David Hunter-Miller

Monthly Fraud Bulletin from West Mercia Police – June 2026

I was both surprised and honoured to be elected Chairman of the Parish Council at the last Annual Council Meeting.  It has been a very steep learning curve for me and the year has been a challenge sometimes.  Nevertheless, throughout the year I have received tremendous personal support and guidance from our very capable Clerk, all my fellow Parish Councillors and our Ward Councillor, Pete Stoddart.

This year we were pleased to welcome a new Parish Councillor, Annie Grocott. This means that for most of this year we have been operating with 3 vacancies.

The Parish Council continued to consider planning applications and to represent parish views to Herefordshire Council. However, we have had to pause progress on the Neighbourhood Development Plan and work isn’t expected to restart until Herefordshire Council’s Local Plan is finalised and fresh funding opportunities emerge. In the meantime, the Parish Council is considering preparing a Parish Plan.

Attention was given to the environment with the Parish Council joining CPRE and the Herefordshire Tree Warden Network.  After seeking volunteers, we welcomed Jane Masters as our new Tree Warden.  Work with Herefordshire Council and Bringsty Common Manorial Court resolved issues with regard to safe grazing arrangements to manage vegetation and dangerous trees.

Congratulations are also due for finally getting the removal of the unsightly closed layby on the A44 after years of campaigning by the Parish Council and successive Ward Councillors.  Furthermore, the reinstated bank has been rewilded with wildflower seed.

We were also proud to support the opening and promotion of a new 26k circular walking route that passes through the Parish.  The scenic Bromyard Ring was developed by Bromyard Walkers are Welcome based on existing public rights of way.  The launch, hosted by the Royal Oak on the Downs, was very well attended and opened by Ellie Chowns MP.

Issues relating to speed limits and roads safety on local roads were raised by parishioners and the Parish Council continued to raise these concerns with Herefordshire Council.  In particular, the traffic, parking and road safety issues at Brockhampton Primary School was exacerbated by building work.  A multi-agency on site meeting took place to consider solutions and any outcomes continue to be pursued by our Ward Councillor.

The Linton Rail and Trail Project took a step forward this year. With support from the Parish Council and Herefordshire Council funding, an independent land valuation and a structural survey have been completed to help progress the project with the landowner.

A big thank you must go to the Footpath Officer, Gwen Dumpleton for another year of significant improvements to the footpath network and work on the Bromyard Ring, and to the Lengthsman, George Johnson for his continued work in all weathers to improve drainage, prevent flooding, ensure grit bins were replenished, and treating one of our bus shelters with preservative.

Finally, I’d like to thank all the Councillors, Ward Councillor and the Clerk for their efforts and contributions this year.

Viv Burdon
Chair, Brockhampton Group Parish Council

Ward Councillor Bromyard Bringsty – Peter Stoddart

Update from Herefordshire Council as at 18 May 2026

Herefordshire Council has selected a new Chief Executive to replace Paul Walker. The appointment of Paul Satoor was formally passed by full council on 1 May with a unanimous vote. He is expected to take up the role in the summer.

Earlier this month the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) published its draft recommendations for new electoral arrangements in Herefordshire, another significant announcement for the county. Its recommendations are based on the consultation carried out from 25 November 2025 to 2 February 2026. The Commission aims for councillors to represent a similar number of electors, which ward boundaries are appropriate for local communities, needs and people’s views. Its draft recommendations for Herefordshire are based on retaining 53 councillors, with 53 single-member wards. It proposes leaving 31 wards unchanged, but with revised boundaries for 22 wards. I can confirm that there are no changes proposed for the Bromyard Bringsty ward.

More than 140 roads across Herefordshire are set to benefit from resurfacing and maintenance work as part of a wider £37 million investment in roads, footpaths and public spaces in 2026/27.

The photo on the left shows the recent major road resurfacing on the A44, Bromyard Road, Whitbourne. The resurfacing programme forms part of a broader package of improvements designed to maintain and improve the county’s highways and public spaces. Together, these investments will support a wide range of improvements including better drainage, safer walking routes, repairs to bridges and other structures, and upgrades to local public spaces.

