Notices

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.

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.”

The Great British September Clean
11-27 September 2020
Fairfield Village Community Association is thrilled to support  Keep Britain Tidy’s launch of the Great British September Clean.

We’re calling on you – our #LitterHeroes – to be part of the pick and do your bit to care for the environment on your doorstep, as we join forces to collect and safely dispose of litter from our community’s roads and open spaces.

So join us, as we stand together and declare that litter – which degrades the beauty of our environment and threatens to harm wildlife – is not acceptable.

There’s two ways you can get involved and show support for the Great British September Clean:

1. Organise a private group clean-up with up to five family & friends.

2. Pledge to do your own individual clean-up, you can give as little as 15 minutes to the campaign.

To join us in tidying up Fairfield, Wildmoor and Stoneybridge, pledge your support visit https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean/

If you need to borrow litter picking equipment email admin@fvca.org.uk

At 5pm yesterday evening (5th July), residents from across Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge came out on their doorsteps to wish the NHS a Happy 72nd Birthday and applauded all Key Workers for their service.

Due to the current situation, the annual Retro Run is gonna try something a little different this year.  With your help, Retro Run 2020 will span the Midlands and beyond!!

Over the coming weeks post a picture of you and yours on a ride, try to make it interesting with fancy dress, funky bikes and for a bonus point why not fish out a vintage Retro Run t-shirt!

Post your pics on the Retro Run Facebook page & hashtag #retrorun2020 Get them posted by the 4th July..

Best entry picture wins a prize!!!  The winner will be revealed on the 4th July via a live stream.

To help raise funds for this year’s chosen charity, please make a donation to the JustGiving page for Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/retrorun2020 .

So come on, join in and let’s have some fun!

*Please remember social distancing

Fairfield Villa have announced, with regret, that that they have decided to withdraw their reserve team from the MFL reserve league for the season 20/21.

Dave Smith, the Reserve’s Tea Manager, has decided to step down, to be spend more time with his family, and the Club has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Reserve team.  Dave will still stay on as a committee member.

Dave said “I have enjoyed my time at a wonderful club however family commitment are such I needed to step away and concentrate on home life.”  “I’ll look to recharge the batteries and who knows what will happen.”

Fairfield Villa Football Club would like to place on record their thanks to Dave Smith, his staff and the players for their hard work and effort over the last 2 seasons.

The Club Chairman said “It has been a pleasure to have Dave at the club he has been a model reserve team manager who understands his role and does it very well. Let’s hope it’s not the last we see of him at our club”

Keith Draper, Manager of the First Team, has extended a welcome to the reserve team players to continue at the Club pre-season as they prepare for the new season.

Following a column strength testing, a Stourbridge Road street light column near the north planter is deemed to be a ‘category 5 status’  and thus in a potentially dangerous condition and as such Worcestershire County Council will be arranging for its removal.    It’s not a given that a new column will go in the same day but that should occur shortly afterwards.

The Community Association reported to the County Council that there is a blocked drain at the Stourbridge Road – Fairfield Court service road junction.

A response has been received by the Council saying that the gully “is under investigation, but may involve other utilities so wont be a quick fix.”

Due to Coronavirus and that many household have not been able to prepare for Floral Fairfield there will be no judging of front gardens, tubs and baskets.

Instead, why not take up our Blooming Wildlife Challenge? 

Many residents took part in No Mow May, so why not take up our new challenge and give your grass a Mohican hair-cut (or should that be MOW-hican?) and see what wildflowers grow and wildlife it attracts, then take photos and send to admin@fvca.org.uk, so that we can share with the rest of our community.  

If you feel really wild, add a bug box and some other wildlife friendly features to your garden.

Here’s some mowing tips:

• Long-grass. Leave some areas of your lawn completely unmown to allow a wide diversity of short and tall plants – such as knapweed, scabious, Lady’s-bedstraw, wild carrot and orchids – to flower. These areas should be cut with a strimmer or scythe in late summer or early autumn (ideally August, September or early October) and the grass removed. Cut again with a lawn mower on its highest setting once or twice before February, again removing the cuttings, and then leave the grass to grow from March onwards.
• Short-grass. For other areas of lawn, and for paths in and around the long-grass, cut to a height of 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) once a month to allow small plants like white clover, daisies and selfheal to flower. You’ll cut off some flowers when you do mow, but they’ll come back quickly. You can even rotate cut areas around your lawn so you always have some in flower.

The proportion of long and short grass doesn’t really matter – it’s up to you and what works best into your garden. What’s important is to have two different heights of grass, as this creates very different flower-rich habitats that will be used by a whole range of wildlife – it’s particularly beneficial for insects and also provides both cover and open spaces for birds and small mammals.

