Day 59 of (is it?) Lockdown – the eCargo edition

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Day 59 of (is it?) Lockdown

Day 59 sees updates from CBC, ECC & HMG:

Continue reading “Day 59 of (is it?) Lockdown – the eCargo edition”

New primary school places?

New primary school places?

You have until 31st January to share your views online about proposals to create 1,085 new primary school places across five existing Colchester schools from September 2018. All five projects would involve new teaching blocks, enhanced external areas for outdoor PE and play spaces, and increased car parking.

West Bergholt falls into the Colchester north and rural northeast zone where the following is forecast: Continue reading “New primary school places?”

Bus Service Strikes Tree in New Church Road

fallen tree after bus strike
Part of the tree completely blocks the road
bus strikes tree
Quickly on scene to assess action required

Bus Service Strikes Tree in New Church Road

Earlier today there was an incident in New Church Road whereby a bus struck a tree causing the road to become blocked and passengers, none of whom are believed to have been injured, to be evacuated from the vehicle.

It is understood from early reports Continue reading “Bus Service Strikes Tree in New Church Road”

Vacancy at Fordham All Saints

Fordham All Saints

Fordham All SaintsVacancy at Fordham All Saints

Fordham All Saints have a Midday Assistant Vacancy.  Would you like to work with wonderful children and help them at lunchtimes?  Do you want to work with a small team with flexible hours?

We are a friendly, successful school, committed to the highest possible standards of learning and teaching. We take pride in our Christian values and heritage that enable children to develop a love of learning, a spirit of enquiry and a determination to succeed. Our school is set in fantastic grounds and is proud of its links with the local and wider community.

We now need a midday assistant to help set up the hall for lunch, serve drinks and help children during their time in the dining room and then on the playground with games and activities.  You will be fully supported in your role!

We would like to hear from anyone who could be available from 11.45am-1.15pm from 2-5 days a week in school term time?

£7.43 per hour

Please contact the school office:  01206 240251 or e-mail:  [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]

Lollipops Required

School-Crossing-LollipopSchool Crossing Patrol Officers sought

Essex County Council have vacancies for a number of school crossing patrol officers including in the Colchester area.   ECC are asking you to support your local school by being part of a dedicated team who are valued within your community.  They offer:

  • Good rates of pay,
  • Full training,
  • Uniform & equipment provided,
  • Term time only,
  • Morning & afternoon, up to 2 hours per day.

For more information they ask you to contact the School Crossing Patrol Team on 03330 136687 or by email to [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Current vacancies

As of 25th September the following vacancies exist:

  • Ghyllgrove Primary – Basildon
  • St Ann Line Inf & Jun schools – Basildon
  • Kingswood Primary – Basildon
  • ST Marys C of E – Kelvedon
  • John Bunyan Inf &Jun Schools – Braintree
  • Brentwood School – Brentwood
  • St Martins Secondary School – Hutton
  • Old Heath Primary – Colchester
  • Kings Road Primary – Chelmsford
  • Kingston Primary – Benfleet
  • Jotmans Primary –Benfleet
  • Perryfields Inf & Jun School – Chelmsford
  • St Michael’s Junior/Galleywood Infant – Galleywood
  • The Cathedral Primary – Chelmsford
  • Melbourne Park Primary – Chelmsford
  • Milldene Primary – Colchester
  • Tiptree Heath Primary – Tiptree
  • Cherry Tree primary – Colchester
  • St Georges New Town inf & jun schools – Colchester
  • Upshire Primary – Epping forest
  • Whitebridge Primary – Loughton
  • The Alderton Primary – Loughton
  • Hare Street Primary – Harlow
  • Pear Tree Mead Primary – Harlow
  • Latton Green Primary – Harlow
  • Lawford Mead Primary – Colchester
  • Holland Park Primary – Holland Park
  • Rolph Primary – Tendring

There are also 4 mobile staff vacancies – these cover Maldon, Braintree, Chelmsford and Brentwood.

Local youngsters appointed Stanway’s Head Boy & Girl

Stanway SchoolIt can’t be usual for two youngsters from the same village to be selected as Head Boy & Head Girl but that is what has happened with Jamie Bowden and Hannah Woodgate assuming those roles at Stanway from September.  Asked about the selection process the Assistant Head, Chris Johnson, said:

The process starts after Easter when all year 10 students are invited to apply for the position of prefect for the following year. Out of a cohort of 220 approximately 80 students are interviewed and prefects are selected by the Heads of House. From the 60 prefects selected, applications are invited in writing for the position of Head boy and Head girl. This year there was a particularly strong field of 20 girls and 12 boys who applied. These were then interviewed by the senior management team of the school and 4 boys and 4 girls were short listed for the final interviews with Mr Holder and Mr Bland next years’ Head teachers.

As you can see the process is extremely challenging and all students who apply are to be commended for their commitment to the school. The standard of applications this year was exceptional and some very difficult decisions had to be made. We would all like to congratulate both Hannah and Jamie on their appointments and wish them every success in carrying out their duties next year.

Well done both and we are sure you will do the village proud!

