Chitts Hill & Chapel Road Closures

The next few weeks will see Chitts Hill closed for through traffic twice and Chapel Road just once. All dates are indicative and may vary according to operational needs. The following are in date order, but in inverse order of severity.

Chitts Hill – 28th July

Map locating two closures at Chitts Hill and diversion route

This closure is to permit Openreach to complete some works. Chitts Hill will be closed from its’ junction with Argents Lane in a southerly direction for around 170m. The recommended diversion route is via Argents lane, Spring Lane and Halstead Rod (or, of course, vice versa).

May 13, 2020June 8, 2020

Day 51 of Lockdown – the Monty Python edition

Day 51 and Monty Python

Monty Python kicks us off on day 51. I’m afraid this video reminded me a little of some of the daily briefings we are getting.

Today sees the first day of softening in England, how was it for you? We start with a few government updates – quite a lot came out today; those included here are most relevant to members of the public.

More Government Guidance.
Further clarifications on access to green spaces, public transport & schools.
Good Things Foundation.
Trying to ensure everybody is connected.
Courier Fraud Warning.
Warning from Essex Police.
Essex to Improve Cycle & Pedestrian Routes with Social Distancing.
Plans announced by Essex County Council.
Common Sense Called for as Recycling Centres Reopen.
ECC anticipate a rush, probably not good to be a trailblazer.
A few more Monty Python classics to amuse.

More Government Guidance

Some more guidance updates to ease our way into the common-sense world of soft lockdown, apologies if some of these appear repetitive or, at least, covering the same ground: Continue reading “Day 51 of Lockdown – the Monty Python edition”

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020

Day 31 of Lockdown – the Baked Potato edition

Day 31 of Lockdown

Day 31 sees a couple of serious announcements, two new or updated initiatives for things to do during the lockdown and a Matt Lucas special.

ECC is still desperate for more PPE – can you help?
Colchester Cemetery reopens.
Essex Youth Service offers lots of new opportunities.
Fitness classes for all ages.
Matt Lucas’ Baked Potato Song & soft toy!

More PPE Needed!

Essex companies have donated unopened and unwanted stocks of Personal Protective Equipment. This PPE will support those working in adult and children social care across Essex. While Continue reading “Day 31 of Lockdown – the Baked Potato edition”

April 20, 2020

Day 28 of Lockdown – The Scrubs Take 2 Edition

Day 28 of Lockdown

On day 28 we have news of the first batch of scrubs being sent to Colchester Hospital. Louise Seager has now produced 11 sets! Well done Louise, you managed to enjoy the sun as well!

In other news, we have road maintenance, CBC staff redeployment & My Sharona Parody. Continue reading “Day 28 of Lockdown – The Scrubs Take 2 Edition”

November 15, 2019

Pavement Upgraded on Colchester Road

Pavement being improved on Colchester Road

Pavement Upgraded on Colchester Road

Essex Highways prioritise pavement repairs as County Councillors nominate the most needed works. Thanks to Councillor Anne Brown, who presented a list of West Bergholt’s top five worst footpaths to the Highways Team, one has already been done.

Work started on Monday resurfacing the footpath between Hop House to Armoury Road, a stretch of path which leads Continue reading “Pavement Upgraded on Colchester Road”

July 22, 2019

Chitts Hill Closed To Replace Gas Mains

Cadent is about to replace old iron gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure safe and reliable gas supplies to local businesses and residents. These works will take place between 22nd July and 2nd September and will require the closure of Chitts Hill to through traffic.

Diversions will be in place Continue reading “Chitts Hill Closed To Replace Gas Mains”

June 19, 2019July 22, 2019

Environment & Highways – 13th June 2019

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 13th June and discussed ponds, heath, potholes, allotments, handymen highways devolution and the playground projects. Continue reading “Environment & Highways – 13th June 2019”

March 26, 2019

New Bus Stop Welcomed By Residents

There have been numerous complaints over the years about the location of the bus stop in Colchester Road. With these in mind, the Parish Council approached the Local Highways Panel who agreed to install a new one. The old stop was the most used in the village but had numerous shortcomings: Continue reading “New Bus Stop Welcomed By Residents”

December 14, 2018February 23, 2019

More Roadworks – 17th – 19th December

To compound the current closure of Chapel Lane to through traffic, 17th – 19th December sees more disruption. Anglian Water will be undertaking Valve Checks which will entail multi-way traffic controls at the junction of New Church Road and Chapel Road. Anglian Water will also be working in Pirie Road over those days although traffic disruption is not expected.

And in the New Year…

Continue reading “More Roadworks – 17th – 19th December”

March 24, 2018February 23, 2019

Surface Dressing After Easter

With Surface Dressing scheduled after Easter, we can expect disruption on the B1508 (Colchester Road) between Wormingford and Braiswick. Due to the recent cold weather, though, this has now been postponed as work crews have been diverted elsewhere. It is now probable that the work will be undertaken around 25th-28th April and will take place overnight.

Check the roadworks map on the village website nearer the time to track this project and check out any others that might be coming up.

What is Surface Dressing?

Essex Highways say:

Firstly we patch any potholes or other defects and make the surface level. Then crews spray the existing road surface with a coating of hot bitumen and cover it with stone chippings. We then roll the chippings into the bitumen to form a water-resistant protective layer; this makes the road less slippery and extends its life.

As soon as the bitumen has set, we sweep the road to remove loose chippings. The nature of the treatment means there will be some loose chippings on the road surface until it beds down. 20mph speed limit temporary warning signs will be visible to alert drivers, as vehicles using the new surface help to embed the loose chippings. After about a week we return to the road and sweep up any chippings that have not been pressed into the bitumen; they will then add appropriate road markings.