Festive News 2017 | Page 36

PAGE 36 • FESTIVE NEWS • DECEMBER 2016

CITY PLANS FOR A CYCLE TRACK AND PLEASURE BOATS ON THE WYE

By Tracy Morriss Civic Community Development Officer
It has been another busy year for Hereford City Council starting in May with the Hereford City Community Group Achievement Awards quickly followed by the installation of the new Mayor Cllr Jim Kenyon .
The City Council continues to support many city groups and organisations and joint funding to deliver projects to improve the look and feel of the city , benefit residents , bring about community cohesion and enable the communities to do more for themselves . You can find out more about the community grant fund via the City Council website www . herefordcitycoucnil . gov . uk .
With Herefordshire Council cutting so many services and stopping funding and support to many public facilities , the City Council is investigating the possibility of providing some of these themselves . One such service is a tourist information centre which it hopes to deliver from the Town Hall from March next year ready for the start of the new tourist season . The centre will have a manager supported by volunteers . Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the Town Clerk on 01432 260429 .
Another exciting new project at the planning stage is a Close Circuit Cycle Track at Hereford Racecourse which would enhance the existing range of sports facilities there and give greater accessibility to cycling for all ages and disabilities . The Council is also investigating the viability and potential to reinstate pleasure boats back on the River Wye . All the projects will be supported via some precept money but it is hoped a majority of the costs will be covered by grants .
Hereford City Youth Council is near its first anniversary . The young people involved have considered several issues important to young people . Three campaigns were selected . One of the campaigns they are currently working on is ‘ Body Image ’ and they are working on the production of a short video for use in schools and youth organisations . Any young people interested in being involved should contact Tracy Morriss via email tracy @ herefordcitycouncil . gov . uk or Cian Murgatroyd via email cianm @ closehouse . org . uk to find out more and / or to request an application form .
The City Council has acquired a Community Road Show vehicle for community events and displays in High Town , giving the public the chance to engage with the council and its far reaching future plans for the city . It ’ s an opportunity for the public to have its say .
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Hereford City Council introduced the Community Group Achievement Awards to recognise and honour those community led projects already set up and to encourage others to do the same . The result of the three year old scheme has been a huge success with new action groups springing up across the city .
As well as celebrating the volunteer work of those making a real difference in their communities , the awards create a platform for networking and swopping ideas as well as building community pride and improving quality of life .
Speaking at the awards ceremony , Kevin Knipe , chairman of Hereford in Bloom said , “ Hereford is blessed with so many hard working and creative community action groups set up to fill the gap in the wake of Herefordshire Council ’ s financial cuts and they have played a key role in gaining for Hereford top awards in the Britain in Bloom competition . The work you all do to enhance the city for its residents and visitors alike is vital and greatly appreciated .”
Winners of the 2016 £ 1000 award were Putson Community Association ( above ) for its outstanding Saxon Hall Garden created around the
chapel on the former SAS camp and its special ethos of ‘ healing through nature .’ The community garden not only provides enjoyment and stimulation but aims to aid mental and physical wellbeing . Work is in progress creating a sensory garden with students from the local Royal College for the Blind playing an active part ..
Hereford has the wonderful River Wye flowing through its centre and last year a group of artistic volunteers decided it was time the city had a River Carnival and the second event in May was a resounding success and deservedly won them the runner up prize of £ 500 . In third place and winning £ 200 were the Supporters of Belmont Country Park who have taken responsibility for a large open space on the edge of the city and stage lots of community events .