A plot has become available on the Parish Council-run allotments in Gorsley. If interested, please contact the Parish Clerk Rich Hunt on e-mail pcclerk@lintonpc-herefordshire.gov.uk or telephone 07763793695.
News Updates
Council plan for 2026/27 to drive countywide improvement and investment
Herefordshire Council sets out ambitious plan for 2026/27 to drive countywide improvement and investment
Herefordshire’s Delivery Plan for 2026/27 – recently approved by Cabinet – sets out an ambitious and comprehensive programme of action for residents and businesses.
The plan reflects the breadth of services and programmes for the year ahead. In children’s services, the council will continue to strengthen early‑help support, develop new alternative provision and advance further investment in schools. This includes completing improvements to Brookfield School, Hereford and progressing the expansion of Aylestone School, also in Hereford.
The plan also reaffirms the council’s ambition to create a Child Friendly Herefordshire, ensuring children and young people are at the heart of local decision‑making and that services, spaces and opportunities across the county are designed to help every child feel included, valued, happy, healthy and safe in their homes and communities.
The council commits to delivering the new Prevention in Adult Social Care Strategy, expanding community‑based support, advancing reablement and hospital discharge improvements, and strengthening supported living, day opportunities and carer services – developments to reduce long‑term care needs and ensure people can live well within their communities.
The council will continue to drive major upgrades across the transport network – progressing the Hereford Transport Hub, Holme Lacy Road corridor and Aylestone Hill improvements, while also expanding and enhancing local bus services. The plan confirms the council’s intention to begin construction of phase one of the Hereford Bypass, marking a significant step toward delivering long‑term congestion relief and improved strategic connectivity for the county.
More travel choices remain a strong focus, with implementation of the Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Infrastructure Plan, which also supports safer routes to school, town‑centre connections, rural links and hospital access.
The council will continue delivering one of its most significant highways investment programmes to date, reflecting residents’ priorities around potholes, safer travel and better‑maintained roads. More than £37 million is being invested across 2025/26 and into 2026/27 in resurfacing, surface dressing, drainage and road safety improvements, with over 140 schemes planned across the network, from key A and B roads to neighbourhood streets. This includes £12 million for resurfacing and preventative treatments to reduce pothole formation, building on recent programmes that have delivered around 100 miles of improvements, repaired 25,000 potholes, upgraded crossings and signage, and strengthened routes that support daily life, commuting and business across Herefordshire.
Alongside major road upgrades, the council is investing strongly in the wider network of Public Rights of Way and bridges, recognising their importance for rural connectivity, tourism, agriculture and community access. The 2026/27 programme includes £1 million for PROW improvements and targeted funding to repair bridges, culverts and structures, protect routes from land slippage and erosion, maintain safer walking links and support parish‑level environmental improvements.
Housing and community resilience form a core part of the plan, with commitments to expand emergency accommodation through refurbishment of council‑owned properties, accelerate housing delivery on council sites, develop transitional accommodation, and progress the flood alleviation works at Merton Meadow and Essex Arms. The council will also continue work with registered providers and Homes England to bring more affordable homes forward, while addressing homelessness through strengthened prevention and winter provision.
The environment and climate portfolio will deliver the new Carbon Management Plan, expand home energy‑efficiency schemes, progress the next phase of integrated wetlands, contribute to the Catchment Management Plan for the River Wye, publish the Nutrient Management Plan and advance the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
In culture and heritage, the plan supports ongoing redevelopment of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, restoration of the Shire Hall, delivery of new cultural participation programmes, continued expansion of community arts work and progress on the Herefordshire Cultural and Library Strategies.
The council will continue to help strengthen the local economy by supporting business growth across the county. This includes progressing key employment sites such as the Ross Enterprise Park, which was formally opened last month, and expanding the network of business hubs in market towns, giving local enterprises the space, infrastructure and advice they need to thrive. Meanwhile, free 30 minutes’ parking in council-owned car parks to help bolster town centres begins later this month.
A renewed focus on attracting inward investment will see the council champion Herefordshire’s high‑value sectors and raise the county’s profile as a dynamic place to do business. Close collaboration with the defence, cyber and security cluster, alongside promotion of innovation‑led industries, will help draw new investors, employers and skilled professionals into the county.
To support long‑term growth, the council will work with partners, including NMiTE and the Skills Board to strengthen pathways into education, training and higher‑skilled employment. These programmes will equip residents with the skills needed by local employers, broaden career opportunities and help ensure businesses can access a strong and future‑ready workforce.
