Community

Following on from our highly successful 40th Anniversary production of ‘Cinderella’ back in 2019 the Fairbourne Dodders are proud and excited to be spinning into Christmas 2021 with ‘Sleeping Beauty’.

Fairbourne Dodders are looking for people to be involved both on and off stage, so if you would like more information please join their Facebook page or send them a message.

Just a reminder that the ‘Fairbourne Dodders’ represents Fairfield, Bourneheath and Dodford so it would be great if any new or old residents would like to get involved

If all goes to plan with the Government’s Roadmap it may be possible for Community Group Litter Picks to resume from 12th April, subject to compliance with Government Advice and our local assessment, therefore if it possible our first Community Litter Pick will take place on Saturday 8th May, meet outside Village Hall 10.00 am, wear suitable clothing & footwear, litter picking equipment will be provided. 

Of courses, individual households can carry out their own litter picks before this date as part of their daily exercise.

Keep Britain Tidy have announced that this year’s (rearranged) Great British Spring Clean (GBSC) will take place between 28th May and 13th June, i.e. subject to their being no change or delays to the Government Roadmap it may be possible that our Community GBSC will be on Saturday 10th May.

According to minutes, at the February meeting of the Parish Council, Councillors agreed to:

Recreation Ground

1. Sorting the footpath drainage issues.

2. Redevelop corner area garden with input from the school /orchard soil investigation / planting a wild, sensory or ‘wet’ garden. (All are possibly grant fundable).

3. Carparking, while approval in principle by the Council for an extension this is ‘on hold’ due to high cost of quotes received and there will be a reassessment of best use of funds.

Fairfield Village Community Association (FVCA) welcomes 1 & 2, however, it is disappointing that the car park extension is being put on hold, even though the Council had previously agreed in principle to spend £15K and the balance of the project, which we are informed would cost £28K, could be secured from grants, which FVCA have offered to help bid for.

It is understandably frustrating for residents and other users of our community to see that 5 years on from our lobbying and the Council agreeing in principle for a car park extension at their meeting on 3rd October 2016, we still do not have the additional parking spaces in the village to accommodate the vehicles arising from the increased number of spectators supporting Fairfield Villa football matches, the growing Fairfield First School population and community facilities that are enjoyed by many visitors.

Pepper Wood

With regard the Pepper Wood expansion the Parish Council have “deferred decisions on both promoting the appeal for funding by the Woodland Trust, and considering a donation”.  According to the February minutes, the Council “wished to consider the plans the Woodland Trust had for the site including any additional parking facilities.”  The expanded woodland will not be open to the public for many years, as the area is being allowed to rewild itself through natural tree growth. 

The current Chair of Fairfield Village Community Association writes:

“When our AGM finally take places, having served as Chair of the Community Association for 5 years, it is my wish that I am not nominated to serve another year as Chair.  It has been a honour to serve our community and to be a part of the Association’s many achievements, supported by some fantastic residents and committee members.  Please cast the net, or give consideration yourself, for a replacement Chair, who will have a different style and can work to continue making a positive difference for Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge.  I will, of courses, continue to support the Community Association, so whoever is Chair will not be required to do everything that I have been doing, they can delegate.”

Fairfield Village Community Association have become aware of a report given by our County Council to the Parish Council at a meeting of the Parish Council that was held on Monday 1st February, the minutes state:

“C.Cllr. Webb advised that the Traffic Regulation Order (Speed limit reduction from National Speed Limit to 40m.p.h.) for the Stourbridge Road from the Stoneybridge island to the circa the Fairfield village boundary had finished its consultation process, with no objections recorded. She will advise when the signage is to be erected.”

Is “circa the Fairfield village boundary” the planter or as previously suggested moving the 30 mph sign to the entrance of Orchard Farm?

Fairfield Village Community Association have today (1st March 2021) sent an email to Legal Services at County Hall, the contents of our email are below.

If you wish to question that a fit and proper consultation has not taken place, email legalservices@worcestershire.gov.uk (if you could keep us in the loop, it would be appreciated).

Thomas Pollock

Head of Commercial Law, Legal and Governance

Worcestershire County Council

Dear Mr. Pollock,

On Friday 26^th February 2021, we became aware of the draft Belbroughton and Fairfield Parish Council minutes of 1^st February 2020 that records during the item “County and District Councillors reports” the following:

“C.Cllr. Webb advised that the Traffic Regulation Order (Speed limit reduction from National Speed Limit to 40m.p.h.) for the Stourbridge Road from the Stoneybridge island to the circa the Fairfield village boundary had finished its consultation process, with no objections recorded. She will advise when the signage is to be erected.”

