Author: FVCA

Reported blocked gullies in Third Road have been cleared.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Swan Lane; a couple have been cleared, one has had the mud cleared from the top of the grid yet there is still mud just below the grid, a couple have been partially “wiped over” and there are still hidden grids that are beneath the mud that has slid from the roadside.  The broken gully grid has still not been replaced and the gully by the gas pipeline is still blocked.

Whether another return return visit is being scheduled, who knows? 

There is still no news regarding repairs to the Swan Lane pot holes and road erosion.

Fibre optic cables have been laid underground to nearly all the telegraphs poles that are connected to the Mount Road junction box in the south of the village.

Work is expected to commence in the next two weeks laying fibre optic cables underground to those telegraph poles in the north of the village that are connected to the Mount Road junction box.

Once underground fibre optic cables have been laid and connected, properties will be contacted to arrange the final Fibre To The Property journey. 

See below email that received on 4^th March in response to the Community Association’s email 7^th February.

From: Clewer, Richard
Sent: 04 March 2021 08:06
To: chair@fvca.org.uk
Cc: Benson, Rachael
Subject: FW: Outstanding Repairs & Improvements to Swan Lane & Wood Lane, Fairfield

Dear Mr Palmer

I am sure you will appreciate that covid restriction together with the recent floods and bad weather have both severely restricted and pressurised our operational ability.

An inspector has visited site this week and new orders have been raised to jet the blocked gullies reported in both Swan Lane and Third Road together with the repair of the damaged covers. Whilst I have yet to receive firm dates for this I would hope that it will be done within the next 28 days.

As previously explained we are unable to dictate to road users directions they wish to take to access the commercial units however signs have been ordered to indicate to drivers leaving the commercial units the direction of the M5 via Wildmoor Lane. I will follow up with the traffic management team as to where we are with these.

Changes to local speed limits require the support of the local member you may wish to discuss with Cllr Webb the speed limit in Swan Lane. However although Swan Lane is derestricted drivers are expected to drive to the conditions of the road. Swan Lane is a typical rural county lane with little development of it and therefore will fit the current speed limits according to the Dept for Transport guidance.

As previously reported, we are aware of the signs directing traffic away from Wildmoor Mill and that Third Road has been assessed.

Mr. Clewer’s email does not mention the blocked Wood Lane gully.  It is not clear whether the jetting of the gullies on Swan Lane will include the unblocking of grids, replacing a broken grid, clearing the blocked gully near the gas pipeline, reconstructing the parts of Swan Lane that have eroded away, filling in pot holes and preventing further mother slide on to the road.

The response to the Swan Lane speed limit is poor; the speed of traffic driving along Swan Lane and the need for a reduced speed limit has been mentioned to County Councillor Shirley Webb previously and the Department of Transport guidance Setting local speed limits paragraph 127 states:

127) Table 2 sets out recommended speed limits for roads with a predominant motor traffic flow function. If walking, cycling, horse riding, community or environmental factors are particularly important on any road section, consideration should be given to using the lower limit.

Table 2 Speed limits for single carriageway roads ^{[footnote 8]} with a predominant motor traffic flow function

The Department of Transport guidance 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 – due to the nature of the road the speed limit could be lowered even further, Swan Lane between the “Devil’s Steps” and Mill Lane forms part of the Monarch’s Way and is used by walkers, including older people walking their dogs, and Swan Lane is often used by horse riders.

Residents may wish to lobby County Councillor Webb and Worcestershire County Council requesting the required repairs and improvements.

Earlier this year, copies of “Expedition to the Mountains of the Scottish Highlands” were sold for a donation. Our generous community donated £83.00, and our “Church Mouse” has asked that we convey his thanks to you, he is very touched by your kindness.

Those of you who know Ian will know that he has not had an easy life and is often marginalised from society. Ian has recently returned to Bromsgrove from trekking and cycling around mid Wales, and will soon be off on another “adventure”, which is helping to improve his physical and mental well-being.

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.