Police are renewing their appeal for information about a missing woman from Herefordshire who has not been seen or heard from since before Christmas.

Janet Price, age 60, left her home in Poplar Road, Clehonger, for a meeting in Hay-on-Wye on Wednesday, 19th December. She failed to keep the appointment and has not returned home or been in contact with friends of family since.

Police discovered her car unlocked and unattended near to the banks of the River Wye at Byford on 20th December. Extensive searches were made in the following days in the area and along sections of the river. Exhaustive enquiries have also been made with relatives and friends across the country but there has been no trace of Mrs Price.

A Herefordshire Division spokesman said, 'Clearly, Mrs Price’s family are very concerned for her welfare. It has been almost a month since Mrs Price was last seen and despite extensive enquiries and media appeals, police have been unable to find her. We have been liaising closely with her family to keep them fully up to date throughout this time.'

'It is possible Mrs Price may simply have decided to take herself away from friends and family for a period of time.

Her family are also realistic to the possibility that she may have entered the river for whatever reason and may therefore have come to some harm. However, they remain optimistic that this is not the case and are keen that, should anyone have information about her whereabouts, they should come forward. Equally, should Mrs Price herself hear or see this appeal, her family urge her to make contact with police so that they can be assured of her welfare.'

Janet Price is described as being 5ft 4ins tall, with short straight grey hair and of medium build. It is not known what clothes she was wearing when she left home, although it is thought she may have taken a blue coloured jacket.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen Mrs Price in past month or believes they know of her current whereabouts. Anyone with information should contact Herefordshire Police on 08457 444888 quoting incident number 122s of 20th December.

A poster designed by Lance Corporal Deana Wyatt, from the Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force - Hereford Detachment - is to front an anti-vandalism poster campaign by Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership. 14-year-old Deana, from Hereford, entered a competition run by the Partnership to design a hard-hitting poster that will be used across the county. As well as the opportunity to contribute to the campaign, she has also won £300 to spend on new equipment for Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force.

The aim of the campaign is to discourage people from vandalising property including cars, buildings, and items in the community such as play areas, phone boxes and bus shelters. According to Home Office statistics, it is an increasing problem and two thirds of offenders are aged 21 and under. If young people are caught causing vandalism, they can receive a criminal record, which could reduce their chances of being accepted onto a course or into university, discourage companies from employing them or make it difficult to travel to some countries, such as America. Offenders may also be fined or given an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

Tackling vandalism, also referred to as criminal damage, is one of Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership's priorities, and it is committed to catching anyone committing this crime. Information databases and CCTV cameras around the county are used to identify, catch and prosecute offenders.

Geoff Hughes, Chair of Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership, said, 'Vandalism can have a negative impact on local communities. It can make an area feel uncared for, make people feel worried or unsafe and limit the availability or development of community facilities. Just don't do it,' was Deana's message to anyone thinking about causing criminal damage.

For more information, please contact Susanne Graham on 01432 260324 or Alison Grange on 01432 260658.

One of the main entrances to Hereford has benefited from a major tree-planting scheme, which will provide spectacular colour during the springtime in coming years. Five white cherry trees (Prunus Avium plena) and eight pink cherry trees (Prunus kanzan) were planted along the roadside verge at Holme Lacy Road in Hereford during National Tree Week in December. 15 new lime trees (Tilia platyphyllos rubra) were also planted on the verge adding to the seven limes which were planted there several years ago and have become well established.

The cherry trees will reinstate an original scheme, which once existed on this verge in the past and has been missed by people who live locally or regularly travel along the road. John Francis, Assistant Parks Manager for Herefordshire Council said, 'I remember the original trees which unfortunately became diseased or died of natural causes and had to be removed, so I'm delighted we've been able to replant them. The white blossoming cherry trees and the pink blossoming cherry trees have been planted alternately and it is hoped that once they become established there will be an eye-catching display of colour during the spring.