Fairfield Village Community Association and residents that we have spoken to over the past few day are unaware of any formal consultation taking place.  Please tell us:

• What was formally being proposed and has been allegedly agreed?
• What consultation took place, including dates of consultation and who was approached?
• What public media was used to promote the consultation and how were members of the public notified of the plans to amend the TRO?

Fairfield Village Community Association had wind of a possible amendment of the TRO in 2019, voicing our concern at a Parish Council working group meeting.

The Association mentioned the possible amendment of the TRO in our email to Mr. J. Hobbs, Director of Economy and Infrastructure, Worcestershire County Council, dated 9th February 2020:

“We are informed that there are plans to reduce the speed limit on the approach to the village from Stoneybridge Island.  This proposed reduction to 40mph is welcomed, however, we strongly object to moving the 30mph marker closer to the village, to the entrance to Orchard Farm, which is at the brow of the road.”

On 5^th May 2020, we received a copy of a report that County Councillor Shirley Webb sent the Parish Council (email below, report attached) in which Cllr. Webb writes:

“TRO from Stoneybridge Island, consultation has started to reduce speed from 60 to 40 mph up to nearby Orchard farm when the speed will then change to 30MPH.  Relining of the road will also take place to give the impression the lane is not as wide.  New painted road signs will also be done at the same time.”

On the 15^th May 2020 we sent Cllr. Webb a response to her report, which includes our comment regarding amending the TRO:

“You state that a consultation has started. As yet the community have not received official notification of what is being proposed. We look forward to receiving and circulating the consultation document. From briefings received to date, we have strong reservations regarding increasing the speed limit from 30mph to 40mph on that stretch of Stourbridge Road between the north planter and Orchard Farm, a point on Stourbridge Road that is a blind spot with brow in the road and nearby access points from residential properties, a farm and a pub.”

According to the Parish Council minutes of 7^th December 2020, Cllr. Webb advised:

“The Traffic Regulation Order to reduce the speed limit on the entrance to Fairfield from the Stoneybridge island was due to start its six week consultation process. Provided there were no objections this should come into force by the end of January 2021.”

Fairfield Village Community Association regular view the County Council’s Public Notices webpage https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/directory/34/public_notices_directory/category/105   where other TRO consultation notices are listed, we have not seen any notice regarding amending the TRO on Stourbridge Road.

As regulations require consultation with ‘such other organisations (if any) representing persons likely to be affected by any provision in the order’, any decision that has been made is must be considered null and void, and an appropriate consultation should take place that includes a full risk assessment due to hazardous nature of what is being proposed.

We look forward to your timely reply.

Yours sincerely,

Conrad

Conrad Palmer

Chairman

Fairfield Village Community Association & Neighbourhood Watch Group

Please share, verbally and through social media, and ask your friends to share this message far and wide to all dog walkers:

“If you Bag It, Bin It, Don’t leave It”.

Once again, dog pooh bags have been left on the ground in Pepper Wood; on Monday 15th February 4 bags were picked up from the bottom of the “welcome” sign at the Wood Lane entrance plus a purple bag left adjacent to the bridle path.

Some people say that they leave a bag to pick up later, the purple bag had been left for over two weeks.

It is NOT acceptable that volunteers have to clear up other peoples’ laziness.

We are fortunate that in Fairfield village you are no more than 1/2 mile from a dog waste bin. Also, if your dog does a mess in Pepper Wood off the path you can leave it, Mother Nature will work her magic and in a few days it is gone.

Work commences Monday 15th February to replace old water pipes in the Bournheath area, which should take approximately two months to complete.

Teams will start at the junction of Doctors Hill/Rock Lane and Valley Road, work will progress along Valley Road and Cockshutt Lane before finishing at the Cockshutt Lane/Snakes Lake Lane junction by the end of February.

The team will then move and restart work on Dordale Road/Yarnold Lane junction (22nd February) and progress along Yarnold Lane until it meets Warbage Lane by early April 2021.

In order to maintain safety, traffic control or road closures will be in place, with diversion routes sign posted.

Preparations for the laying of fibre is complete and contractors, on behalf of Openreach, have started laying the fibre optic cables that will bring Ultrafast Broadband to properties that are connected to the Mount Road junction.