The council will continue to modernise operations, including a new delivery model for SEND home‑to‑school transport, an updated commissioning strategy, improvements to procurement, and further digital transformation – building on successful pilots of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and free-up time for frontline staff.
Financially, the plan is supported by a stable and well‑managed position, with the council taking effective action throughout the year and delivering strong performance. The Delivery Plan will operate within the balanced 2026/27 budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy, with risks closely monitored through established governance and performance frameworks.
Cllr Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council said: “This Delivery Plan sets out a clear programme for the year ahead, building on strong progress and focusing investment where it matters most – better roads, safer travel, quality services and the infrastructure that supports a thriving economy. From major highways work to sustainable transport, housing, skills and community wellbeing, the plan is designed to deliver real benefits for local people while sharpening our focus on economic growth by supporting businesses, attracting investment and working with high‑value sectors including defence, security and advanced manufacturing. It also reinforces our commitment to a Child Friendly Herefordshire, putting children and young people at the heart of local decision‑making so they feel safe, supported and able to thrive. Together, these priorities will strengthen connectivity, communities, our environment and the wider economy – a practical plan focused on delivering the best for Herefordshire in everything we do.”
Changes to home phone lines
Herefordshire residents encouraged to get ready for changes to home phone lines
Telecare and Technology Enabled Care users may be affected by the digital switchover
Herefordshire Council is reminding people that home phone lines across the UK are changing, and all old style landlines will move onto a new digital network system in January 2027.
The UK Digital Switchover means all phone calls will be made over the internet instead of the old analogue landline network, which has become difficult to maintain and breaks more often. The upgrade will be by the phone companies, on a gradual ‘area by area’ basis. Residents don’t need to do anything yet – they will be contacted by their phone company.
Cllr Pete Stoddart, Herefordshire Council’s Digital Champion and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Resources, said: “Most people won’t see much change, but we want to make sure everyone is aware, especially those using telecare and other Technology Enabled Care services which are vital to helping people live safely and independently at home.”
Herefordshire Council’s Technology Enabled Services (TECS) team has already made sure the 3,000 households using its ‘Lifeline’ telecare devices are ready for the digital switchover.
However, some residents using different suppliers may need extra support because older alarms and devices were designed to work with the old analogue phone system and may need upgrading by the provider, particularly if they:
• Use a medical alarm or pendant alarm
• Rely on a landline for essential communication
• Have hearing aids that work with your phone
• Use assistive technology connected to your phone line
• Have mobility issues that make phone access crucial
• Live alone and depend on your home phone for safety
Cllr Stoddart added: “If you’re unsure about how a device in your home or business might be affected, please contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer to find out whether it will still work on a digital phone line. Although we’ve already ensured Council TECS users are digitally-ready, we want to ensure everyone who uses this technology is aware.”
“For most residents, the switch will be simple, and your phone company will guide you. We’re advising anyone using a private telecare to contact their provider to confirm their equipment is compatible and act early if any updates are needed. We want everyone in Herefordshire to stay safe, connected, and supported during this change.”
Further information:
• Your phone provider will contact you before anything changes.
• More information is available at: www.digitalswitchover.com
• Support Openreach: https://www.openreach.com/help-and-support/support-for-vulnerable-customers
Verge cutting 2026
Herefordshire Council have announced that as they near the end of the Balfour Beatty contract on 31 May 2026, it has been agreed to conduct the Verge Cut 1 earlier. The first verge cut is currently scheduled to take place in early April and the second cut under the new contractor. Specific timings may vary dependent on environment conditions and growth.
They will continue with the same format allowing parishes that have requested only the second verge cut in the late summer where there is a wish to encourage greater biodiversity in the verge. By having only one cut any wildflowers in the verge are given the opportunity to flower and set seed over the summer providing food for key pollinators and also habitat for wildlife.
Safety is of paramount importance so at any locations on A & B class roads with visibility splays and junctions will continue to receive cuts as instructed though the growing season as well as their teams making reactive visits to sites that are identified through the new contract.
Penyard Ward report: March – April 2026
Ward Councillor H Bramer Report March/April 2026
Council has now approved our 2026/27 capital and revenue budgets – robust, responsible plans that respond to the funding gap created by the Government’s Fair Funding Review, while investing in highways, housing, flood resilience, infrastructure and the local economy.
Full Council’s decision on 13 February approved a comprehensive package of measures that reflect what residents told us matters most, including the condition of our roads and the protection of vital services.
The budget includes a 4.99% council tax increase to maintain delivery of services alongside major capital investment in resurfacing, emergency accommodation, infrastructure maintenance and heritage assets and a savings programme of £20 million to be achieved through transformation of services, reduction of costs and managing demand.
