Police are appealing for information after a car parked at Ross swimming pool was badly damaged. The silver Vauxhall Corsa was left in the car park at 9.30pm on Friday, 21st December and was retrieved at 7.30am the next morning. Between those times, around £700 damage was caused to doors, bonnet and roof, apparently by someone jumping on the car. The wing mirrors had also been ripped off and the vehicle 'keyed', causing scratching to the paintwork on the driver's door.

Anyone who saw or hear suspicious activity in the Kyrle Street car park is asked to contact PC Dave Hamilton at Ledbury Police Station on 08457 444888, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

After 50 years of trading in the town, the Ledbury based envelope factory John Dickinson, closed on Friday, 21st December 2007 and Wyenot News was given exclusive access to the factory in order to photograph the plant and the people and to mark the end of an era.

The factory's General Manager, Martin King, has nothing but praise for his staff, their loyalty and their dedication. 'The attitude of the workforce has been superb,' he said. 'They have done extremely well in terms of their work ethic and have worked to their usual high standards right up to the end. The way that they have conducted themselves in the circumstances has been a credit to each and every one of them.'

The closure of the factory was announced two months ago, with owners, Groupe Hamelin, allowing the workforce double the amount of notice legally required when redundancies are announced. On Tuesday, 4th December 2007 Groupe Hamelin's owner, Stephane Hamelin travelled to Ledbury from his base in France in order to speak to the workforce in person. He made himself available to workers who wished to talk to him about his decision to close the factory which was, as he explained, purely a business decision.

Martin King says that the visit by Stephane Hamelin was greatly appreciated by the staff. There is also the possibility of starting a smaller scale business, manufacturing bespoke envelopes, supported by Groupe Hamelin. The Groupe has agreed to assist such a venture by way of support such as transfer of machinery.

Martin King will now head a small team of workers to decommission the factory during January and February. He wishes to thank each and every one of the people who have worked at the factory in the four years that he has been Manager. 'They have been a great bunch of people to work with and I wish every one of them good luck for the future.'

As weather forecasters predict snow showers for the West Mercia region today (3rd Jan) the police force is reminding drivers they run the risk of being involved in a serious collision if they do not check their cars regularly and keep them in good condition.

Police figures show that a quarter of all vehicles stopped and checked by police officers have vehicle condition defects, with worn tyres and broken lights topping the faults and defects chart. Between January 2005 and September 2007, 369 people were injured in collisions caused by car defects. Nine people were fatally injured, 55 were seriously injured and 305 people were slightly injured. If a motorist is stopped and police find their vehicle is not roadworthy they face a £30 fixed penalty notice or prosecution.

West Mercia's Casualty Reduction Manager, Sergeant John Roberts said, 'Vehicle maintenance is an essential part of road safety. It has been proved that drivers who fail to carry out regular checks on their vehicles are at much greater risk of being involved in a collision. Driving with worn tyres is extremely dangerous and, in wet conditions, can seriously increase your risk of being involved in a collision.

Now the wintry weather is upon us it is vital that motorists take the time to check vehicles and ensure they are in a roadworthy condition. Drivers should get into the habit of checking their vehicles, regardless of how old their vehicles are, and should pay special attention to their tyres, lights, brakes, steering and seat belts. Any vehicle of any age can have a chipped windscreen, an empty water bottle or a spilt windscreen wiper blade, so people must make regular checks. Not only is it illegal to drive a poorly maintained vehicle, but defects could contribute to a collision which could kill or seriously injure other motorists and pedestrians. As part of its Seven Deadly Sins road safety campaign, West Mercia Constabulary is urging motorists to help make the roads across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire safer this winter by making vehicle maintenance a priority.'

Motorists are advised to follow the advice below to ensure their vehicle is safe and roadworthy:

Lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates must be kept clean and clear · Take special care to ensure brakes are working correctly. If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it could be a brake fault and you should consult a mechanic immediately · The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the centre three quarters of the tyre. Most tyres have tread wear indicators, usually six or more small ribs across the bottom of the main tread groves. When the tread surface is level with these ribs the tyre needs to be replaced · Check tyre pressure frequently with an accurate tyre pressure gauge.

Do this before your journey when the tyres are cold:

Check the fluid levels in the vehicle weekly. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and a collision · Ensure the battery is well maintained and there are appropriate antifreeze agents in your radiator, as well as the correct freeze protection solution in your windscreen bottle · Make sure you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel. Do not ignore warning signs, they could indicate a dangerous fault developing · Keep all windows clear at all times, especially the windscreen During wintry weather conditions: ·

Ask yourself - is your journey absolutely essential? · Check the local and national weather forecasts. · Listen to local and national radio for travel information. · Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive. · Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade. · Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out and carry a screen scraper and de-icer. If you get into trouble · Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call. · On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone, because the breakdown/emergency services will be able to locate you easily. If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder. · Abandoned vehicles can hold up rescue vehicles and snowploughs. To ensure the road is cleared as quickly as possible, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. · If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you. Adjust your driving to the conditions · Hail, heavy snow and rain reduce visibility. · Use dipped headlights and reduce your speed. When roads are icy or slushy · It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slowly, allowing extra room to slow down and stop. · Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. · Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration. · To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently. · If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly.

Salting and snow ploughing · Salting vehicles travel at speeds of up to 40 mph spreading salt across all lanes of the carriageway. Drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance behind them. Do not attempt to overtake. · Snow ploughing can throw up irregular amounts of snow that may be a hazard to vehicles. Drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance behind vehicles and not to attempt to overtake.

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