ALBRIGHTON & DISTRICT CIVIC SOCIETY (ADCS)
Public Meeting and AGM 14th October 2019
Firstly many thanks to more than 170 people who came in spite of the rain and cold windy weather. The Chairman’s Annual Report summarised our main activities.
Bulb planting and Planters Our volunteers have planted more bulbs and a new group of members will shortly plant bulbs in the verge at the end of Fairlawn. Albrighton Parish Council (APC) decided to discontinue their contact with the provider/maintainer of their black plastic planters used in the Summer months. Our Treasurer has therefore discussed & gained agreement for the Council to take over the planting, maintenance and watering of the five concrete planters – by a local landscape garden firm.
Pedestrian Access Ramp This is taking far too long to get back in service but we will not give up and we hope that we are now seeing light at the end of the tunnel. As the ramp is slightly too steep a dispensation against the Equality Act is now being applied for. Consent has been obtained from West Midland Trains and Transport Focus but pressure is on to get consent from Network Rail (NR) and Built Environment Accessibility Panel. We have agreement that NR will install new handrails with built-in LED lighting and that Shropshire Council will construct the new footpath along Station Road to join up with the foot of the ramp – both before March 2020.
Proposed 3000 houses and Industrial Estates north of M54 at Junction 3 near Tong
The Albrighton Development Action Group, a spin-off from the Civic Society, has worked with Tong residents to oppose the proposed development. A too-complicated Shropshire Council Questionnaire, which put people off filling it in, was shortened and hundreds were delivered to as many houses as possible within the short time allowed before the deadline. The vast majority opposed the development. Decision awaited.
School Awards Scheme Congratulations to all children who submitted entries.
This year’s topic: A walk round Albrighton & Donington Nature Reserve. St Mary’s won the Crawford Cup and Albrighton Primary won the runner up Crawford Shield.
Housing East of Shaw Lane Decision on the Appeal is awaited.
Boningale Homes at south of the site - now under construction. Jessup’s 1st and 2nd Planning Applications (north of site) were refused and he has Appealed the 1st one at a Hearing on 18th September. Alb Flood Action Group met Severn Trent and discovered that the Severn Trent evidence provided by Jessup to the Hearing stating “low impact risk” to the Shaw Lane sewer was related to the 2nd Application which did not have the Extra Care Building. This “correction” now notified by APC email to the Inspector.
Garden and Flower Show – Congratulations to all who took part. The Bulmer Cup for the Overall Winner went to Jeanne & Ray Fellows. Winner of Best Window Box was Valerie Jones. Certificates of Distinction won by Peter Mapp and Mr & Mrs Spiers.
Jon Harris, West Midland Trains, spoke about rail travel and Albrighton Station.
WMT gave out a Questionnaire for residents to provide their views on the Station – please take replies to the Library or Cafe 1232 please. Residents complained that the new parking charges are not wanted and will push more cars into nearby streets.
Peter Collins, Co-Chair of Albrighton Flood Action Group provided an update
on Actions to Alleviate Flooding. AFLAG has met Shropshire Council, Severn Trent & Environment Agency and is pressing them to continue their review and to report back. SC has a scheme for resolving the flooding at the Newport Rd Bridge but this is held up due to a dispute with Network Rail. Meanwhile pedestrians, including children going to school, have had to walk along the verge of the A41. If the fire engine is called to an incident north of the bridge it has to go all the way round taking more time. Rectory Road has become full of cars negotiating the narrow single lane parts past the Nursery.
For more information please see www AlbrightonAndDistrictCivicSociety.co.uk or contact:
Peter Woodman – Chairman (T: 372225) 31/32 High St or Rod Smith - Secretary (T: 372765)