Gavin McEwan

England

Local Democracy Reporter at Hereford Times

Local Democracy Reporter based at Hereford Times covering Herefordshire(UK) politics. Chorister/am-drammer/quizzer/cyclist/dad Views my own; retweeted≠endorsed.

Articles

Plan's unveiled for 'urban village' in Hereford

6 days ago | bbc.com | Gavin McEwan

Plan's unveiled for 'urban village' in cityGavin McEwanLDRSParts of Merton Meadow are set to be converted into up to 400 new homesPlans to transform an area of Hereford into an "urban village" have been unveiled. The regeneration project would see parts of Merton Meadow, which is currently a mix of car parks and scrub land, turned into up to 400 new homes.
Councillor rapped for “sexually inappropriate” joke

1 week ago | herefordtimes.com | Gavin McEwan

Ledbury Town Council's offices, where the alleged lewd joke was heard and inset, Coun Bradford (Image: Google Street View) This story is only available to Hereford Times subscribers. Click here to find out why and how to subscribe for exclusive stories. A Herefordshire town councillor has been rapped for telling a “sexually inappropriate” joke, then trying to deny it.
Herefordshire social landlord Connexus job cuts consultation

1 week ago | herefordtimes.com | Gavin McEwan

Connexus' Craven Arms headquarters (from Google Street View) One of Herefordshire’s largest social landlords is consulting with staff on cutting a number of jobs. Connexus, which manages over 10,000 affordable rented homes in Herefordshire and Shropshire, is seeking the views of staff on whether to make redundant or redeploy an unspecified number of workers who are understood to be in trades and supervisory roles.
Where sewage is spilling into rivers in Herefordshire

1 week ago | herefordtimes.com | Gavin McEwan

Residents and councillors from Cusop and Hay-on-Wye say planned new houses will put further strain on a sewage plant by the river Wye (Image: ROB DAVIES) Pollution from sewage treatment works into Herefordshire’s vulnerable waterways rose for the second year running last year.
Herefordshire Council reveals six more roadworks closures

1 week ago | herefordtimes.com | Gavin McEwan

The C1250 between Llangrove and Whitchurch is among minor roads due for resurfacing (from Google Street View) Herefordshire Council has revealed six more roads in the county that are to be repaired – and how much this will cost.
Accused councillor remains in post after illegal gambling charge

1 week ago | herefordtimes.com | Gavin McEwan

Accused councillor Nick Mason, right, speaking at a council meeting (Image: Youtube/Herefordshire Council) Herefordshire’s ruling Conservative group has confirmed that one of their councillors, Nick Mason, is stepping away from the group following a charge against him of illegal political betting. But, it has been confirmed, he remains in post as a councillor while the case is ongoing.
Herefordshire Tory councillor suspended after betting charge

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Gavin McEwan

Image source, (YouTube / Herefordshire Council)Image caption, Councillor Nick Mason, seen on the right wearing a yellow lanyard in the back row, will continue to serve as an independentHerefordshire's ruling Conservative group has confirmed one of its councillors, Nick Mason, is stepping away from the group following a charge against him of illegal political betting. Mason, who represents Weobley ward, was previously the national party's chief data officer.
Herefordshire children's boss was council's highest-paid official - report

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Gavin McEwan

Image caption, Former director of children's services Darryl Freeman left the council last yearA former head of children's services who resigned a year ago was the year's highest-paid public official in the West Midlands, figures have shown. The Town Hall Rich List 2025, published by the TaxPayers' Alliance, states Herefordshire Council's corporate director for children and young people was the highest-paid council employee in the region in 2023-24, earning £264,000.
Tory councillor suspended after betting charge

1 week ago | bbc.com | Gavin McEwan

(YouTube / Herefordshire Council)Herefordshire's ruling Conservative group has confirmed one of its councillors, Nick Mason, is stepping away from the group following a charge against him of illegal political betting. Mason, who represents Weobley ward, was previously the national party's chief data officer. The Gambling Commission said on Monday it had charged him along with 14 others following an investigation into bets placed on the timing of the 2024 general election.
Herefordshire children's boss was council's highest-paid official

1 week ago | bbc.com | Gavin McEwan

A former head of children's services who resigned a year ago was the year's highest-paid public official in the West Midlands, figures have shown. The Town Hall Rich List 2025, published by the TaxPayers' Alliance, states Herefordshire Council's corporate director for children and young people was the highest-paid council employee in the region in 2023-24, earning £264,000. The position was then held by Darryl Freeman, on a published salary of £139,465 – just over half the figure he was paid.