Month: July 2025

Ward Councillor’s Mid-Term report

by

Mid Term Update from Ward Councillor Penyard – Harry Bramer

I find it hard to believe but it is now just over two years since I was re-elected as your Ward Councillor in May 2023 and just under two years until the next election in May 2027. I therefore felt it time to provide all residents with an update on what Herefordshire Council have done in general and across the ward.

However, I think it appropriate to remind you where we were in 2023. Our roads were neglected, Herefordshire Council’s relationships with external partners were very poor. Children’s services were in a mess with spending out of control. There was a £13M black hole in our finances and no controls on spending.

2026 is going to be the “year of delivery” which will see the completion of the new £10M Transport Hub which brings together bus and train services. The Library and Learning Centre and the refurbishment of the Shirehall will open next year bringing this iconic building back into full use and delivering a fantastic library for everyone. The commencement of Phase 1 of the Western Bypass will see ground broken in December. I am pleased that we are making significant progress towards building the first phase of the Hereford Western Bypass (formerly Southern Link Road) and are now at a stage where there is sufficient confidence to procure a contractor to work with us to finalise designs and move to construction.

In May 2023 we had many priorities; these included tackling potholes, rural speed limits and action on drainage. With regard to potholes in the last 2 years we have resurfaced nearly 10% of the county’s 2,000 miles of road. In regards to speed limits, we have reduced the number of outstanding Technical Regulation Orders (TROs) from 180 to 60 thus improving the response time for speed limit reduction requests. Lastly in regards to drainage we have allocated £2M to flood alleviation work across the county and £453k specifically for rural drainage work.

Of particular local interest is the funding of £7.5 million pounds, made by Herefordshire Council, on Ross Enterprise Park – formerly Model Farm, to enable the infrastructure for the first four units to be undertaken and to be offered to potential new employers for the town of Ross on Wye and surrounding areas.

In addition, I have assisted numerous residents in issues with planning, enforcement activities, licensing and housing issues to name but a few. This is, I believe, my most important role, supporting the residents of Penyard and one that I thoroughly enjoy.

I have also had the privilege of being member of the Cabinet of Herefordshire Council holding the portfolio for Community Services and Assets.

I am always happy to attend Parish Council meetings within Penyard Ward and will attend if I receive an invitation from the Clerk at any time.

Please feel free to contact me directly at any time – if you feel I might be able to assist on any Herefordshire Council matter.

 

With best wishes,

 

Harry Bramer

Herefordshire Council – Ward Member – Penyard Ward

Telephone: 07900 918384                     Email:harry@fast-mail.net