The Daily Scoop: Friday 10th January 2025
River sewage fears, bright future for local pub, MP quits and Christmas spending in Hereford make the headlines this Friday morning.
💧Severn Trent “want to set the record straight” over fears sewage will be dumped into a Shropshire river.
A petition “to stop the pipe” has reached over 6,000 signatures, with locals and environmentalists worried that a four-mile pipe will be built to carry sewage effluent from Bishop’s Castle and “dump it” in the river Onny.
🔴Monmouth's Labour MP has hit out at “misleading” claims over a vote in the House of Commons on a national inquiry into so called “grooming gangs”.
Catherine Fookes said the vote had been a “political stunt” and highlighted the legislation, which applies to England only, includes “vital measures” to protect children.
📄The MP for Shrewsbury has resigned as a town councillor.
Julia Buckley served Bridgnorth East for Bridgnorth Town Council.
🍺A prized community asset in South Shropshire is due to be saved.
It was announced last month that Newcastle on Clun Parish Council has been awarded £269,892 for its local project, ‘Reclaiming The Crown Inn for the Community.’
💷 Hereford appears to have defied a national dip in spending in the run-up to Christmas.
Mike Truelove, chief executive of Hereford Business Improvement District (BID) which promotes the city as a shopping and leisure destination, said businesses are reporting that footfall “was definitely up on last year”.
🏦Worcestershire County Council will effectively declare itself bankrupt if it doesn’t get exceptional financial support from the government.
The council is facing a funding gap of £33.6 million for the next financial year, rising to £43.6m the year after.
🟡And finally…Herefordshire TV presenter Richard Hammond and his wife have announced they are splitting up after an "amazing 28 years together".