Herefordshire Council have also announced some significant developments that will make a real difference to people across the county. Our new Strategic Housing investment programme aims to reduce homelessness, cut use of expensive and unsuitable temporary accommodation for families, and help young people and care leavers take their next, safe steps towards independence. We also joined forces with the Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, to announce funding for nine local organisations and groups, supporting them to provide inclusive social activities for children and young people with SEND.

On the 24^th April Herefordshire Council’s new ‘Pop and Shop’ 30 minutes’ free parking scheme went live in all council-operated pay and display car parks and on-street pay and display bays across the county. It’s designed to make it easier and more convenient for people to make quick trips into local towns, while supporting high streets and independent businesses.

I would also like to remind you all of the various major projects that we are on track to deliver – all making a huge impact for local people – including opening the new Transport Hub in late autumn/early winter, major improvements to Great Western Way and Holme Lacy Road, the new flood alleviation zone at Merton Meadow, phase one of Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park – unlocking opportunities for developers and investors and bringing associated new jobs, and of course starting work on Phase One of the Hereford Bypass in December 2026.

Talk Community are working with AbilityNet to support them to deliver a programme for Digital Skills, funded by BT, across the county. We are seeing a growing disparity in digital skills, with older people and those with a disability being most affected, so local Talk Community Hubs and partner organisations can now apply to host a series of three two-hour sessions covering online safety and scam awareness, smartphone skills, and tailored digital support based on community needs, all delivered by a specialist Digital Skills Trainer. The programme aims to help residents build confidence, independence and access to important online services. Where we have very rural or isolated communities, we will be looking to utilise the Talk Community Bus which is equipped with IT to ensure all residents have access to support.

Please remember to inform Herefordshire Council of the location of non-emergency pot holes, drainage issues and Public Rights of Way (PROW) issues using the Herefordshire Council website https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1 For any emergency potholes please report them via the 24hour telephone number:  01432 261800

In respect to the four Parish and Town Councils which make up the Bromyard Bringsty ward, I have the following updates:

Bromyard and Winslow Town Council.

I would like to acknowledge the excellent work carried out by the Bromyard Foodbank who have worked incredibly hard to develop their offer beyond emergency food parcels, to help provide really holistic support to people in need. They are also now running a twice weekly Food and Advice walk-in service on top of the usual foodbank offer, to enable people to get access to support from a range of services, including (but not limited to) early help with housing, energy advice and budget coaching.

The condition of the A44 underpass has been brought to my attention. Through the Ward Locality Steward and as part of the Public Realm contract, I have now had a task raised for the drains to be cleaned. Together with another task raised for the footways to be scraped along the A44 taking them back to their full width.

Last year a number of residents of Kirkham Gardens raised their concerns with me regarding the issue of cars parking on pavements and blocking the pathway on the side of the road leading off of Church Lane. I have recently had confirmation that Herefordshire Council Officers will be addressing this issue during this current financial year.

A resident of Kirkham Gardens raised an issue with environmental health over the noise from a concert at the Conquest Theatre which has now been investigated by the team.

Further to my investigation regarding the issue of parking in the Schallenge I have now been advised that this road is the responsibility of Platform Housing and subsequently I have been in touch with them and await to hear from them.

In respect to the topic of disabled parking in Bromyard, officers are working on re-installing the disabled bay on Broad Street together with the bollards on Broad Street where Frog Lane joins it. Work continues on allocating a disabled bay in the market square.

In respect of the Hop Pole hotel, officers are engaging with the applicant in regard to an update on requested information. Building Control have also inspected the property and there are no immediate safety concerns, the roof has been repaired and is currently ‘safe’.

A resident has raised an issue in regard to a retaining wall on the path between the rear of Kirkham Gardens and the Coop. I have asked property services to investigate.

Brockhampton Group of Parish Councils.

In respect to the traffic situation at Brockhampton School, I have written to the Chief Executive of the Blackpear Trust who has responded and I look forward to meeting with her in the near future.

Bafour Beatty Livinig Places have visited the drainage issue at the entrance to the Royal Oak pub. I now await to hear from them in regard to their plan of action to address this issue.

The Head of School Transport has now been in touch with the resident who contacted me in regard to school transport for her disabled child.

Following a complaint from a resident regarding potential damage to protected trees I have requested that planning enforcement investigate the matter.

Whitbourne Parish Council.

