Herefordshire Council

I had a telephone conversation about a payments issue I had and the lady I spoke with was excellent. Polite, knowledgable, patient and extremely helpful. Resolved my concern by explaining things I had missed (yes, my fault). Possibly the best experience I have had with any query about anything.

My wife parked in Gaol street for a regular maternity appointment. Whilst at the hospital routine medical checks found a call for concern and she was triaged immediately and unexpectedly. Her parking went over by 11 minutes and she discharged herself to go back to the car park to sort it out. Even found the warden who ticketed her car and he was very sympathetic and concerned. She appealed and we have received the email today. Absolutely heartless, told her she should have accounted for ‘appointments running over’ it was a medical emergency that she had no control over. To add insult to the injury the council mentioned they have a ‘grace period’ she was 11 minutes over and even found the warden ticketing other people, who told her to appeal it. Awful and cruel.

Rang up Hereford Council today to discuss Rubbish/ recycling. Spoke to Leah, very rude , condescending and not helpful in anyway. Don’t waste your time and expect the very minimum of effort and customers services.

Once upon a time, Herefordshire Council was a beacon for good public transport information. Maps, timetables, comprehensive updates. Now it's just a shadow of its former self and no information at all about a raft of changes happening in parts of its area on 1st September. Hopeless and embarrassing. Not sure how the Council expects to encourage modal shift to buses if it can't get the basics right or in one helpful place (NOT Traveline).

I am born and bred in Hereford in 1964. I live away but have returned regularly ever since to see family. Every time I return I feel very sad to see the town how it is now; empty shops and streets that look tired and dirty. One of the saddest things, for me, and the reason I had to write, is the lack of flowers. As a child, even at a very young age, I remember how pretty the Castle Green was, the flowers beds at the Victoria Bridge and many other places with baskets around. I still vividly remember the road leading to Steels, all along bright stunning flowers. Now High Town and all the places around are frankly a mess and it is worse than having no flowers. I am sure you will say it is cut backs lack of funds but, while it may seem a small thing and low down the list of priorities, it actually gave the town pride in itself and made people proud of their City and cheered them up. I know it did me and my family.