It’s a great joy to see spring coming, but the storm-clouds from the Iran war are deeply troubling. I was struck by hearing a government minister commit to support and protect energy intensive industries; I have doubts that they will do the same for energy dependent industries such as farming, which is under so much pressure at the moment. And of course, at least as I write this, the cost of domestic oil is horrendous – the promised money that at some point the Council is to distribute is pitiful, working out at about £40 per house with oil-fired central heating. I’ll continue to make both points to “the powers that be” and try and make sure that what help there is properly delivered.
On local matters, I’m glad to see that the signage for Tyrell’s/KP Snacks have at last been put up. This has been dragging on for years (at least 2022), but we were able to get it rebooted late last year. Hopefully the new signs, and improved instruction by Tyrells/KP, will reduce the number of HGVs coming down Dilwyn Common.
Of course, the problem in Dilwyn Common at the moment is the ongoing issue about Welsh Water and the pumping station. The extensive works last year have helped, but not sufficiently. I continue to put pressure on Welsh Water to address the clear problem of failure in the system between the pumping station and the treatment plant, as well as with Herefordshire Council drainage to try and make sure that we can get water away from the area, into the brook. And I’ve raised my frustrations with Welsh Water about their tanker being parked there, often with the driver asleep! Many of you will have seen the recent documentary about the water companies, “Dirty Business” – it’s a thoroughly depressing illustration of how difficult it is to get to the bottom of what needs to be done. But I continue to hammer at the door. And when this is all done, we’ll have to get the verges repaired.
There will be some remedial work on the A4112, at the site of the road closure last year, scheduled for the night of the 17th April (8pm-6am), and I’m delighted to have had it confirmed that repairs to Watery Lane and the Pitch will be undertaken this year, although we do need to get the drainage sorted first.
A few highlights of news from Herefordshire Council:
- We are seeing progress on the infamous bypass, with initial contracts, relating to phase 1, awarded. I remain nervous as to delivery, particularly as completing the whole will require some largesse from HM Treasury, but I am convinced that it is absolutely essential for the city and the county as a whole.
- I was delighted to see work underway on reducing special education needs travel costs, and I am continuing to work with officers to address some of the issues around school transport.
- We have been able to continue the funding for local parishes for drainage, footpaths, and the Lengthsman scheme. This is a really important way to allow maintenance to be done locally, quickly, and at reduced cost (and I’m delighted to see it being used by many of “my” parishes).
- We continue to develop what will happen when the Balfour Beatty contract ends in June. It won’t be a magic wand – the challenges are very real, but I am confident that we will be able to deliver better value for services, and most importantly by taking some of the functions previously managed by BB back in house we will have closer control. I’m glad to have been promised better reporting systems (including being able to track when potholes are being repaired!)
My personal highlight of the last month was helping with the concrete pads for the footpath bridge, a replica of the one delivered by the Weobley Footpath Team. There’s something so much more enjoyable in “proper work” than just pushing paper and emails! By the time this is published, the bridge should be complete, again at an absolute fraction of what it would typically cost the council. The news is spreading quickly, and we’ve now engaged the engineering university in Hereford, NMITE, to get involved in how we can solve local problems better, and at lower cost.
As always, there’s much more on my Facebook page or my website; buses, local government restructure (headline: I’ll keep fighting for Herefordshire not to become a forgotten outpost of some West Midlands blob) – or just get in touch on [email protected] or 07884 268624