We have also celebrated a significant landmark achievement for our children and young people. Ofsted has formally judged Herefordshire’s Children’s Services to be Good overall, with Outstanding leadership – a transformation from the inadequate rating of 2022. This is a hugely significant moment for the county,
On growth, our focus remains on unlocking housing, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities across the county. The council plans to increase the amount of social housing, speed up development on key sites, bring empty homes back into use and improve existing properties.
A £10m capital programme for 2026/27 will help deliver more homes for large families, accessible housing, accommodation for young people, and additional temporary accommodation to meet growing demand and reduce long term costs. I am proud the Council (collectively with the Registered Providers) has delivered 731 dwellings in the County since 2023).
In response to feedback from businesses and residents, Cabinet has agreed to extend the popular 30-minute free parking scheme to include on-street bays in Hereford city centre, complementing the existing ‘Pop & Shop’ provision in council-operated car parks from April. This measure supports footfall, accessibility and the local economy.
Major regeneration and infrastructure projects are also progressing at pace. At Merton Meadow, construction is now underway on the innovative flood alleviation scheme – a nature based project that will create wetlands, enhance biodiversity and unlock the potential for new homes and public spaces north of the city. Alongside this, the Hereford Transport Hub continues to take shape, with the installation of the central canopy marking a visible and exciting milestone in creating a more welcoming, accessible gateway to the county.
Progress continues on the Hereford Bypass, including the approval of the Compulsory Purchase and Side Roads Orders required to assemble the land needed for construction of phase one.
The council is taking extensive action to tackle the rise in potholes across Herefordshire, with highway crews completing more than 3,000 repairs since January and carrying out up to 150 repairs each day. Recent exceptional weather – prolonged rainfall followed by freezing temperatures – has significantly accelerated the formation of potholes, but teams are working daily to inspect and prioritise the most urgent defects.
Alongside reactive repairs, the council is investing in long-term improvements to strengthen the road network, including 47 miles of resurfacing, 62 miles of preventative surface dressing, major drainage upgrades, and an additional £13.5 million committed to resurfacing, patching and preventative treatments. Residents are encouraged to support this work by reporting defects through the Report It app, with a new resurfacing and surface-dressing programme to be announced soon.
Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park has just launched to support business growth and investment in Herefordshire.
A major new employment site designed to support business growth and attract investment to the county has been officially launched.
Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park was launched at a meeting of the Herefordshire High Growth Business Forum on 25 March, bringing together business leaders, council representatives and partners to mark the next stage in the development of the site.
The 17-acre strategic employment site will become one of Herefordshire’s largest business hubs and has the potential to support around 600 jobs once fully developed.
Interest in the site is already growing, with enquiries from businesses looking to locate and expand in the area.
The development will provide high-quality employment space for a range of growing businesses and forms part of Herefordshire Council’s wider programme to support economic growth, attract inward investment and create sustainable jobs.
My thoughts are “Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park is another strong example of Herefordshire Council making the most of the assets we have – whether that’s land, infrastructure or partnerships – to deliver real benefits for our county., “By using these assets strategically, we are creating the space and opportunities businesses need to grow, invest and create jobs, helping to strengthen Herefordshire’s economy for the future.”
Located close to the market town of Ross-on-Wye, the site offers businesses the opportunity to operate in a high-quality environment surrounded by some of the region’s most scenic countryside.
Its only taken me 22 years to make this happen– but now it is – it has all been worth it !
Best wishes to all, especially those of you that got this far !
Please feel free to contact me on 07900 918384
Or by email on harry.bramer2@herefordshire.gov.uk
Please pass this on to your Parish Councillors and to any newsletters that may be of interest and please remember that should any Parish Council wish me to attend their meetings at any time – I should be only too pleased to attend if asked
Regards
Cllr Harry Bramer
Penyard Ward Member
Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets
Talk Community Newsletter 26 March 2026
Please see the latest newsletter via the link below:
Public consultation – Police Force mergers
From: John Campion, West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner
This week I launched a consultation to seek the views of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Worcestershire residents regarding Government proposals to merge police forces across England and Wales.
The Government announced that an independent review into these proposals would be carried out, which could see the existing structure of 43 police forces reduce to 12. This would be the biggest change to policing in more than six decades.
These proposals weren’t in Labour’s manifesto in the General Election; therefore, I am committed to representing the public voice. Through this three-month consultation, I hope to hear from as many West Mercia residents as possible – regardless of whether people are for or against the proposals.
Links to the consultation and further information are available below:
Consultation – Public consultation – police force mergers
Website – Public consultation – police force mergers | West Mercia PCC