Key council meetings cancelled due to Omicron Covid strain

A council spokesperson said: “Due to recent measures introduced by the government to help reduce the spread of the omnicron (sic) variant of Covid-19, the leader of Herefordshire Council has cancelled cabinet meetings and is recommending cancellation of other face-to-face meetings.

“The chairperson of each committee has the discretion to cancel or postpone a meeting in accordance with the constitution. All chairpersons are being contacted to consider the options and democratic services are looking at all possible options to ensure we can continue to work safely and efficiently.”

A general scrutiny committee this afternoon (Tuesday) to debate the council’s revenue and spending for the coming years, including future council tax rates, has now also be cancelled, along with a planning and regulatory committee meeting due to be held tomorrow (Wednesday).

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A full council meeting last Wednesday was postponed “due to adverse weather conditions and increasing Covid infection rates” and will be rescheduled to a date in January to be confirmed, the council’s website said.

Last week’s children’s scrutiny committee and schools forum were also cancelled, but due to lack of business.

A licensing sub-committee meeting, called to consider a premises licensing application by the Razbari Indian restaurant in Hereford, was also cancelled after police withdrew their objection to it.

And a planned meeting of Wigmore Group Parish Council was cancelled last night, “due to Covid advice received”, the council clerk said.

Leominster Town Council's planning committee did however meet last might to discuss the bid for a large housing development on the edge of the town - story to follow.