Once underground cables are laid, work will commence connecting properties. It is hoped that Fibre to the Properties will be “live” by early Spring.

Contractors have nearly completed preparatory work that will see ultrafast broadband rolled out to properties connected to Mount Road junction. Indications are that BT OpenReach will be laying fibre optic cables in early spring.

At this stage we are not aware of any timetable that will see properties in our community that are not connected to the Mount Road junction also enjoy the benefits of Fibre To The Property.

Due to popular demand, our community egg stall will return this Friday (29th Jan) from 10am-2pm and all proceeds will continue to go to Parkinson’s UK. A tray of 30 Free Range eggs will still be £2.50.

Dependant on the weather, eggs will continue to be sold outside the main Bumble Hole gates (David Hewston Way, Rocky Lane, Bromsgrove, B61 9HU) or from inside the hut which is just inside the main Bumble Hole gates.

The Egg stall will only continue on a week to week basis if the demand to carry on is there.

As the Fairfield Wombles are having to isolate and shield due to lockdown restriction, we need you to help keep our roads, ditches and open spaces clear of litter.

When out for your daily exercise please help keep your community tidy and safe for wildlife by picking up litter – take with you a pair of gloves and a bag. Only pick up with your hands items that are not sharp.

Along some of our roads and in the hedges grot can be found, please help pick this litter up before the vegetation grow back.

If you would like to borrow one of out litter pick stick do drop us a message admin@fvca.org.uk

Parish Council invites you to have your say next Monday

http://www.belbroughtonandfairfield-pc.info/

It’s been a year like no other for all of us and our Christmas celebrations are also not going to be anything like the sort we normally enjoy.

As usual, however, there will be memorable moments created and a chance to enjoy some time and relaxation with our nearest and dearest.

But in amongst all the changes we have to make to our usual routines, one thing remains the same and that’s the need to remember to take extra care and think about fire safety in our homes at this special time. Simple things such as not leaving candles and cooking unattended and turning off Christmas lights can make the difference between enjoying a memorable festive time and suffering a devastating house fire.

Statistics show that an accidental fire in the home is more likely to happen in December than in any other month and so if the worst were to happen, it’s worth remembering that smoke alarms can buy you vital time to escape. Please consider fitting one on every level of your home.

Giving some thought to having an escape plan in the event of fire could save your life and so it’s worth making sure that all of your house guests are made aware of yours.

There is plenty more good advice on fire safety in the home on our website www.hwfire.org.uk so please check it out.

As always, our crews and fire control staff will maintain their around-the-clock cover across our two counties to help to keep you safe during this festive time.

So on behalf of everyone at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas in the hope that 2021 will be a more normal year for us all.

Present-wrapping, decorating your home and dinner with all the trimmings will hopefully take our minds off other concerns this yuletide, especially now that the Government has given the go-ahead for the Christmas break.

But Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and the national Fire Kills campaign are reminding people that fire safety always needs to stay high on their Christmas lists.

While fire safety is vital throughout the year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant, so HWFRS is asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.

In recent years, excessive alcohol consumption has been a major contributor to fire-related casualties, so if you are having some festive drinks, please don’t drop your guard.

Last Christmas, between 24 December 2019 and 1 January 2020, there were more than 120 incidents in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, more than 30 of which were fires.

Over the Christmas period, more than half of the fires were accidental, including 14 accidental dwelling fires in which cooking was the most common cause. The kitchen was the most common start place for fires to occur.

15% of non-fire related callouts were for road traffic collisions and other vehicle incidents.

There were also more than 50 false alarms throughout the period.

HWFRS Community Risk Manager Emma Roberts said: “Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family. But fairy lights, candles and decorations mean it is also a time to take extra care to keep our loved ones safe from fire.

“Make sure you place candles in suitable holders and away from curtains and, at this time of year, from Christmas decorations, never leave cooking unattended, especially with so much more food than usual on the go, and of course, test your smoke alarms.

“The colder weather brings its own menaces, too. Take care when using portable heaters or open fires to keep warm.”