Due to there being no dropped kerb, the elderly and people with mobility aids have found it difficult to cross Yew Tree Lane at the junction with Stourbridge Road, requiring these pedestrians to cross Stourbridge Road, twice if they wish to get back onto the original side of the road.  The Community Association and the Parish Council, over several years, have asked for a dropped kerb to be installed.

In the County Councillor report of May 2020, Cllr. Webb writes:  “There is very limited visibility when crossing Yew Tree Lane from the direction of number 25 Stourbridge Road. The whole idea of a dropped kerb would be to accommodate the likes of a mobility buggy, bearing in mind that the occupant would be seated up to 800mm from the front of the buggy they would have to drive onto the road before they could see around the corner, which could result in them being hit by an oncoming vehicle. For this reason the specialist team have drawn up a scheme that crosses the Stourbridge Road. The cost of such a scheme will be in the region of £10,000.”

The Community Association in a response dated 15th May wrote “Considering that traffic surveys in 2016, 2017 & 2018, taken adjacent to 24 Stourbridge Road, record vehicles driving in excess of 40mph, between the hours of 7am and 7pm, with some vehicles driving at speeds in excess of 50 & 60mph, such a proposal does raise eyebrows. We would not want to put someone at unnecessary risk crossing such a fast road.”.  The Community Association asked for sight of the proposal and requested “sight of the proposals and that a consultation takes place with the community and local equality access groups.”.  The Community Association are “very concerned that any proposal to make individuals cross the Stourbridge Road will means that they will have to cross Stourbridge Road twice to get back to the side of the road for the Post Office etc instead of just crossing Yew Tree Lane once. We are quite certain that it would be very much safer for a mobility scooter to cross Yew Tree Lane once than cross Stourbridge Road twice. We are happy to discuss local proposals, which would need local consultation.”

The Community Association have now received a copy of the proposal plans, below, that will require pedestrians – the elderly and those with mobility aids – to cross the busy and at times fast Stourbridge Road twice.  The pavement at the points of crossing will be tactile.

The Community Association welcomes your feedback on the proposals, email admin@fvca.org.uk.  You can also contact our Divisional County Councillor, Cllr. Shirley Webb, by emailing SWebb2@worcestershire.gov.uk

Please do not release rubber or foil balloons, they can land in fields & get eaten by livestock or bale wrapped with silage or hay. Livestock don’t know that eating the balloon is bad, but if ingested they choke to death.

Fairfield Village Community Association would like to make available to residents recent communication between the Association and our County Councillor regarding local traffic issues.

At the beginning of May 2020, Cllr. Webb circulated her Fairfield Report:

The Community Association, having considered the message received from residents at the Association’s AGM on 7th March, responded to the report raising ongoing issues, challenging some of the report’s content and seeking answers:

On the 22nd May 2020, The Community Association received a response from Cllr. Webb, which will be considered by the FVCA Committee.

As always, the Association seeks the views of residents to help formulate any further responses and actions. Please email admin@fvca.org.uk or message via Facebook.

The hardstanding that been laid south of the mini-island.is for the Safer Road Partnership enforcement van. They will be making periodic visits to the village to carry out speed enforcement.

Vehicles have been recorded driving at the point of 24 Stourbridge Road in excess of 70mph. Enforcement is one way of slowing down vehicles.

The Community Association has made great progress over the past few years (until 2016 you could drive through the village at 60mph and not get fined, FVCA fought for the 30mph to be legally enforceable) and is fighting for Road Tables at strategic points.

When Crossings were discussed in 2016, former County Councillor Sheila Blagg informed the Community Association that to install a Crossing would cost in excess of £100,000.
 
An installed Crossing would only slow vehicles down should someone be crossing or about to cross at that point.  The Crossing would only serve as a safe crossing point at that point along Stourbridge Road.
 
Should funding be found for a Crossing (a minimum 10 year waiting list and not guaranteed) and agreed by the Community, the Crossing would be sited near School Drive and there would be some potential negative consequences, e.g. either side of the crossing would be no parking zig zags that would stop vehicles parking alongside the church wall, the only place in the village where parking in the village is the most convenient.  Further lack of convenient parking may have an impact on village retail outlets and will push more School Parents parking onto narrow side roads, something that is going to get worse with up to an additional 35 vehicles coming in to the village each day with the school expansion. 
 
Parking and Speeding are big issues and requires a mixture of measures to help make Stourbridge Road safer for the whole length through the village and not for just one point.  The Community Association is pushing for Road Traffic Tables at strategic locations, e.g. at the village entrance.
 
Like you, the Community Association is frustrated at the lack of speed to get issues addressed.  Getting the County Council to spend the required money in Fairfield is a painful process.