National Tree Week takes place at the beginning of December each year and numerous trees were planted at various sites across the county by the Council's contract partner Amey Wye Valley Ltd. The winter months are the best time of year to plant trees and where possible new ones are planted to replace any hazardous trees removed earlier in the year, those that have been vandalised or those that have been unsuccessful and to improve the county's tree-scape.'

A red Land Rover was stolen from Dinmore Caravans at Hope Under Dinmore, Leominster between 1pm and 1.30 pm on Monday 7th January. The vehicle had alloy wheels and the spare tyre, located at the rear of the vehicle had a “Shuckers of Ludlow” cover. There was also a distinctive tow bar to the front of the vehicle, which carries the registration DU06HDX.

A white Renault Clio was noticed in the area at the time of the theft but it is not known if this is connected with the incident.

If anyone witnessed the theft or has any information about the current location of the Land Rover, they are asked to contact PC Tony Shaw at Leominster Police Station on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference 352-s-070108.

Police would like to speak to anyone with information concerning a burglary that took place in Barrs Court Road in Hereford last night - particularly anyone who may have seen the offender as he left the area.

The burglary happened at a flat during the later evening on Monday, 21st January. An offender, described as white, male, 30 to 40 years old, approximately 5ft 10ins tall, with short greying hair and stubble was disturbed by the occupant when she returned home at about 9.30pm. He was last seen leaving the rear of the premises via a small path on to Hopton Road. It is not known which way he has then travelled.

At the time of the sighting, the offender is reported to have been wearing a dark blue zipped jacket with grey patches on either side at the front, blue denim jeans, and brown trainers, (possibly low boots). In particular, police wish to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of Barrs Court Road, Hopton Road or Penn Grove Road, at about 9.45pm on Monday and who may have seen a male matching the above description. Equally, they want to hear from anyone who may recognize the description of the offender.

A JVC camcorder and Fujifilm digital camera were stolen in the burglary.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact DC 3643 John Austin-Bailey at Hereford CID on 08457 444 888. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information following an indecent exposure at 9.30 am on Tuesday, 8th January 2008.

A female jogger was jogging between The Bell Inn Public House, Tillington and Burghill Golf Club when a male cycled towards her on a mountain bike. He then turned around and went into the entrance to the Golf Club. As the female jogged past him he was indecently exposing himself. The woman quickly jogged away and the man rode away on the bicycle.

The man is described as white, aged between 18 and 21 years with short brown hair that had a distinctive blond streak at the front. He was of slim build and about 5’ 10” tall. He was wearing cargo trousers and a brown sweatshirt.

If anyone has information in relation to this incident they are asked to contact PC Polly Price at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference 166-s-080108.

Police are appealing for a witness to come forward following an assault that took place in the alleyway next to the McDonalds Restaurant in Commercial Street, Hereford.

The incident happened between midnight and 1am on Sunday, 6th January as the victim made his way from The Jailhouse nightclub to a cash machine. As he did so he came across the bald headed offender, who had also been in the nightclub earlier.

The male victim was punched to the floor and suffered injuries to his hand and face before the offender fled the scene. Police are asking for a female witness who saw the attack and spoke to both individuals at the time to come forward.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PC Kim Mathieson at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting ref: 34-s-060108.

Police are investigating an unprovoked attack which took place on the Great Western Way, Hunderton, Hereford at 12.40 am on Friday, 11th January.

The victim was walking along the Great Western Way in the direction of Newton Farm when he was approached by three males. He attempted to avoid the trio, who he described as being noisy and aggressive, by walking down to the riverside footpath. The victim was followed by the group and then headbutted and punched to the face and further assaulted whilst on the ground, being kicked and punched by all three offenders. The attackers then ran off towards the housing estate in Hunderton.

The victim was only able to provide a description for one offender, a white male who he described as being tall and clean shaven with short hair and wearing a light coloured sweatshirt and jeans.

