News

Get all the latest local and national news from our News Teams

Hospital Radio Local News

Restaurants again probed after immigration raid: Two Indian restaurants in Hereford, Taste of Raj and Jalsagor, are under scrutiny again over alleged immigration offences following a raid that saw several people arrested. The Herefordshire Council is seeking to review their licences. During the operation, four people were arrested and bailed out of the restaurants, while another was found to be working in breach of their visa. This isn't the first time the restaurants have been subject to scrutiny, with a previous license revoked in July due to repeated immigration offences.
31 December 2025
5:00 AM
'Exciting plans' to be revealed as Beefy Boys celebrate 10-year anniversary: The four childhood friends, Anthony Murphy, Christian Williams, Daniel Mayo-Evans and Lee Symonds, began their business in 2011 and opened their flagship restaurant in Hereford in 2015. The team had previously finished in the top 10 at the World Food Championships at the time of their opening. The company now operates in several locations across the UK and is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary with "exciting plans" for 2026.
30 December 2025
4:41 PM
Knife robberies fall and County Lines gangs dismantled: The UK government has achieved significant success in reducing knife-point robberies by 15% since June last year, compared to a 14% rise in 2024. This means almost 2,500 fewer people fear being robbed under the threat of a knife. The government's programme to take down County Lines, drug smuggling networks that often involve children, has resulted in over 8,000 arrests, over 3,000 lines closed, and over 900 knives taken off the streets. Over 4,000 exploited children and vulnerable people were provided support to turn them away from County Lines gangs. There was a 25% drop in hospital admissions for knife stabbings in areas where large quantities of Class A drugs originate. The Home Office's County Lines Programme has also been successful in stopping criminal gangs, safeguarding vulnerable people, and keeping communities safe. The public consultation on proposals to introduce licensing for knife sellers and importers, and stronger enforcement powers are also being sought.
30 December 2025
10:56 AM
Change coming as Left Bank boss set to leave: Gary Waring, the manager of the Left Bank Village in Herefordshire, is set to leave after 11 years in the role. The complex was bought by the Lively family through their Cathedral View Investment business. It was established by multi-million pound supermarket tycoon Dr Albert Heijn and his wife, Monique, and was set to include a cafe and bar, and create up to 35 full-time jobs. Waring praised the opportunity to repurpose the complex into a community hub for Hereford. His final event will be a New Year’s Eve Celebration on 31st December 2025.
30 December 2025
6:28 AM

Five city centre businesses we waved goodbye to in 2025: In 2025, several businesses in the city centre have closed, including Andrew Heaton's second-hand book stall in the Butter Market in Hereford. The closure was attributed to the difficulty of maintaining a business in the current climate. Paul Beale and Craig Stanton's shop, which had previously run a stall in High Town, had taken on a shop unit for a couple of months before deciding to relocate. The owners of Broad Street Italian restaurant Cotto announced it had shut its doors on January 4, 2025, with the premises set to be taken over by the Coffee Cart Company. In August, the Patty Parlour closed its doors permanently on Bewell Street, with a new pub, The Hole in the Wall.
28 December 2025
5:00 AM
New crane could cut river 'bankside disturbance': A proposal for a five-metre-tall "davit arm" for boat launches on the River Wye in Hereford has been submitted, following a larger scheme being rejected due to environmental concerns. The crane is designed to increase the efficiency of boat launches for emergency services and for the club's own vessel deployments. The application is being supported by Vaga Marine Services, which had previously secured government support for a new boat slipway, hard standing area and pedestrian route at the site.
27 December 2025
6:15 PM
Stunning home with stained glass windows goes up for sale: The semi-detached property in Hafod Road, Herefordshire, has been well maintained, blending original period features with modern elements. The property includes six double bedrooms, three modern bathrooms, and extensive garden including a summer house, pond water feature, and a fully equipped kitchen. The top storey of the property also includes a bedroom with views across the county. The listing also highlights modern styling throughout the home, ensuring that the next owner can move in without any work required.
27 December 2025
12:00 PM
Rowing club wants crane to launch boats on river: Hereford Rowing Club has proposed a plan to install a crane for launching boats onto the River Wye, replacing a previous proposal that was rejected by the council in 2024 due to concerns about its impact on the river. The move is being made with Vaga Marine Services, a community interest company that previously secured government funds for a similar project. The new application aims to increase the efficiency of boat launches for emergency services and reduce the risk of river bed and sediment from the water.
27 December 2025
7:15 AM
Hereford's Jungle Mania promised children the "time of their lives": Hereford's Jungle Mania, a popular venue for parties, parties, or a day out for children, opened in December 1993 and aimed at children aged five to 12. The three-level adventure playground featured cushioned play areas and walls covered in cartoon paintings, with trained staff on hand to supervise children. The venue was popular with families for many years and was demolished as clearances for redevelopment took place.
26 December 2025
3:00 PM
'I am not a grinch but some do call me grumpy!' Inside city's quirkiest shop: Dilwyn Jones, the owner of Lock Stock & Barrel in Hereford, has been in the hardware trade for 55 years and has run his shop for 40 years. He has vast knowledge about locks, stocks, barrels, brushes, dishes or hammers and is willing to advise on one screw or one bolt that you may not even know you need. However, he acknowledges that his knowledge comes at a price. Jones has been featured on local radio, online reviews and international television, despite his reputation for being rude. He admits that the industry has changed significantly since the days before, but maintains his expertise and ability to sell hardware.
26 December 2025
12:00 PM
Coal brothers 'deserve a statue' after decades of service: The elderly brothers, John and Philip, have been working for decades at A Reese & Co, a popular fuel supply business in Hereford, England. They have been praised for their dedication to the community and never had a day off. A reader, Allan Davies, argued that they should have a statue erected in the city. The brothers are now enjoying a successful retirement.
26 December 2025
5:00 AM
Firefighters called to house fire with garage 'well alight': Firefighters from Hereford and Fownhope Fire Stations were called to a house fire in the Moor Park area of Hereford on December 24. The fire was extinguished with four breathing apparatus wearers using hose reel jets and a covering jet to prevent the fire from spreading to the house. There were no injuries or significant damage to the garage.
25 December 2025
10:24 AM
13 projects set for boost with £1.9 million funding: A total of 13 schemes across Herefordshire will receive £1.9 million in capital funding through the Community Spaces Capital Grant Scheme. The projects aim to create or improve spaces that promote wellbeing, connection, and inclusivity. Each project addresses specific community needs and supports groups such as older people, young people, and low-income families. All projects are expected to be completed by March 2027.
25 December 2025
5:00 AM
Claims over city bypass traffic challenged: Herefordshire councillor, Coun David Hitchiner, has challenged the council's claim that a new road would remove significant numbers of vehicles from the A465 / A49 junction, the "Asda roundabout". He claims that traffic would not be backed up and that it would not impact traffic crossing the strategically important Greyfriars Bridge. The Cabinet agreed to use a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to acquire land for the new road, which could lead to a public inquiry into the scheme. Green group leader Stef Simmons also criticised the lack of a full strategic business case for the project. The £40 million expected cost of phase one of the project is also being questioned by councillors.
24 December 2025
5:00 AM
Free teddies helping grieving families thanks to kind-hearted woman: Danielle Green, founder of Forever Flowers in Hereford, has started a 'teddy box' at Hereford Crematorium for members of the public to use around Christmas. The 300 free teddies are intended for anyone who wishes to remember their "little angel". They can be taken for free from the box at the crematorium. The donations were made through donations from the community and through knitting groups. The teddy box will remain in place until Monday December 29.
23 December 2025
12:00 PM
Fatal RTC in Hereford - West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust: A man has died and a woman is transported to a major trauma centre following a road traffic collision in Hereford. The incident occurred at the junction of the A419 and A419. The West Midlands Ambulance Service responded to the scene with several vehicles, including three ambulances, a paramedic officer, two Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) BASICS doctors, and two Midlands Air Ambulances. The driver of the second car was assessed but did not require hospital treatment.
22 December 2025
11:11 AM