Following a complaint from a resident of Old Forge regarding encroachment onto the footpath, I arranged for the Ward Locality Steward to visit. He subsequently has spoken to residents and has informed them that they have 28 days to remove their garden growth from the footpath.

The resident who submitted a complaint regarding a local holiday park has been informed that the enforcement team are currently investigating the matter.

I have been informed by a number of residents that the 420A bus service to Worcester has been subject to a number of erratic service provisions, with some buses not running. I have subsequently been in touch with the Head of Bus Services and the matter is currently under investigation.

A resident has been in contact with me in regard to the delivery of a mobile home to a location that they believe does not have the requisite planning permission. I have subsequently been in touch with planning enforcement who are investigating the matter.

A resident in Lower Poswick has contacted me regarding the state of the road there. I then contacted the Head of Highways who will be despatching an officer to investigate the matter.

North Bromyard Group of Parishes.

The work to introduce a 40MPH speed limit on the B4203 through Upper Sapey, continues. I expect to see this come to a conclusion in the near future.

The project in respect of improving the safety of the B4204 and B4203 crossing at High Cross continues, with officers assessing a number of options to provide the safest solution.

Surface dressing will be taking place on the B4203 Beauty Bank Entrance to Old Smithy under a full road closure between 08:00–17:00 between Wednesday 20^th May to Friday 22^nd May 2026.

I am present at the Surgery in the Foyer of the Conquest Theatre on the first Saturday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 for residents to meet with me in person.

It remains my pleasure to assist residents of the Bromyard Bringsty Ward with their Herefordshire Council issues and concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email if you have any Herefordshire Council related issues.

If you wish to contact me, my contact details are

Councillor Peter Stoddart MBE MBA CEng
Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services
Bromyard Bringsty Ward
Address: Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0LE
Telephone: 07529 188727
Email:peter.stoddart@herefordshire.gov.uk

Ward Councillor Bromyard Bringsty – Peter Stoddart

Update from Herefordshire Council as at 16 March 2026

Following the unprecedented rainfall over January and February Herefordshire Council have been highlighting on social media the work of our road repair teams who have been out literally night and day repairing potholes and maintaining our roads across the county. We have also brought forward a number of road repair works so that we can carry out the work this financial year. Later in this Ward Update I have included details of this work across the Ward.

 Herefordshire Council has appointed the contractor to undertake detailed design and early technical work for the first phase of the Hereford Bypass, paving the way for construction to begin by December this year. Graham, a civil engineering and construction firm, has been awarded the contract following a comprehensive tender process launched last year, and will work on the project, which will see a new road linking the A49 and A465 to the south-west of Hereford. The new 3.6km single‑carriageway road will link the A49/Ross Road–Rotherwas Access Road roundabout with the A465 Abergavenny Road and provide a connection onwards to the B4349 Clehonger Road. The scheme includes a series of underpasses and structures, including a new bridge over the Hereford-Newport railway line, to maintain regional and local access, and provision for walkers, cyclists, equestrians and wildlife. As set out in the Statement of Reasons published in December 2025, Phase One is expected to deliver a range of standalone transport, environmental and economic benefits. The scheme provides the first direct route between the A49 and A465, enabling all traffic, including freight, to avoid congested urban routes in South Wye, with reduced flows anticipated on key corridors such as the A49(T), A465, Belmont Road, Ross Road, Holme Lacy Road, Walnut Tree Avenue and several rural roads southwest of Hereford. This reduction supports improvements to air quality, noise levels and conditions for walking and cycling.

A significant growth area for Herefordshire Council is the visitor economy. We have recently met with the Herefordshire County BID, which manages destination marketing for the county through the Visit Herefordshire brand where we discussed plans for this year, including this year’s Tourism Conference and further maximising the  impact of Hamnet, filmed in Weobley. We are working together on Film Tourism, with Council colleagues playing a key role in providing location services, and our first proactive marketing campaign targeting production companies, location ‘scouts’ and the wider screen sector planned over coming months.

Our inward investment marketing continues to step up. For the first time, we attended SDSC-UK, a major national defence and security trade exhibition, promoting the county as a location to do business. Our new Invest in Herefordshire LinkedIn page assists us in our work  to attract investors, businesses and developers to boost the local economy.