If anyone witnessed the assault or has any information they are asked to contact PC Kevin Jones at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference 19-s-110108.

The programme for the 2008 Herefordshire Walking Festival has been finalized and features some well-loved favourites as well as exciting new ideas.

This year's programme, which runs from June 14th until June 22nd, highlights the south west of the county with the Monnow Valley Walk as the featured long distance trail, offering four good days walking over both weekends from Monmouth to Hay.

With almost 60 guided walks to choose from, there is something for everyone. Learn from the experts with butterflies, bats and bird watching, archaeology, local lore, land conservation and a very special opportunity to compose better pictures with the help of travel photographer, Nick Meers. There is even a special ghost walk offering a very different look at Hereford city.

The excellence of local produce comes to the fore when tramping through a cider orchard or vineyard towards a tasting or around an organic farm with the promise of a delicious barbecue lunch to finish off with.

Families have some very special treats - try Walking with Llamas around the Golden Valley, stroking owls and small breeds, discovering minibeasts in a meadow, boatmen, beetles and butterflies or a family walk for toddlers upwards in the grounds of the National Trust's Brockhampton Estate.

A park ranger will accompany mobility scooter users to point out the flora and fauna of Queenswood Arboretum and sighted guides will help the visually impaired to enjoy art in a sensory garden and the sounds and smells of the rural landscape. Prams, pushchairs and wheelchair users are all invited to celebrate the launch of the Ross Buggy Route, the county's first circular path expressly designed to iron out the kerbs.

All in all, what better way is there to explore the hidden beauty of the best of English countryside in the care and company of friends.

Herefordshire Walking Festival is sponsored by M and M Direct, the UK's leading online and mail order retailer of discounted sports, fashion and lifestyle products.

If you have any issues regarding trees on a public open space then you must contact Herefordshire Council's parks, countryside and leisure development service as taking matters into your own hands could mean you face prosecution for criminal damage.

The parks team is responsible for the management of these 'amenity' trees on the streets and the council owned parks and open spaces throughout the county. They employ specialist arboricultural contractors to carry out regular tree safety surveys and arrange for any necessary tree surgery to take place, ensuring both the safety of the public, and where possible, the life of the tree.

Many problems arise each year when trees are mindlessly vandalized and when members of the public take matters of tree removal into their own hands. The parks team dealt with such an incident in early January when a member of the public decided to cut down a 40ft willow tree on open space on Ledbury Road in Hereford. Thanks to calls from local residents a parks officer managed to catch the individual at work and he was later prosecuted for criminal damage and fined £80.

Geof Tarring, Parks Manager said, 'If you have a query about a tree on public land, please contact us and we will decide what course of action to take. However the council has got an amenity tree policy and in most cases we put the interests of the tree first. 'Nuisance' caused by leaf and seed fall or blocking light into an adjacent property would not be considered a sufficient reason to undertake the felling of an amenity tree.'

It is the council's view that trees make an important contribution to local amenities and landscapes and that they provide an important role in pollution control and nature conservation. The parks, countryside and leisure development service remains committed to the protection of the natural environment and would wish to support the felling of amenity trees only in the event of exceptional circumstances.

If you have a query about an amenity tree or if you see any work being undertaken on a tree either on the street or on a public open space and you are uncertain as to whether this has been authorized by the council, please get in touch by telephoning 01432 260848 or by emailing parks@herefordshire.gov.uk.

In the post-Christmas period many people are feeling a little poorer than they did in November.The end of another financial year is looming and soon the council tax bills for the coming year will arrive on doormats.'

'So now is the perfect time to find out if you're paying too much council tax and whether you might be eligible for some extra help,' said Christine Petherick, from the council's benefits section. We'd all like to pay less if we can! If you're more than 60 years of age your claim could be put through the system before the new bills come out, so it's worth acting now.

'Many people think that they won't be entitled to council tax benefit because they have some savings. It's especially important for people 60 and over, and people who have recently retired, to have a council tax eligibility check every spring - rather like having a your boiler regularly serviced each year. More than 60 per cent of older homeowners assume they can't get help with their council tax and miss out on money that they should be getting.'

For anyone who bought their home when they were working and earning, and have not claimed council tax benefits before, it would be worth going through a council tax eligibility check, even if they have savings and investments. It is important to note that owning your own home does not exclude you from claiming council tax benefit.

Anyone wanting to book an eligibility check should contact the council's benefits section on 01432 260333. Or, if you have access to the Internet, you can check it yourself by going to http://www.herefordshire.entitledto.co.uk.

Culture vultures wanting to see rare owls, visit a farm, watch a film, visit the theatre or join in a Halo activity can get free tickets in a new cultural passport scheme for Herefordshire.

The scheme is for visitors to the council's ten libraries, two mobile libraries and four heritage sites and aims to encourage new visitors.

'It couldn't be simpler,' said Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for economic development and community services. 'All you have to do is collect a loyalty card when you visit any of Herefordshire Council's libraries or heritage sites.

Each time you visit you'll get a stamp and after ten stamps, adults will get either a voucher for the Courtyard Centre for the Arts or one that can be used at any Odeon cinema, including the one in Hereford.

Every adult will also get a free Bag for Life.

Children will get a prize after three stamps, another after six and a bigger prize after ten.

The final prize will be free child's admission to Shortwood Family Farm or the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre in Kington, or a Halo voucher that can be used for free swimming or a variety of other activities at any of the centres throughout the county.

This is a unique chance to visit and enjoy our free museums and libraries and get a prize that opens up our other cultural venues. It's a fantastic way to get that cultural habit.'

2007 was another successful year for the majority of pupils in Herefordshire schools. .

In league tables published by the department for children, schools and families, sixty three percent of Herefordshire students in mainstream schools achieved five GCSE s at grade C or above. These results are, as in previous years, above the national average.

In the new measure of five GCSEs including English and maths at grade C or above, Herefordshire students achieved 51 percent, up from 48 percent in 2006 and one of the best improvements in the whole of England.

Across the county the performance of boys showed a sharp improvement, particularly in English where Herefordshire's boys' results are much closer to that of girls than most other counties in England.

Wyebridge Sports College has shown particularly good improvement with an 18 percent increase in the number of students achieving five GCSEs at grade C or above to 51 percent. The John Masefield High School in Ledbury has continued to show an improvement in this measure with a 15 percent increase over the last two years to 66 percent. At Wigmore High School 93 percent of students achieved five GCSEs at grade C or above. Putting them in the Times 'Top Twenty' schools alongside Fairfield High School and St Mary's RC High School.

Sharon Menghini, director of children's services, said: "I'd like to congratulate all of the students on their successes and to thank the teachers and other school staff who have worked hard to help them to achieve these high levels of success..

'Proposals to reshape school provision in Herefordshire are producing a great deal of discussion at the moment, but we mustn't forget that now and in the future our children still need to receive the quality education Herefordshire schools have a reputation for delivering, despite poor funding.

'While we are sharing views and voicing opinions about the proposals shared with schools last week, we must remember that this is all about providing the best possible education we can for our children so that they can continue to improve their performance at all levels each year.'

Herefordshire is appealing for people from Herefordshire and surrounding communities who may be interested in adopting a child to attend an adoption information morning on Saturday 26th January.

The council particularly needs families from outside the county who would welcome Herefordshire children into their homes and those who could consider older children or more than one child. Adopters are also needed for children with disabilities and babies affected by parental drug or alcohol misuse.

The council welcomes enquiries from people of all backgrounds to reflect those of the children who need adoptive homes. Nationally there is a shortage of adopters for children from black and ethnic minority groups.

There is a rigorous process involved to make sure potential adopters are suitable and psychologically equipped to deal with the emotional issues adoption can produce.

