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Month: October 2023
New Hereford library and learning centre one step closer
The development of a new library and learning centre for Hereford has taken a step further forward following a Cabinet decision to locate it at Shirehall.
Hereford library is currently in a temporary location at Friar St, after moving out of the Broad St building to make way for the £18m redevelopment of Hereford museum.
While a previous decision had been for the new library and learning centre to be sited at the Maylord Orchards Centre, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet requested that the Shirehall also be explored as an option.
The business case for Shirehall considered by Cabinet (Thursday 26 October) set out how the building would be capable of providing a significantly larger footprint and an increase in shared workspaces than Maylord Orchards, while bringing a hugely valuable heritage asset back into community use.
The proposals outline how a modern library would provide space for people of all ages while being flexible enough to also hold events and community space. The lower area would accommodate a digital skills lounge with dedicated PCs for public use/digital workshops, a fully equipped sensory room and a ‘maker-space’ for members of the public to use equipment that may not be available to them at home.
As a result of the decision today, a request will now be made to the Stronger Towns Board for the funding previously allocated, by the Government as part of the Stronger Towns Fund, to the Maylord Orchards library project to be reassigned to the Shirehall project. Following this a proposal will be put to Full Council for additional funding to be added to the capital programme for essential building works.
Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for community services and assets, said:
“Hereford’s Shirehall is a landmark building that’s at the heart of the City’s heritage. Siting the new library and learning centre in this prominent venue will bring it back into use for the whole community. It offers many options and opportunities for how we could use the space to benefit people of all ages.”
“While we recognise the proposals are still subject to funding agreements, we’re excited that this decision is taking another step towards the creation of a modern, inspiring library and learning space for Hereford – to provide a first-class library and learning centre to match the quality of the City’s new museum that’s currently in development.”
Cabinet papers and a link to a recording of the meeting are available on our website.
Urgent message from Bromyard Police regarding a significant theft
You may have seen media reports recently that a large number of portaloos were stolen from the Pencombe area sometime between Sat 7th October 2023 and the evening of Thurs 12th October 2023. It is possible the portaloos were stolen in batches, possibly on different days. We are renewing media appeals for anyone locally to please check video doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage for this time frame to look for any sightings of vehicles towing portaloos.
Bromyard Police have asked if any Bredenbury residents who travel through Pencombe on a regular basis and might recall passing a vehicle carrying a number of portaloos. Any information to be emailed to Bromyard.snt@westmercia.police.uk please. This is a high value theft so we are keen to hear from anyone with any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
Updating Herefordshire’s Specially Designated Sites
Herefordshire Council are set to join up with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust in reviewing and updating the county’s designated Local Wildlife Sites. The Council are pleased to announce this new collaborative programme which will fully update the classification of over 750 sites across the county.
Our countryside has seen many changes over the past few decades. Changes to land use, farming practice, climatic adjustments, and greater awareness around environmental impact has contributed to a different view on how we interact and manage our woodlands, waterways, open grasslands, and agricultural areas. It continues to shape the approach landowners look to adopt in the stewardship of the many natural habitats within their boundaries, and how best to maintain the most suitable conditions for the wildlife that inhabit them.
Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member Environment, commented: “We are very happy to be working with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust on this important review of the wildlife sites in the county. The project will provide insight and detailed knowledge of the current state of the diverse sites across the county. We will assess how they are currently managed and how they can be best protected and managed in the future.
“We will be identifying every opportunity to enhance the environmental value of these special areas and alongside the wildlife trust we will be inviting landowners to participate and benefit from the project. Every landowner of a designated wildlife site will be able to receive a comprehensive report on the assessment, classification and potential of the site along with guidance on stewardship opportunities.”
Jamie Audsley, Chief Executive Officer of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust added: “Herefordshire Wildlife Trust are excited to be working in partnership with Herefordshire Council and the public to support the identification, creation, and enhancement of Local Wildlife Sites.
“Put simply, these pieces of land are really important places for nature to thrive outside of nature reserves and protected areas. They are vital to ensuring we protect and enhance our local biodiversity as nature increasingly comes under threat. Surprisingly, there are many places that could be defined as a Local Wildlife Site that have been either forgotten or not yet identified. We’re ready to take the necessary action to begin to create a wilder Herefordshire encouraging nature to flourish everywhere!”
Embarking upon this programme involves extensive surveys, discussions with landowners, and data collection, which will provide an essential resource to help classify and build an accurate picture of Herefordshire’s Local Wildlife Sites. The information captured will be held by the Herefordshire Biological Records Centre and drawn upon to support the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, other nature restoration programmes, and support the Council’s planning teams when assessing future land use planning applications.
New £1million grant scheme for projects that tackle crime
The Safer Communities Grant will support projects that focus on early prevention, tackling the causes of crime, vulnerability, exploitation and anti-social behaviour
A new grant scheme has been launched to support new and existing projects that focus on the early prevention of crime and tackling its root causes, and on vulnerability and exploitation of children and young people.
The Safer Communities Grant will be open to not for profit organisations and schools across Herefordshire, with grants of between £25,000 and £300,000 available over the next two years.
Projects will work to prevent crime at the earliest stage through recognising vulnerability and risks of exploitation, and addressing anti-social behaviour. In line with the county’s joint early help and prevention strategy, the projects will ensure early support services are in place for children, young people and families and help to promote positive emotional health and wellbeing.
The Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion (PCC), West Mercia Police and Herefordshire Council have collaborated to provide the £1million for the grant scheme.
Councillor Ivan Powell, cabinet member for children and young people said: “Herefordshire Council’s support for this scheme demonstrates our continued commitment to prioritise our support for children and families across Herefordshire at the earliest stage possible. Tackling crime and its root causes makes a huge difference to the quality of life and future aspirations for children and young people across the county. When crime and anti-social behaviour is prevented there are significant benefits for both the individuals involved but also for the wider community.’’
Local Policing Commander for Herefordshire, Superintendent Helen Wain, said: “We welcome the Safer Communities Grant and are pleased the additional funding has been secured. We know tackling the root causes of crime and focusing on early prevention will make a significant difference to our local communities across the county.”
PCC John Campion said: “The only way we can tackle some of the deep-rooted issues in the county is by working together. This project is a big step forward as I remain committed to driving down crime and the harm it causes. I am pleased to be making additional funding available to deliver the landmark Safer Communities project, in close partnership with Herefordshire Council and West Mercia Police.”
To find out more about the grant scheme, please see the council website https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/scf