Here are some simple tips from the Fire Kills campaign to help you and your family enjoy the joys of Christmas safely:

Check your Christmas tree lights carry this British Safety Standard sign

• ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. Test them regularly and never remove batteries.
• never leave cooking unattended, especially the extra quantities for a Christmas meal. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high-risk area.
• never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.
• put your cigarette out, right out. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired.
• never use heaters to dry clothes. Heaters can start fires when things are placed too close to them. Keep them well away from curtains, clothing and furniture.
• don’t overload electric sockets. Ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers
• ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house
• always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.
• do something good this Christmas. Test the smoke alarms of someone you know who may need help such as an older relative or neighbour to ensure their safety.
• make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – in the event of fire you should Get out, Stay out and Call 999.
• watch the Fire Kills campaign’s short Christmas Tree video at: http://youtu.be/hMtjGfr0tYs .

“From everyone at HWFRS, we wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas.”

Due to the increase in dog walkers visiting Pepper Wood, a second bin has been installed in the car park.

Procured and sited by the Pepper Wood volunteers with the help of Fairfield Village Community Association, the bin will be emptied as part of the Parish Council current “dog waste” contract.

In response to a need the Parish Council have agreed to a Community Association request to procure, site and maintain a dog waste bin on Woodcote Lane, on the side of the road where the footpath leads into Nutnells Wood.

Our thanks to the Pepper Wood Volunteers and Parish Council.

Are you living with chronic back pain? Does it restrict your daily life?

The District Council’s Escape-Pain for back programme is designed to help reduce pain, improve your physical function and improve the psychosocial consequences of pain.

Click here for more info – https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/exercise-and-health/community-exercise-sessions/escape-pain-for-backs.aspx

This morning (24th November), the emergency services attended a road traffic collision, involving two vehicles, on Sandy Lane.

2 people received precautionary checks from paramedics, an appliance from Bromsgrove Fire Station was also in attendance.

Preparations continue to deliver Fibre To The Premises, across our community.

Contractors are preparing the underground ducts for the fibre optic cables that will connect telegraph poles to local junctions boxes, which are in turn connected to the telephone exchange.

Once cables are laid and connected to telegraph poles, residents & businesses will be contacted.  OpenReach have produced a video that explains the procedure of connecting telegraph poles to your property.

The Woodland Trust is looking at an exciting opportunity to double the size of Pepper Wood, acquiring 120 acres of adjacent land, thereby achieve some 100 hectares of resilient continuous native woodland.

Pepper Wood is an ancient woodland site, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the aim of the Woodland Trust is to blend opportunities for natural regeneration/ colonisation with sympathetic tree planting, and this will create a significant locally distinctive and accessible landscape asset promoting nature recovery and climate resilience.

To deliver this vision, the Wood land Trust needs to raise £1.5 million to secure the extension of Pepper Wood. A national appeal has been launched, which members of the community may wish top donate to.

This is an exciting project that will have many benefits for our community.

For further information and to make a donation CLICK HERE

Do you know an individual, community group or voluntary organisation that goes above and beyond to improve the lives of others in our county? Perhaps it’s a small group that doesn’t get any publicity or a person who deserves recognition for everything they do.

Winners will be celebrated in spring 2021 either in person or remotely!

Please submit nominations before the 15^th January 2021.

https://www.highsheriffofworcestershire.org.uk/high-sheriff-awards

Responding to the recent break-in at Fairfield First School, the PTFA have arranged a fundraising page to replace the stolen I-Pads.  Pease visit their fundraising website page, your donation will be appreciated. Thank you. https://www.gofundme.com/f/fairfield-first-school-ipad-fund

Please continue to support by buying milk, bread, cakes and take-away meals

Following yesterdays lockdown announcement, Fairfield Cafe WILL be remaining open.

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday of this week the Cafe will be open to dine in but from Thursday 5th November it will be takeaway only.

📱 Please preorder for collection wherever possible to avoid waiting around.⌚

🍰🥖 The Cafe will continue to offer fresh bread and fresh cream cakes but to avoid disappointment please order the day before you’d like to collect to avoid disappointment as we will only be holding a small amount from now on as we are in such an unsure time.🍰🥖

FVCA have been chasing Worcestershire County Council regarding the ongoing outstanding work on Swan Lane.

The Council have provided the following responses:

Blocked Gully at bottom of Swan Lane, near gas pipeline

“This has been placed on a list for ditch digging. The drains on the plan do not work just not as efficiently as they should until the ditch is dug out.”

Blocked gully grids

“The drainage team have advised that they have broken connections along this road and that there are few broken lids, as well as the pot holes that have been marked up for repair.