Herefordshire Council has also launched our first ever Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). It again shows our commitment to working with partners to make a difference for all aspects of our county and its residents in how we protect and restore our natural assets, habitats and species. It’s a significant plan for Herefordshire and is now out for public consultation. It’s a nationally significant document (one of just 48) and is putting us very much on the national stage, showing our ambition as well as excellence.

The biannual Parish Council Summit took place on Tuesday 4^th March and highlighted how important and mutually supportive our relationships are with our many Parish Councils. They were very positive about our work including the impact of Public Rights of Way Grants scheme, which saw 73 applications approved, covering improvements to some 465 assets ranging from gates, fingerposts and stiles through to bridges. Similarly, Drainage Grant schemes worth half a million pounds were approved across 87 Parishes. There was also strong appreciation for the opportunities to programme more ‘hyperlocal’ works through our new Public Realm services contract.

On Wednesday 5^th March, Herefordshire Council joined together with partners from Police and Health services to launch Child Friendly Herefordshire and how we individually and collectively make the county a better place for children. Actively listening to the voices of young people – their views, ideas and lived experiences to develop our services. Child Friendly Herefordshire is not just about Children’s services but how we embrace this ethos as a culture, in how we think and as a way of working across the Council.

Digital switchover

Landline telephone services in the UK are switching to a fully-digital network. This means phone calls will be carried out over the internet (instead of analogue landlines). This is what’s known as the digital switchover.

The switchover is happening because analogue telephone lines are becoming harder and more expensive to maintain, and the UK needs a modern digital system that can handle communications via mobile phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices.

The digital switchover is planned to be completed by January 2027.

How will it affect me; what do I need to do?

For most consumers and businesses, this change will be straightforward.

If you already have an internet connection, the change may be as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router, rather than the socket on the wall.

If you need to upgrade your phone system, your provider may need to arrange for a telephone engineer to come to your home to install a new system.

If you have other devices connected to your phone line, such as an alarm and healthcare system (including Technology Enabled Care (TEC)), your alarm or healthcare system provider might need to upgrade your alarm device to make sure it’s compatible. If you’re unsure about how a device in your home or business might be affected, contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer to find out whether it will still work on a digital phone line.

Your telecoms provider (eg Virgin Media, O2 or BT)  will contact you ahead of the switchover to let you know what you need to do to make sure your service isn’t affected. You do not need to take any action until your provider contacts you directly.

Please remember to inform Herefordshire Council of the location of non-emergency pot holes, drainage issues and Public Rights of Way (PROW) issues using the Herefordshire Council website https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1 For any emergency potholes please report them via the 24hour telephone number:  01432 261800

In respect to the four Parish and Town Councils which make up the Bromyard Bringsty ward, I have the following updates:

Bromyard and Winslow Town Council.

I am very pleased to see Bromyard Town Council using their allocated £200k for public rights of way to resurface the High Street and have planned work to improve the pavements around Bromyard. In addition, Church St is being resurfaced overnight on the 23^rd of March and the A465 by the Hope Centre is scheduled for repair in late March.

The long-awaited drainage upgrade at the bottom of Linton lane is scheduled to commence on 16 March with a road closure planned for two weeks. This will see the drains there replaced and an upgraded connection to the main drainage on the A44.

The B4204 will be resurfaced from the Rugby Club to the C1062 at Rock Farm over the period 18-20 March.

Following a request from a Bromyard resident I am working with Herefordshire Council Officers to discuss and review disabled parking in Bromyard.

I have also met with two residents of the Porthouse Rise estate, whose rear gardens flood due to surface water overflowing from the B4204. Following a meeting with the Highways Director, work to address this has now been added to the work programme for the next financial year.

Brockhampton Group of Parish Councils.

I am very pleased to report that the blocked-off layby on the A44 next to the cross Downs road junction which for the last eight years has been an eyesore, has been removed and the area restored back to its natural habitat.

In respect to the traffic situation at Brockhampton School, I am awaiting updates from Traffic Management Officers and others.

I have also contacted BBLP in regard to the drainage issue at the entrance to the Royal Oak pub. They are investigating the issue during March and I hope to have an update for residents in the next month.

Further to a request from a resident in respect to Ash Die Back affected trees I have requested that a Herefordshire Council officer visits her to look at the affected trees.

A local youth leader has requested my assistance in speaking with Herefordshire Council regarding the use of the Ashfields Depot site on A465 Hereford Rd as a youth centre for running Scouts, Guides and the Bromyard Youth Club.