The council is holding an information adoption information morning on Saturday 26th January at Moor House, Widemarsh Common from 10.30am-12.30pm. People interested in adoption can drop in, meet the adoption team, get their questions answered and meet existing adopters to share their experiences. Refreshments and car parking are available and no booking is necessary.

Alternatively the council has an adoption social worker available to talk to prospective adopters every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-1pm on 01432 262830.

'These sessions are informal and fun, providing lots of information and helping potential adopters understand the pros and cons of what can be a very rewarding and life changing experience,' said Councillor Jenny Hyde, Cabinet Member for Children and Young people. 'I would urge anyone thinking about adoption to attend this morning - quite often people think they are too old or their marital status will prevent them from adopting, and this is not necessarily the case.

We need to keep recruiting adopters, particularly for some of the older children who need caring loving homes to live in.'

A survey of people in Herefordshire has shown that around eight out of ten people are satisfied with their local community as a place to live.

The aspects of quality of life seen to have improved most in the last three years are education provision, sports and leisure facilities and access to nature.

The facts have come to light in a survey carried out by the council towards the end of last year. It reveals that around half of the 1,578 people who responded agreed that people from different backgrounds got on well together in their local area.

In relation to council services, while 17 per cent said they were dissatisfied, 44 per cent said they were satisfied with the council - the same figures as a year ago..

Satisfaction with household waste collection has improved by six percentage points up to 88 per cent since last year, while satisfaction with local tips has fallen by eight percentage points to 79 per cent.

Other key findings include:

· For residents, the most common source of information about the council has switched from the local media to information published directly by the council

· 17 per cent said they volunteer for an average of two hours or more per week - similar to last year

· Driving to work in the car is the usual method for 66 per cent of respondents who are employed

· 30 per cent of respondents felt they could influence decisions affecting their local area - similar to last year

· 27 per cent said their local area had a "high" level of antisocial behaviour - no change to last year

A full copy of the survey is available on line and can be viewed at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/research

The Herefordshire Satisfaction Survey will go before members of Herefordshire Council's cabinet on Thursday, 24th January, with a recommendation that the results be used to improve the quality of council services.

Plans for holiday units approved

Plans by a member of Herefordshire Council to convert former stables and a storage building into two self-contained holiday units have been approved by members of the authority's planning committee at their meeting on Friday, 18th January

The site is at Stanley Hill Court, Bosbury, and the applicant is Councillor Kay Swinburne, Herefordshire Council ward member for Ledbury. As she is a member of the council, the application has to be dealt with by the main planning committee.

Bosbury Parish Council felt the scheme would provide more holiday accommodation in the area.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England objected, feeling holiday lets would give rise to increased traffic movement, noise and other disturbance.

One letter of objection was received concerned at the harm the scheme would cause to the amenity of nearby residents.

Weobley homes scheme refused.

Plans to erect six homes and garages on land next to the Methodist Chapel, Hereford Road, Weobley, have been refused by members of Herefordshire Council's main planning committee on Friday, 18th January.

The application was deferred from the planning committee meeting on December 14 because members wanted more information on affordable housing in Weobley.

The site is allocated in the Unitary Development Plan for an estimated capacity of 12 homes of which 35 per cent must be made available for affordable housing. The proposed homes are one two-bed, one three-bed and four four-bed homes, with none of them affordable.

Herefordshire Council's forward planning manager said the proposed density of homes on the site was not in compliance with policy.

The council's strategic housing manager objected to the proposed development due to no provision for affordable housing. The Weobley Housing Needs survey of February 2007 identified a need for a further 11 affordable homes in the village.

Home Point also has 29 households currently living in Weobley who require affordable housing within Weobley.

Weobley currently has 143 affordable housing units, 68 of which are sheltered or for the over 55s.

