Heathers Report for September.

Severn Trent
As if we don’t have enough problems with our roads, the behaviour of a Severn Trent Water has been a particular source of annoyance to many of us over the last few months.
Like all water companies, Severn Trent have the right to close a road without warning in an emergency i.e. a major leak, broken pipe etc. The problem with Severn Trent is that they allow minor problems to get worse and then close a road without warning claiming that it’s an emergency. They do this without telling the Council, residents or myself under emergency procedures.. A while ago for example they closed the road up to Rorrington Hill and went home for the weekend leaving many residents trapped. More recently they closed the Snailbeach Road at Plox Green without warning and causing residents a great deal of aggravation – a situation made worse by abuse from some of their workmen.
All of this and then we had the leak just above Crows Nest which was reported on 5 July and several times after which was suddenly an emergency closure on 12 September. No permit in place and no warning to me, residents or school transport until it was happening. They intended it to be a 3 day closure. I discussed this with permitting who pressured them to do it all in one day – thankfully. If they had decided to do it in the school holidays it would have caused less of a problem.
Work on the B4499 – the Leigh Road.
For those of you who use this road leading from Minsterley to Brockton the resurfacing and improved drainage works will start on 29 October through to 7 December – they will finish earlier if at all possible.. There are some 24 hour closures but mainly the closures will be 9.30 -4pm. It will be done in phases. If you would like to receive the details on these closures, and have an email address, please ask to be on my email list. Just email me at heather.kidd@shropshire.gov.uk
Speeding through our villages
There have been several attempts to get Shropshire Council to change its policy on 20’s plenty ( a 20mph speed limit) – especially around schools. Both Worthen School and Chirbury School would benefit from a 20 mph limit to make it much safer taking and picking up children from school. We raised it again in Council yesterday (20) they are now offering further work on it. I will be launching a petition for local people, parents and children to sign in support of it.
The Post Office at Hope Village Hall
At long last the lines are in and connected and the lead in to use is underway. The times will not go back to their original time until the Stiperstones Post Office lines are connected and ready to go. Hopefully that will be quite soon! I will email out and let people know as soon as that happens.
If you would like to join my local information email list. Just drop me an email and let me know.
You will have received your electoral roll form in the last week or so. Don’t forget to return them, ring up or do so online and make sure you keep your vote. You never can tell when you might need to use it!
The Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT’s)
The BOATS on Pennerley Hill are in poor condition and heavy rain washes down them carrying stone with it. I finally managed to have a site meeting with Natural England, Countryside and Highways to try to find a way to improve this. We are now all working to find ways to improve drainage and channel the water so that it causes less damage and localised flooding. Stone will then be put back. We do need to keep these accessible for residents and emergency services. I am contacting Severn Trent to see if they will help fund some of the work as they use the BOAT so frequently.
Electoral Roll
You will have received your electoral roll form in the last week or so. Don’t forget to return them, ring up or do so online and make sure you keep your vote. You never can tell when you might need to use it!
Chirbury Community Defibrillator
Fund raising has now reached around £1100 as the Marton and District Young Farmers pledges the Campaign £250. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far. There is a can in the shops to collect any lose change you have too! Don’t forget the Super Dance fund raiser on 2 November featuring Mark Brown. See attached poster.
Speeding traffic in and around Chirbury.
Parent of children going to school , people using the Churchstoke junction and those living on roads around the village are all complaining about speeding traffic and traffic ignoring the basic Highway code. I will be holding a meeting in October as soon as I can find an officer to attend and discuss ways forward for us. I will put up posters and email those of you on my email list for local information. If you would like to join that just drop me an email and let me know – heather.kidd@shropshire.gov.uk