rich history, having been built in the First World War and used as an ordnance site during the Second World War. The project has developed commercial space within the existing building footprint (it is not a listed building), retaining much of the original factory including its steel roof structure.

The £7.3m refurbishment of the building has established more than 2,100 sq metres of employment space, with room for new and growing businesses to set up and expand alongside facilities for development and innovation.

The 25 business incubation units are forecast to generate around 128 new jobs by 2023, rising to more than 450 by 2031.

The building also provides access to modern, accessible business meeting and conference space, as well as an onsite café, providing facilities to encourage networking and collaboration. The building was designed with specialist input from other successful business incubation facilities across the country to build on best practice elsewhere.

The Marches Growth Hub, Hereford Enterprise Zone team, and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be located on site providing businesses with access to advice and support services.

Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for MHCLG, said: “If you think back a decade ago, this was a derelict brownfields site and behind me was an incredibly historic building but one that was in poor condition. What has been achieved here is phenomenal. Half of the site is now full of businesses, and that is creating well-paid, interesting jobs for local people and is attracting business into the wider region as well.

“We want to make sure we build back strongly from the pandemic, and this building will play a part in that because it provides really high quality space for businesses, conference spaces, and spaces for incubation of new businesses. I think the future is very bright for the Shell Store.”

Cllr David Hitchiner, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The Shell Store is a unique and historic building, and it is fantastic to see it refurbished as a key part of the council’s economic aspirations for the county.

“The people of Herefordshire are extraordinarily entrepreneurial, and this has contributed to the County being home to a thriving tech industry. The Shell Store will support the growth of this key sector by providing space and facilities for innovative new and young enterprises to flourish, helping to create local jobs and build skills and expertise. It has been a difficult time for local business, so it is brilliant to see the opening of this exciting new hub of incubation and innovation, which we are confident will make a vital contribution to driving local growth and supporting the economic recovery of the county.”

Andrew Manning Cox, Chair of the Hereford Enterprise Zone, said: “The Shell Store offers exactly the sort of high-quality start-up and grow-on space which Hereford needs to enable us to nurture the next generation of businesses.

“We were delighted to show the Secretary of State how we have brought new life back to this amazing building which will contribute to the continuing economic recovery post-pandemic in the county.

“New, innovative and growing enterprises will benefit from being part of Skylon Park’s thriving business community with support on-site provided by the Enterprise Zone team and the Marches Growth Hub.”

Mandy Thorn MBE, Chair of the Marches LEP, said: “The Shell Store is an excellent example of the LEP delivering on its promise to work with our partners to create the conditions for economic growth and sustainable job creation across the region.

“We have supported this project through a £2.4m loan from the Marches Investment Fund because it is vital for the long-term success of our economy that we work to encourage and nurture young businesses, help support innovation and provide a business ecosystem which fosters growth. We look forward to the Shell Store having a long and successful future.”

The project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Herefordshire Council and a loan from the Marches LEP’s Marches Investment Fund.

For more information on The Shell Store, please visit the Skylon Park website.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet met today (Thursday 3 June 2021) to ensure that progress is being made to address the issues in Children’s Social Care Services and that sufficient funding and resources are made available. This meeting follows the Extraordinary meeting of Full Council last month called to address the serious failings identified in the recent court judgement.

Members of the Cabinet heard that the Improvement Plan is in development to deliver appropriate and sustainable changes. Cabinet also received an update on the progress of the Children’s Improvement Board, which is chaired by the Department for Education appointed Improvement Advisor, Gladys Rhodes White OBE. The Children’s Improvement Board will be jointly accountable to the government’s Secretary of State for Children and Families and Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet, and will provide progress reports on the implementation of the Improvement Plan. The Chair is the ultimate decision maker on the Board. Progress will be reviewed by Children and Young Person’s Scrutiny committee and the Herefordshire Children’s Safeguarding Partnership, while update reports will be provided to full Council.

The development of the Improvement Plan is being led by the Chief Executive, Paul Walker, supported by the Interim Director of Children’s Services, Cath Knowles.

Herefordshire Council Chief Executive, Paul Walker, said:

“We take full accountability for the failings of our Children’s Social Care Services and we will make much-needed changes to our culture and practices. We welcome Gladys Rhodes White OBE to support us on our improvement journey and to provide accountability and reassurance to Government that we are making the necessary changes. Our Interim Director of Children’s Services continues to lead the improvements to our Children’s Social Care Services. Our social workers continue to do their best, often in very difficult circumstances, to support families and protect vulnerable children in our community. Under the new leadership, we will strive to ensure we offer Herefordshire children, and their families, the highest level of care and support possible.”

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting, Councillor Diana Toynbee, said:

“I’m reassured by the determination and commitment of the team leading the development of the Improvement Plan with experience, commitment and determination and I am looking forward to meeting Mrs Rhodes White as soon as possible. Change of leadership was long overdue and I believe we now have the right balance of renewal and continuity. I’m particularly pleased that all concerns raised by local families are being addressed promptly, efficiently and compassionately. We are listening. We will use this turning point to create children’s services that are deeply compassionate and effective, where families are our partners, staff are listened to, and all public concerns are acted upon.”

A review of Children’s Social Care Services is underway to understand and address any failings, while immediate actions are being taken to deal with any serious concerns. Herefordshire Council continues to offer residents the opportunity to report a concern following their experience with its Children’s Social Care services. A dedicated team, led by the Interim Director of Children’s Services, are working through these concerns and while we seek to understand the full extent of past decisions made within Children’s Services, we regret that we may find further instances that do not meet the required standards. If you have any concerns about the way you or your family have been treated by Herefordshire Children’s Social Care services, you can contact us at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/careconcerns or email careconcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk