James Pearson

1 month ago | bbc.com | James Pearson

Town's MP urges Post Office not to close branchJames PearsonBBC Political Reporter, Hereford & WorcesterBBCRedditch's Labour MP Chris Bloore warned that closing the town centre branch would remove "essential" face-to-face support constituents relied on for banking, bill payments and other servicesThe MP for Redditch has urged the Post Office not to close its "lifeline" central branch in the town.

1 month ago | bbc.com | James Pearson

New law proposed over River Wye pollutionJames PearsonFriends of the lower WyeCampaigners have been complaining for some time about the decline of the riverA new law has been proposed to mandate the government to clean up pollution in the River Wye. Hereford and South Herefordshire Conservative MP Jesse Norman presented a bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday. The bill co-sponsored by North Herefordshire's Green MP Ellie Chowns.

1 month ago | bbc.com | James Pearson

Village next to prison sees rise in illegal dronesJames PearsonBBC Political Reporter, Hereford & WorcesterPA MediaThe prisons watchdog warned that drones delivering weapons to HMP Long Lartin represented a national security riskDrones dropping suspicious packages, fireworks used as distractions and arrests in the dead of night are some of the things villagers living next to a high security prison have witnessed.

2 months ago | bbc.co.uk | James Pearson

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, A total of £315m is being offered to five West Midlands councilsExtra support worth £315m is being provided to five local authorities in the West Midlands to help them cope with pressures on their finances. They are among 30 councils across the country being assisted by the government during the 2025-26 financial year to protect the services they provide.

2 months ago | bbc.com | James Pearson

Town centre improvements 'disruptive' for businessesJames PearsonBBC Hereford and WorcesterShehnaz KhanBBCHerefordshire Council confirmed the works in the town centre were now completeTraders in a Herefordshire town have said months of roadworks in a town centre had been "disruptive" and caused a major downturn in business. Mark Parry, from Parry's Fruit and Veg, said the disruption from the works had been "quite horrific", with customer access to the shop and deliveries the main issue.