Author: FVCA

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.

It is hoped that the annual act of remembrance will take place on Sunday 8^th November.

The current plan is to hold a short service outside the Village Hall, starting at 10.45am, with family groups maintaining social distancing.

This year’s event will be coordinated by the Community Association, liaising with St. Mark’s church.  We will be following Government guidance that is applicable at the time of the service. 

To comply with current guidance; as we are highly likely to have more than 30 people attending this act of remembrance, we are unable to hold an indoors service and provide refreshments after the service, please wear suitable clothing. The Village Hall will be open for the purpose of using the toilets (follow displayed instructions).

Of course, if further lockdown restrictions are imposed, the service may have to be cancelled.  Updates will be provided via the FVCA e-Circular, website, Facebook and Twitter.

The monthly Lunch Group will not meet (in view of the present Covid restrictions) for the rest of this year but we will look at the situation again in January 2021.  We are hoping that the situation will have improved by then (who knows!!).

Bromsgrove District Council and the Community Association have received several complaints regarding residents dumping garden waste in the hedge along Wood Lane.

Bromsgrove District Council placed “No Tipping” signage along Swan Lane in late July, two days later more grass & hedge cuttings had dumped in the hedge.

Residents are reminded that dumping garden waste is fly tipping and, apart from being illegal, can be harmful to wildlife and, if blown into neighbouring fields, livestock.

Please use a home composter or the Brown Wheelie Bin service from Bromsgrove District Council.

Play Area to Remain Closed

On Monday evening (6th July), at a meeting of the Parish Council, which was attended by the leader of the District, Cllr. Karen May, it was decided not to re-open the Recreation Ground play area in line with Bromsgrove District Council’s stance at the time on similar facilities that are in their control.

It was felt that the recently released ”guidelines” set out by National Government cannot be met with sufficient confidence, due to logistics of cleaning, availability of onsite sanitisers etc. and the close monitoring of the site.

The Council will keep the Community Association informed of the situation, which one hopes will in time will lead to the Play Area re-opening.

The Community Association has received the following update from Rachel Benson, Highways & Transport Control Centre Manager at Worcestershire County Council regarding the ongoing work to clear gullies along Swan Lane:

“With regard to Swan Lane, this is a typical rural road in Worcestershire.  There is a drainage issue in the ‘dip’ and it appears that the problem lies with the ditch (where the system discharges into) .  We needed permission from Cadent Gas to do work as there is a pipeline nearby and this resulted in a delay.  We are now focussing on drainage schemes and this location is, and always has been, included on the programme as an interim project.  As with all drainage/flooding work, our priority is always flooded property (houses) or where principal roads are affected.  In the case of Swan Lane, the A491 runs parallel with it and so there is an alternative, suitable route.  It is therefore not a high priority but, of course, we continue to monitor for any changes.
 
It is sometimes the case that gulley lids cannot be lifted because of salt, but that does not necessarily mean that there is or will be a problem.  Gullies that appear blocked (for example along the Stourbridge Road) can still be working effectively despite evidence of weeds/debris.  We are not aware of flooding or ponding water on this carriageway.  There was some initial confusion where our contractor advised us that the work on Stourbridge Road had been completed and this was not the case; I can only apologise for this.  Where this happens, we always examine lessons learned to minimise such events reoccurring.”