Having inspected the lane, there are a lot of the gullies are covered in mud. In order to get all of the above addressed, the team are looking to put in place a road closure . At present there is not an advised timeframe for this.”

Unsuitable for HGVs sign

“As for the additional sign- we are looking into it. The consideration is for a sign to be in place when coming out of farm.” [FVCA have asked for clarification regarding sign location]

Weight Limit

“It is advised there is no reason for weight limit to be implemented, as these have to be associated with a weak structure.”

Speed Limit Reduction

“Finally, with regards to the consideration of a speed limit reduction, I have been advised that this is not feasible. The location is derestricted, meaning that drivers should be driving at the appropriate speed to the road, and not at the drivers discretion.” 

FVCA have responded as follows “According to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 section 82 traffic authorities have the powers to remove restricted road status – a restricted road being where “there is provided on it a system of street lighting furnished by means of lamps placed not more than 200 yards apart”, Swan Lane has no street lighting.

Swan Lane is a narrow, winding, low light road, that is regularly used by pedestrians, horse riders as well as motorists; pedestrians are mainly older people.  According to Department of Transport guidance Setting local speed limits paragraph 127 it suggests that Swan Lane can be considered for a 40 mph speed limit, due to, and not exclusively to, the bends, landscaping (that provide low light) and vulnerable road users.  We, therefore, request a reduction in speed limit, in accordance with Department for Transport guidelines.”

FVCA have been provided with following update:  there “is a broken connection and with the drainage team to programme for the appropriate repair”.

Farmers care deeply about the welfare of their animals, and are rightly concerned about anything that could jeopardise their wellbeing. Fireworks have the possibility to frighten livestock, which can lead to lower production and even stock loss. Poultry especially are at risk of a “smother,” where birds huddle together which can result in some birds dying. In addition fireworks can pose a fire risk if hot embers land on barns or in fields of standing crops. 

If you are thinking of marking the 5th of November (or any other event/date) with fireworks, we ask that you consider the safety and wellbeing of neighbours and neighbours animals. It is important to let farmers know beforehand that you are planning on letting off fireworks so they can take necessary precautions to protect their animals. Fireworks should always be used safely, and pointed away from buildings, standing crops, and fields with animals in them.

Always check the government advice before using fireworks: https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law

Full Fibre – Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) – is on its ways, as part of OpenReach’s upgrade of the Bromsgrove network.

In our Autumn newsletter we informed you that over the past few months contractors have been unblocking and preparing underground pipes for the upgrade.

It was initially thought that FTTP in Fairfield would be live sometime during the Autumn.  Contractors have encountered several issues with their preparation work that has delayed the “live” date, with talk now of early 2021.

Residents can register for OpenReach updates, visit https://www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband/fibre-for-home

West Mercia Police are asking those of you planning to take part in Halloween activities to be “s-careful” and follow Covid-19 regulations.

Whilst Halloween is going be different this year, for obvious reasons, we are sure that many of you are still hoping to seize the opportunity to have a good time.

Along with asking you to keep following the Coronavirus regulations (as the vast majority of you have been for the last eight months) we are also asking you to be “frightfully thoughtful” to those living around you. Some people, particularly those that live alone, can find parts of Halloween behaviour intimidating, so please be mindful of this. We have also produced our annual posters to help prevent visitors; these are available from our Safer Neighbourhood Teams and at the bottom of this page.

Chief Superintendent Sue Thomas said: “We want to get the balance right between ensuring everyone is doing their bit to prevent the spread of coronavirus by following the law whilst not stopping people from having a good, safe, time.

“As in previous years, we will have an increased number of officers on duty and will be carrying out additional high visibility patrols to ensure that anti-social behaviour remains low. We will also be engaging with those out and about and encouraging them to act responsibly and reminding them to follow Covid-19 laws. Where we need to though, we will take enforcement action.

“Perhaps most importantly, please remember that if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been told to self-isolate you shouldn’t take part in any in-person Halloween festivities and shouldn’t give out sweets to trick-or-treaters. There are, however, lots of other ways that you can still make a memorable evening for your family.”

If you have any used 5″ plant pots, the church office would be most grateful to have these to use for Mothering Sunday flowers next year.

If you are unable to get to the church office in Belbroughton, leave your pots in the porch of St. Mark’s and someone will take them there.

Diseases found in dog poo can cause abortions in cattle and death in sheep

Local farmers and Fairfield Village Community Association are urging members of the public to clean up after their dogs when walking on or near to agricultural land.