Village Traffic Safety Plan

traffic safety plan for West Bergholt
Overview of part of the new plans – see below for full size copies

In response to issues raised by village residents in the Parish Plan of 2009 the Parish Council spent nearly two years consulting various parties before producing last year a Traffic Safety Plan for the village.   The plan was endorsed by the Local Highways Panel and formed the basis for the funding for the projects under current consideration.

Early indications from the comments on the returned questionnaires from the whole village for the present Neighbourhood Plan are that the most pressing concerns of residents continue to centre on traffic issues, and in particular speeding and parking.  The particular dangers are perceived to be in the areas leading up to the school and the Co-op, both of which provide vital services to the village. Clearly many would support actions to address these dangers.

The Parish Council is now actively pursuing the implementation of this Traffic Safety Plan and is engaged with Essex County Council (ECC) engineers in drawing up plans for safety works in New Church Road.  These will inevitably involve some restrictions on the speed of traffic and parking.  The Council is committed to ensuring that the measures have a positive impact by meeting the aims of the plan whilst at the same time considering the views of village residents.  The intention is to create an environment where parents of older pupils at the school feel safe in allowing their children to walk, or even to cycle, to school unaccompanied thus removing the need to use their car.  This clearly does not exist at the moment and to do nothing will not improve safety.

Set out below are the proposed measures for adoption recommended by the Parish Council.  Any suggestions for changes will be considered before a final version is submitted to ECC Highways for the portfolio holder’s approval.  Once obtained formal notices of the works to be carried out will be published by ECC.

  1. No parking double yellow lines for 15m (the statutory length) at each junction with New Church Road.  This will enable enforcement to be carried out by the relevant authorities.
  2. A low level rectangular table at each end of New Church Road.  The aim is to check driver speeds and raise awareness of potential pedestrian presence ahead.  It is likely that low level lighting will be needed at these points – no specific plans are currently available.
  3. Time restricted parking (single yellow line) for about 20m spanning the footpath from Mumford Close into New Church Road together with minor works to improve the crossing point. This is considered essential at school journey times to give children a clear view down the road.
  4. Time restricted parking from the zig zags for 20m towards Lexden Road.  Designed to give a clear view around the dangerous bend in the road.
  5. Improved signage at the junctions of New Church Road with Chapel Road and  Lexden Road and of School Lane with Colchester Road.

A composite plan and detailed plans for each of these works are shown below.

In addition to these measures the Parish Council is considering making an application for a 20mph speed limit in New Church Road and School Lane. This application is more likely to succeed if the above measures are implemented first.  Please send your comments on the recommendation and the introduction of a 20mph speed limit to the Parish Clerk – Mrs Val Walsom, 17 Armoury Road, or preferably by email to [email protected].

Traffic Safety Plans

New Church Road nr Heathlands

In recent years village residents have become increasingly aware and concerned by the deteriorating safety aspects relating to the level of road traffic in West Bergholt, particularly in the environs of Heathlands Primary School.  Parked vehicles in and around New Church Road, particularly in the area of the school in term time, at school opening and closing times and around the area of the Co-op store are known traffic hazards.

In order to improve this situation the Parish Council has approved a traffic safety plan to address these concerns.  The plan has at its core the following statement:

 “The Parish Council has a vision for the future travel environment in the village where walking and cycling become the preferred modes of travel, that traffic levels and parking do not dominate our village and that the safety of adult and child pedestrians remains paramount”

An enhancement in levels of safety, both perceived and actual, is the fundamental aim of this plan and its objectives are to:

  • Improve all aspects of road safety for Heathlands School and nearby feeder roads.
  • Manage traffic in a way that prevents congestion, delays and maximises safety.
  • To improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Maintain access to important travel destinations.

It is felt that these aims and objectives can be achieved by restricting parking in the areas that present the greatest dangers while at the same time providing alternatives for parking, particularly those parents who find it necessary to use a car to transport their children to school. Means of slowing traffic are being considered while at the same time facilities are improved for pedestrians and cyclists.

These measures do depend on the support and agreement for funding of Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council. Some progress has been made and it has already been agreed to construct a “build out” in New Church Road around the exit of the pathway from Mumford Close.  This will provide extra safety for pedestrians and at the same time have the effect of slowing traffic.  Better signage for traffic around the school is also being given high priority.  Discussions are being held with the school to determine how the plan can assist in its efforts to ensure that pupils can travel safely to school.

A full copy of the plan can be obtained from the Parish Clerk or Harry Stone by Email at [email protected]

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Proposed Expansion to Heathlands School

The following announcement has been made by the school’s Chair of Governors and Headteacher:

Essex County Council, with the support of the Governing body, is proposing to build 2 class bases, an additional hall and ancillary accommodation. This project will provide brand new accommodation and facilities for additional pupils attending the school, necessary due to the shortfall of places available for children in this area.
We are holding a consultation session. This will be an opportunity for you to view the prepared plans and discuss the proposals with the Project Sponsor from Essex County Council, Amanda Laycock, and representatives from Ashe Construction including the architect.
The Consultation will be held at Heathlands Primary School in the school hall on Tuesday 4th October 2011 2pm to 8pm. Following the consultation all relevant comments and feedback will be reviewed before the planning application is submitted.
We hope that you will take the opportunity to view the plans. However, if you are unable to attend please direct any questions or comments to [email protected].

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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