THERE were 12 fatal road accidents in the Herefordshire Council district during 1999, according to figures released by West Mercia Constabulary.

Of the 737 accidents reported during the year, 579 were regarded as 'slight', while 146 were 'serious'.

Meanwhile, of the 135 child casualties, aged five to 16, 13 were treated for 'serious' injuries, with one fatality.

Leominster firefighters found matters fairly well under control when they arrived at a fire at business premises in Bridge Street.

"There was a fire in some timber planks," said Sub Officer Roger Hall, of the Leominster Retained Fire Brigade.

"The property owner had managed to hold the fire at bay with a hosepipe and saved his shed."

THE Hereford-based Martha Trust charity is to benefit from this year's Hergest Croft May Day flower fair.

The Trust has been selected as the partner charity and will receive proceeds from the Russell, Baldwin & Bright auction, stalls and the net proceeds of programme sales.

It is hoped in the region of £2,000 will be raised towards the new therapy wing extension.

THE link between drugs and crime and the effect it can have on businesses will be discussed at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting in Hereford.

'Drug Impact on Businesses' is being held at The Courtyard on May 11, 7.30am until 9am.

Ruth Eaton, of Herefordshire Drug Action Team, will outline the county's problem and the implications for health and safety and quality of work.

Businesses will also be encouraged to join community programmes to tackle the problem.

SUCKLEY Parish Council has been awarded £1,900 to help finance a project to provide a village directory and a photo album detailing properties in Suckley.

The money has come from the Millennium Festival Awards for All funding programme.

THE 2nd Tenbury Guides has been awarded £5,000 to purchase camping equipment to increase outdoor activities.

The money has come from the Millennium Festival Awards for All funding programme.

A SPRING sandwich celebration at the Bell House in Kingsland today aims to raise money for the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford.

Tickets for the event, which continues from 11am to 4pm are available on the door.

THE sixth annual Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival is to be held on September 8, 9 and 10, with a wide range of events and attractions, including the Sausage Trail, the demonstration marquee and the children's marquee.

PLANS to form a new public house, including alterations to the existing faade, a two-storey extension and an external beer garden at 49-53 Commercial Road, Hereford, are now with Herefordshire Council. The applicant is J D Wetherspoon.