Parasites found in some dog faeces can result in the abortions of cattle and death in sheep and with several reports over recent months, local farmers are pleading with the public to be more responsible.

As the lambing and calving season begins for another year, the message to members of the public is to remember to pick up any faeces from dogs they are walking, including when they are using agricultural land.

The two diseases of particular concern that can be present as a result of faeces on farmland are neosporosis and sarcocystosis.

Neosporosis can cause abortions in cattle and is thought to be responsible for the highest percentage of all cattle abortions reported in the UK. Neospora eggs are produced by infected dogs and excreted in their faeces. Cattle will then become infected if they eat food, i.e. grass, or drink water contaminated with the eggs.

Sarcocystosis is also caused by parasites, which can use dogs as intermediate hosts, and similarly the eggs are produced and excreted in faeces.

In terms of both these diseases, faeces from infected dogs can contaminate pasture and animal feed, water or bedding. There is currently no licensed vaccine or drugs available for these diseases.

Having considered Government guidance and other advice received, the age & vulnerability of members of our community, the limited space around the war memorial and the restricted maximum number of people permitted in St. Mark’s church, it has been decided not to hold a Remembrance Service this year.

Members of the public & community groups may leave wreaths (that are pegged down) and crosses at the War Memorial at a time when that they feel safe to do so.

A national act of remembrance will be televised on BBC1.

The annual Harvest Festival service will take place on Sunday (11th October) at St. Mark’s church.  The short, family friendly, service starts at 11.15 am.

Non-perishable donations only, these will be passed to Foodbank.

West Mercia Police are warning motorists of the dangers that may be present at this time of year as farmers are using the roads more when harvesting and moving their produce, and reminding them that extra care and patience should be taken during this important season.

Agriculture is one of the region’s key industries and this time of year is very busy in the farming calendar with many crops requiring harvest and transportation, often within a short window of opportunity in order to ensure consumers can enjoy the produce in prime condition. However, this burst of activity traditionally sees a rise in road collisions, many of which are preventable.

A significant proportion of the collisions involving agricultural vehicles occur on rural roads with 60mph speed limits, and many near turnings into farms. The typical causes of collisions are poor overtaking manoeuvres and inappropriate speed, with drivers finding themselves unable to stop in time when presented with a slow moving or wide vehicle.  Since the start of 2017 there have been 83 collisions across West Mercia involving an agricultural vehicle.

A further hazard is caused by mud and debris being brought onto the roads by tractors and other vehicles that have been working in the fields. Under the Highways Act (1980), farmers and contractors have a legal obligation to ensure their vehicles are cleared of any mud or debris before entering the public highway. Excess mud on the road is a danger to cars, motorbikes and cyclists and can change the way a vehicle handles, causing skidding, especially in wet conditions.

Superintendent Mel Crowther, West Mercia Police Force Operations comments: “Every year we face problems with agricultural vehicles leaving large amounts of mud and debris on the roads during the harvest season. While the majority of farmers take steps to ensure they keep the roads clear and safe, not all are as diligent.

“We would like to remind farmers and contractors of their responsibilities under the Highways Act and we will continue to take a tough stance against anyone who we believe is being reckless and irresponsible, this also includes other motoring offences such as mobile phone use.

“Although many drivers of agricultural vehicles use the roads in a responsible way, we are reminding them to be aware of the impact they can have and consider other road users while they undertake their work. During busy traffic periods, pull into a lay-by or safe place to allow other vehicles to pass safely, to avoid traffic build-up and prevent unsafe overtaking manoeuvres.  

“We would also like to remind general motorists that extra care and patience should be taken during the harvest season.  While it can be frustrating travelling behind an agricultural vehicle it’s not worth getting impatient and putting yourself and other road users at risk with dangerous manoeuvres.”

Drivers of agricultural vehicles or anyone wishing to report any issues regarding debris or mud on the road should contact West Mercia Police on 101 or online at www.westmercia.police.uk

Last week Fairfield Flicks, which is operated by Fairfield Village Community Association, had their first film screening since lockdown, numbers  attending  Knives Out were low and the Community Association made a loss.
 
Yesterday, Fairfield Flicks screened their second film, Mrs Lowry & Son, which was well received.  Unfortunately numbers were once again low, 9 people including volunteers in the audience, and againthe Community Association made a loss.
 