Following a request from a resident in regard to damaged grit bins in the Parish I have had agreement from BBLP that they will replace the grit bin on the cross Downs Road next to White Railings cottage and also the two damaged grit bins on Burying lane.

Whitbourne Parish Council.

The long-standing issue in respect of the provision of funding for the recently installed white gates at the entry to the village has now been resolved and the payment to the contractor has been made by Herefordshire Council.

The resurfacing of the A44 at the junction for Whitbourne and from Norton Lane to the Worcestershire border are scheduled for completion by the end of March having been brought forward from next year’s plan of work.

North Bromyard Group of Parishes.

The work to resurface the bend on the B4203 on the hill leading out of Upper Sapey with high grip tarmac is scheduled for completion on 16 – 17^th March.

The work to introduce a 40MPH speed limit on the B4203 through Upper Sapey, continues to progress.

I will be showing the Parish Council at their meeting on 24^th March the design plans for the redesign of the junction at High Cross. The project remains on track to be completed in the next financial year.

I have arranged for a resident to be updated by the Head of Highways in regard to her concern about the condition of Stoney Bridge lane. He explained to her that the road was part of the coming year’s maintenance plan and that he would try and have it completed as early as possible.

I am present at the Surgery in the Foyer of the Conquest Theatre on the first Saturday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 for residents to meet with me in person.

It remains my pleasure to assist residents of the Bromyard Bringsty Ward with their Herefordshire Council issues and concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email if you have any Herefordshire Council related issues.

If you wish to contact me, my contact details are

Councillor Peter Stoddart MBE MBA CEng
Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services
Bromyard Bringsty Ward
Address: Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0LE
Telephone: 07529 188727
Email:peter.stoddart@herefordshire.gov.uk

An update from Balfour Beatty Living Places:

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Dear Resident/Occupier,

We need to let you know about some works we’re due to complete on U65600 Hainscroft Track near Bringsty. We will be carrying out repairs to the damaged drainage headwall at the edge of the carriageway.

Works will be taking place under a full road closure, starting on 12th January 2026 to (and including) 20th January 2026. The road will be closed 24/7 each day.

There is no diversion due to the single-track nature of the road. We are aware that some properties beyond the closure can only be accessed through the works area. Access to these properties will be maintained at all times; however, please be aware there may be short delays depending on the stage of the works.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. At Balfour Beatty we work in partnership with Herefordshire Council to minimise the impact of our work and try to keep all disruption to a minimum – we appreciate your patience.

The programme of work may change in certain circumstances, such as severe weather. This may happen at short notice and without further notification. All changes will be highlighted on the advance warning signs, which you’ll find onsite at the roadworks. For the most up to date information on roadworks across the county, please visit https://one.network. You can also follow us on Twitter via @HfdsStreets and Facebook via Herefordshire Highways.

If you have any questions about these works, please use the Contact Us form on the Herefordshire Council website. This can be found at https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/council/contact-us. Alternatively, call us on 01432 261800.

Yours faithfully,

Project Team – Balfour Beatty Living Places

Map U65600 Hainscroft Track near Bringsty

Surface Dressing Preparation Works – U65020 – Burying Lane

As a result of a multimillion pound investment, the road outside your property is programmed to benefit from surface dressing preparation ahead of the surface dressing programme at a later date. These works are programmed to take place between 08:00–17:00 from Monday 12^th January to Wednesday 14^th January 2026.

This length of road has been identified for such works following detailed and comprehensive surface and structural condition surveys that help us to objectively prioritise where we need to invest across Herefordshire’s highway network.

Please visit https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1/herefordshire-road-investment/5 for more information regarding the surface dressing process.

Signs will be displayed on the road informing you of the intended dates of the works. Please ensure that you observe these signs and take note of the dates that are stated. If there are any changes to the programme of works in your road, we will make sure the signs are updated.

A fully signed diversion route will be displayed locally. We will do all we can to provide vehicular access to properties, although there may be times when we are not able to do so safely or there may be delays. You can get help and guidance from the dedicated marshals on site.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you, but we will do all that we can to minimise the impact of our work whilst this work is undertaken.

If you have any questions about these works then please call us on 01432 260555.

Yours faithfully,

Herefordshire Council