Ward Councillor Bromyard Bringsty – Peter Stoddart
Update from Herefordshire Council as at 11 August 2026
The exceptionally dry weather is bringing several problems of wild and outdoor fires as we are witnessing in Europe and at home. I would like to remind all residents to take every possible precaution to prevent any fires occurring. This weather has had a local effect on ward residents as the top Downs Road was closed for significant time to support Welsh Water’s tanker operations.
I was very pleased to congratulate the Children’s and Young People Directorate following the government’s decision to revoke the statutory direction on children’s services. This is a significant milestone and reflects many years of hard work, determination and improvement. Together with the progress recognised through our Ofsted inspection, it marks an important moment for the council and demonstrates what can be achieved through collective effort and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for children and young people.
Herefordshire Council have continued to maintain momentum on a number of major infrastructure and growth projects. We have progressed detailed design and early works for Phase One of the Hereford Bypass, approved the Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Infrastructure Plan, continued active travel works at Holme Lacy Road, and made good progress of the Hereford Transport Hub, which is now approximately three-quarters complete and remains on course to open later this year. These schemes are critical to improving connectivity, unlocking growth and creating opportunities for future generations.
Our commitment to economic growth remains equally strong. The Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park has now been formally launched and will become one of the county’s most significant employment sites, supporting hundreds of jobs and providing opportunities for businesses to grow and invest in Herefordshire. Through Invest Herefordshire we continue to promote the county as a destination for inward investment, with a particular focus on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, defence, cyber security and green technologies.
We have also continued to support local businesses through skills and workforce development initiatives, including our partnership with NMITE, helping ensure local people have access to the skills needed to benefit from future economic opportunities.
This has included here in Bromyard; where a growth hub advisor, Rachel Jones, is available at the HALO Centre every Thursday for local businesses to drop in and discuss how Herefordshire Council can help them. She can discuss your business needs and assist local businesses on gaining access to support including: Finance and funding, Business advice and support, Employment and skills and Networking and events. Please contact Rachel at business@herefordshire.gov.uk
Last month the Government, through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced the results of the Local Government Reorganisation. As a result of this Worcestershire will be split into two unitary authorities covering North and South Worcestershire and Gloucestershire will be, like Herefordshire, a single unitary authority. Now that this has been announced, the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive can now start to engage with the surrounding Local Authorities on the topic of devolution and the forming of mayoral authorities.
I can confirm that Herefordshire Council Officers have now met with DRM and have received assurance from Mr Dyson that the reliability of the 420A bus service between Bromyard and Worcester, will be improved. Following some internal adjustments, they intend to provide the residents of Bromyard with the best possible service.
Please remember to inform Herefordshire Council of the location of potholes, drainage issues and Public Rights of Way (PROW) issues using the Herefordshire Council website https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1 or via the 24hour telephone number: 01432 261800. When you report a pothole, you will initially receive an automatic response with an incident number. Once the pothole has been categorised as an emergency repair within 2 hours, priority 1 repair within 24 hours or priority 3 repair within 28 days, you will receive a second email detailing the priority and estimated repair date. Then once the pothole has been repaired you will receive a confirmation email that the repair has been completed.
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 have received two requests from local residents to address the issue of the Hop Pole. I have explained to them both “that an Englishman’s home is his castle,” and that without any public imperative Herefordshire Council, or Bromyard Town Council, cannot interfere in a private individual’s ownership in property or their associated rights. Of course, if a public imperative arose (such as to protect the welfare or safety of residents) then Herefordshire Council can use its powers to intervene. You will recall that we have done exactly that on a number of occasions in the past. In respect of a request to convene a public meeting it is not within the authority of Herefordshire Council to do so for a privately owned building.
The Traffic regulation Order (TRO) in regard to the provision of a disabled bay in the market square is currently in circulation and the work regarding the reinstatement of the disabled bay on Broad Street remains ongoing.
I am still monitoring the issue of the hole in the ground outside of a resident’s property in Church Lane.
Following a request from a resident to investigate alleged occurrences of speeding on the Bromyard Bypass I have been informed by the West Mercia Police that they patrol the A44 regularly, multiple times a day and regularly conduct speed enforcement along this route. At the recent Bromyard Town Council meeting I raised the issue of the Town Council installing a VIS sign on the bypass and also establishing the volunteer speed awareness team to assist in addressing this issue.
A resident also raised an issue with me via Facebook in regard to overhanging bushes on Old Road and Clover Road. The Ward Locality steward has visited the site, and the offending bushes have been trimmed.
Another resident has raised their concerns over speeding on Church Street and following discussion at the last Bromyard Town Council meeting I have contacted Highways to request that a formal assessment of traffic speeds on Church Street be implemented.
Brockhampton Group of Parish Councils
I am continuing to address the issue of parking at Brockhampton School and have remained in touch with Chief Executive of the Blackpear Trust regarding options. As part of this I am also working with the Parking Team to improve the availability of car parking at the school.
I am still monitoring the issue of a drainage issue, at the entrance to the Royal Oak pub on Bromyard Downs.
Following a request from a resident regarding reckless driving on the A44 at Bringsty Common, I contacted the West Mercia Police who have conducted a number of visits to the area. They have also informed me that the Police have been given some new powers and legislation to deal with anti-social driving.
A resident has contacted me regarding the growth of bushes along the pedestrian path at Broadbridge. Herefordshire Council officers have subsequently trimmed back the offending bushes and the resident confirmed that he was very happy with the result.
Another resident informed me that vehicles are forcing their way through the brambles and under growth beside the locked access gate to Bromyard Downs from the B4220 Malvern Road. I have forwarded this to the Chair of the Bromyard Downs Common Association (BDCA) who is dealing with this.
Whitbourne Parish Council
The Highways Officer has confirmed that the issue of the replacement of grit bins in the Parish is ongoing. I will continue to monitor the situation.
The complaint from a local resident in respect to a local holiday park has now been concluded and the resident will be updated on the results by the Planning enforcement team.
Following a request from a resident of Gains Road Planning Enforcement have reviewed the issue that she raised and have confirmed that no case is currently applicable.
North Bromyard Group of Parishes
I continue to monitor the issue of the 40MPH speed limit on the B4203 through Upper Sapey.
I am also closely monitoring the installation of the four-way traffic lights at the junction of the B4203 and B4204.
A resident has contacted me regarding the state of the B4204 and I have responded to him that this road is due to be resurfaced in next year’s plan, however, following discussion with the Head of Highways it is now planned to do this as part of the work when installing the four-way lights at High Cross.
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