The low numbers could be that people do not feel confident to support local community cinema, understandably worried about Covid-19.
 
Losses are not something that the Community Association can afford, with available funds very low. 
 
Until the Community Association  committee feels that there is confidence to support local community cinema, and risk to finances changes for the better, Fairfield Flicks will be suspended until 2021.
 
The Community Association  appreciate that there will be some disappointed people, hopefully when confidence grows and infection rates are lower the Association can relaunch their community initiative.

Act on Energy has a free specialist helpline open to all who need help with reducing fuel bills, switching suppliers, support with accessing emergency heating and much more.  The helpline number is: 0800 988 2881 or they can be contact via their website: www.actonenergy.org.uk

NEW Lifeline (run by Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils) offer a free six week lifeline service, including the installation of key safe if required, for clients who are about to leave hospital and would benefit from Assistive Technology.  Contactless installations are available and no landline is required.  A leaflet with further details on the 6 week free trial is attached and more information is on the website, which includes a short YouTube clip on how the service works: www.newlifeline.org.uk/contactless.   

For further information, please call 01527 534060.

The Community Garage Sale on Saturday 19th September has been CANCELLED

Mark Jackson OBE, Worcestershire’s High Sheriff, thanking our emergency services on 999 Day (9th September 2020)

Here are eight reasons why you should support Fairfield Cafe, Post Office, Salon & Belbroughton Deli:

1. Help local retailers and support the local economy

Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the local economy, and by spending money in their local shop, restaurant, café or pub, shoppers can do their bit to aid our national recovery across the country.

2. Save jobs – and create even more

Supporting our high streets creates jobs in local communities, supporting often young and disadvantaged people to find employment. Helping to grow the number of jobs in our local areas makes for a better place to live and work, which then creates a healthy economy for the community.

3. Great deals

People might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in your local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers, while others often provide great deals that can’t be found in major outlets – meaning people save money as they spend. Consumers can also save money eating out – the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme is being provided by the government, saving diners up to £10 per head on eat-in meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in one of the 73,000 participating businesses.

4. A safe way to shop

Businesses across the country have been following government guidance and implementing a range of measures to ensure people are safe while they shop, such as customer limits inside the store, plastic partitions at tills and hand sanitizing stations.

5. Preserving the heart of the community

A thriving high street is key to boosting the potential of a village or town where people can socialise as well as shop. Local businesses also generate revenue to support council services such as libraries, parks and roads that benefit communities across the UK.

6. Spoilt for choice

Small and local businesses often stock items which are made locally and aren’t available elsewhere else, providing a great range of choice and unique products that bring much-needed originality and variety into communities – including rare finds and items that aren’t mass produced.

7. A better shopping experience

Small businesses are often run by people who live nearby. As the UK continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face offers a dose of normality that many people may have missed.

8. Help the environment

Local shops often source their goods locally, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping local, people are also more likely to walk or cycle to get there – doing their bit to reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve the quality of the nation’s high streets.

Fairfield Flicks will restart in September, with some great films in the Autumn schedule.

For the time being there will be some changes:

• There will be no refreshments or popcorn on sale.

• Chairs will be spaced 2 metres apart.

• Face coverings are to be worn by everyone in the Hall – it will be a legal requirement for face coverings to be worn in Community Centres, Cinemas and other buildings from 8th August.

• People wishing to see the films we are screening are encouraged to pre-book to avoid disappointment. Door sales will be possible for any unsold tickets. To reduce cash handling, payment by card will be accepted.

• The price of afternoon tickets will rises to £4.00 per person. Evening screening will remain at £5.00 per person.

For details of the films that will be screened this autumn, plus full revised Booking & Visitor information CLICK HERE

Do you know someone who is vulnerable and struggling at home with fire safety?

Why not see if they can book a free home Safe and Well Check with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. Please go to their website for more details and information about social distancing:  CLICK HERE

Full Fibre – Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) – is on its ways to properties that are connected to the Mount Road junction.

Over the past few months, contractors on behalf of BT Openreach have been unblocking and preparing underground pipes. Firm dates are unknown, we understand that BT Openreach will be laying the fibre this Autumn.  Initially the fibre will be laid from the Mount Road junction, through the underground pipes to telegraph poles near peoples’ properties.  Eventually, the fibre will continue to properties, so there will be no need for the currently copper wiring.  At this stage we do not know what the arrangements will be to get fibre between the telegraph pole and property.