Record-breaking When Farmers Do Christmas run: The When Farmers Do Christmas Run took place on December 20 in Hereford, with a record-breaking 201 tractors and farm vehicles. The event is a fundraiser for the Midlands Air Ambulance, the Pied Piper Appeal and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals. Each participant had to pay £20 per vehicle to decorate their vehicle in a Christmasy way and money was collected along the route. The run was delayed several times due to the large number of participants. The total raised over £2,000 for these three charities.
21 December 2025 9:02 AM
History of lost city farmer's club that stood for over 80 years: The Cosy Club building on Widemarsh Street, which has stood for over 80 years, has been the most prominent use of the city's Farmers Club since it was acquired by the club in 1927. The club shut its doors in 2012 after it began operating at a loss and it was sent to auction the following year. The building was previously the home of a doctor, a wool warehouse, and the school of David Cox. The Loungers company, the owners of the Cosy club chain, took over the club after its takeover. The site had previously been declared an "eyesore" by the city council and plans to restore its appearance to as near to the original.
21 December 2025 5:00 AM
Prince of Wales agrees to be Special Air Service patron: The Prince of Wales has agreed to become patron of the Special Air Service (SAS) charity, giving royal support to the secretive Army unit. The role was confirmed in a newsletter by the SAS Regimental Association, which looks after serving members and veterans of the SAS. The Prince expressed his respect for the SAS and pledged to ensure its sacrifices and achievements are recognised. He also wished for a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
20 December 2025
2:18 PM
Santas take to the streets in style for annual motorbike run: The annual motorbike run took place in the streets of Herefordshire, taking in toys and gifts from the children of the children in the hospital. The event also included a chance for fans to catch up with each other. The company, which is veteran-owned, was founded by former 22 SAS operator Ben Garwood and aims to bring good people together.
19 December 2025
6:00 PM
'Prolific' drug dealer who 'caused misery in the city' jailed for four years: Charlie Beament, a 30-year-old man from Hereford, has been sentenced to four years in prison for three counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, cocaine, and two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, ketamine. The offences were committed between June and October of this year. Beament was also given two eight-month prison sentences to run concurrently in connection with the ketamine supply offences. The sentence was partly triggered by Beament's re-offending and an additional four months were added to his sentence.
19 December 2025
3:40 PM
Hereford's community music hub plan falls through: Encore Music Hub, a community music hub project in Hereford, was part-funded by £22.4 million from the Government and was key to securing a venue in the city. The original prospectus suggested that part of the Maylord Orchards centre was suggested. However, this plan failed due to planning challenges. Organisers attempted to acquire the now-vacant St Nicholas Church, but this has since been withdrawn. The Stronger Hereford website now lists the project as “discontinued’.
19 December 2025
5:07 AM