Society's Newsletter April 2012

VILLAGE ENTRANCE SCHEME

Hopefully villagers will have noticed the colourful results of the many bulbs we and other volunteers have planted around our district during the winter. A bed of roses (thanks to David Austin for these) has been planted at the end of Patshull Rd - many have said that the show, particularly of daffodils, is spectacular.

SCHOOL AWARDS SCHEME

Entrants for our 2011/2012 Scheme are due in by the end of May 2012 and the winning school will be awarded the Civic Society’s Crawford Cup (currently held by Birchfield School). Certificates will also be awarded to the pupils who submit the best entries. The awards will be presented at this year’s Albrighton Fayre in July. RESCUE OF THE OLD STATION BUILDING

The outcome of our Heritage Lottery Fund grant application is awaited. We are also submitting an application for a Communitybuilders Fund grant to supplement funds which we may receive from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

NEW INITIATIVES

PLANTERS & TUBS

Whilst the Entrance Scheme will enhance the outskirts of our district, many have suggested that we should do something in the village centre. We have agreed to provide “planters” which can be planted up and placed in strategic positions in Albrighton centre and we have already set about buying some. We have applied to our Shropshire Council Local Joint Committee for a grant towards the purchase. If successful, year round planting of flowers and shrubs should again enhance the appearance of our village.

LITTER

It is increasingly apparent that the problems of litter scattered around the village are getting worse. Cardboard, paper, takeaway food packaging, drink cans and bottles are such eyesores. The recently opened fish and chip shop in the High Street has added to the mess in recent months with customers’ discarded food and cartons.

We aim to put pressure on our local government planning enforcement and waste disposal officers to help clean up our village – but they can only do a limited amount. However, before we ask others to solve the problems we have created, perhaps we should remind everyone that it is our village and we residents and businesses should not create the litter in the first place and then what litter there is perhaps we are the ones to help clean it up. We would also appreciate help from villagers, showing community spirit and civic pride, acting as volunteers, to either prevent some of the litter appearing and/or to clear it up.

DOG MESS

Despite the existence of many waste bins dedicated to collection of dog mess, many dog owners continue to flout the law and do not pick up the mess that their dogs make. Large fines can be imposed on dog owners who permit their dogs to foul our pavements and we have been in contact with Shropshire Council’s dog wardens department who have said that regular and unannounced inspections will be made and offenders prosecuted. We are to ask them to reinforce their efforts and to utilise, in cooperation with the local police, the recently completed CCTV system installed in the village – this system should enable offenders to be identified and caught much more readily than hitherto.

PLEASE PICK UP YOUR DOG’S MESS AND BIN IT – DONT GET CAUGHT ON CAMERA.

For more information or to provide any help or support please contact:

Peter Woodman – Chairman (T: 372225) or Rod Smith -Secretary (T: 372765)