'This proposal singularly fails to address possibly the most pressing issue for the council in not providing any affordable dwellings as required by the site allocation in the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan, council policy generally, regional policy and national policy,' a report to the northern area planning subcommittee said.

Twelve letters of comment were received from residents, supporting the proposed access to the site although some expressed concern at the size of the planned homes in comparison to surrounding houses.

Plans for four homes in Leominster refused

Plans to build four houses on land next to 44 Vicarage Street, Leominster, have been refused by members of Herefordshire Council's planning committee. The application was deferred by the planning committee when they met on December 14, 2007, with members seeking more information about a public footpath on the site.

Leominster Town Council objected to the application being concerned over the small green habitat area.

Seven letters of objection and one petition in objection containing 29 signatures have been received expressing concerns about flooding, over-development and impact on privacy.

The plans were refused because they were in contradiction of policy DR3 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan which requires adequate safety for members of the public using footpaths.

Plans for 26 homes in Leominster approved

Plans for 26 homes at the former Lambournes site, Ryelands Road, Leominster, have been approved by members of the northern area planning subcommittee at their meeting on Wednesday, 16th January.

The homes will consist of three one-bedroomed flats, nine two-bedroomed flats, three two-bedroomed houses and 11 three-bedroomed houses.

Under Herefordshire Council's Unitary Development Plan, there is a requirement for nine of the planned homes to be affordable.

Leominster Town Council and Leominster Civic Society supported the scheme.

A letter was received from a nearby resident expressing concerns about the scheme leading to vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

Change of use to multiple occupation approved

Retrospective planning permission for change of use of Shaw's House, 18 Old Road, Bromyard, to multiple occupation have been approved by members of the northern area planning subcommittee

The terraced house with three bedrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen, shower room and two bathrooms is currently being used as an unlicensed HMO. Three bedrooms and two receptions are being used as five bedrooms but facilities are currently only suitable for three occupants as there is only one kitchen.

There is a requirement for all HMOs in Herefordshire to be licensed under the Housing Act 2004. Herefordshire Council's private sector housing will serve enforcement notices under this legislation to limit occupancy to a level in line with the facilities available.

Bromyard Town Council objected, feeling it was detrimental to the residential amenity of the area.

Plan for offices and homes in Leominster approved

Plans to erect two offices and ten two-storey homes at 40-42 West Street, Leominster, have been approved by members of the northern area planning subcommittee at their meeting on Wednesday, 16th January.

Leominster Town Council supported the scheme.

Leominster Civic Society objected, saying the proposal constitutes unsustainable over development of the site.

The site is within the Central Shopping and Commercial Area and Conservation Area in accordance with policies in the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan 2007.

Plans for 35 homes in Shobdon approved.

Plans for a residential development of 35 homes on land next to The Birches, Shobdon, have been approved by members of the northern area planning subcommittee at their meeting on Wednesday, 16th January.

The site is allocated in the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan for an estimated 30 homes.

Homes on this site will be six two-bedroomed, eight three-bedroomed, seven four-bedroomed and 14 five-bedroomed. Of these, 12 will be affordable housing, two four-bedroomed homes and four three-bedroomed homes.

Shobdon Parish Council raised no objections but expressed concerns about the sewerage system.

One letter of objection was received from Pearl Lake Leisure Park, expressing concern it could jeopardize their potential for further development.

Plans for veterinary centre at Leominster approved.

Plans for a proposed veterinary centre at Plot 15, Leominster Enterprise Park have been approved by members of the northern area planning subcommittee at their meeting on Wednesday, 16th January.

Land at the Leominster Enterprise Park is allocated as employment land but councillors felt the training element at the new veterinary centre and number of jobs involved overweighed this and supported the plans.

Herefordshire Council's economic regeneration manager had no objection to the scheme, feeling it would allow the vets practice to expand its operations and create new jobs.

Herefordshire Council's forward planning manager, however, objected because the scheme would result in the loss of employment land on the site.

Leominster Town Council recommended approval.

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