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.
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.
The following announcement has been sent from Colchester & Ipswich hospitals’ Chief Executive, Nick Hulme.
Announcement
The two NHS trusts that run Colchester and Ipswich hospitals are planning to come together as a single organisation this summer. As the chief executive of both hospitals, I want to share the reasons for this with you as I know how important our services are to local residents. Continue reading “Hospital Merger Update”
Did you get a new GoPro or Dash Cam for Christmas?
A GoPro or Dash Cam could go a long way to help Road Safety in the village and elsewhere under a new scheme. The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) is encouraging road users to submit footage showing dangerous road user behaviour. This is part of a new campaign to make the region’s roads safer for everyone. Continue reading “New GoPro or DashCam for Xmas?”
Essex County Hospital is the subject of the Local History Group‘s next meeting in the Orpen Hall on October 11th. The Group is hoping for another large audience for the meeting which starts at 7.30 pm. Dr. Fabrizio Casale, a retired consultant, will be talking about “The History of the Essex County Hospital”. Over recent years the facilities
In light of declining users, and an ageing fleet, Essex County Council are reviewing the future of mobile libraries. The mobile library is well used in West Bergholt by young and old alike. If you want to keep your mobile library make sure you respond to their consultation.
Why ECC Are Consulting
In ECC’s mailing to Parish Councils they have said:
Landowners and householders asked to tidy up near roads ahead of winter
As the weather turns colder, Essex County Council is asking landowners and householders with a garden or land bordering the road to clear ditches and cut back overhanging trees and hedges.
Cllr Ian Grundy, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
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Ditches are the responsibility of landowners, even if they are next to the road. Blocked ditches cause flooding which in winter can turn into highly dangerous ice on the road so please do clear them now to avoid putting driver and pedestrians in unnecessary danger.
During Storm Aileen earlier this month, highways crews were contacted about 21 separate incidents where trees blocked roads in Essex.
Cllr Grundy added:
Landowners also have responsibility for any trees near the road. These should be regularly checked and cut to prevent large branches or the whole tree blowing down and blocking the road. People walking along the pavement or verge shouldn’t have to avoid overgrown trees or hedges.
I’m sure everyone will want to act responsibly and take care of their own boundaries, to keep all of us safer this winter.
Enforcement & Guidance
The Council has the power to issue enforcement notices to landowners with blocked ditches which flood the highway or with branches and vegetation found to be obstructing the highway, compelling the owner to carry out any necessary work.
Pavements should be entirely free of plant growth up to a height of 8ft (2.5m).
The road should be clear:
to a height of 17ft (5.1m), and
1.8ft (0.5m) from the edge of the road towards your land.
The Council recommends the use of fully qualified and insured contractors to undertake any necessary work.
You can report highway flooding problems directly to Essex County Council via its website or by calling 0345 6037 631. Visit www.essex.gov.uk/highways to report highway flooding online.
To find out more about flooding prevention in Essex please visit www.essex.gov.uk/flooding or watch their short video below:
The Deputy Returning Officer has issued a notice of an election for a County Councillor for the Constable Division (including West Bergholt). Nominations may be made no later than 4pm on Tuesday 4th April. If more than one nomination is received the election will take place on Thursday 4th May 2017.
Applications for postal votes must be made by 5pm on Tuesday 18th April.
Applications for proxy votes must be made by 5pm on Tuesday 25th April.
The people of Essex are being urged to have their say in the potential change in the way Essex Police and Essex County Fire & Rescue Service is governed. To have your say respond to the consultation that ends on Wednesday 10th May.
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 enables police and crime commissioners to become the fire and rescue authority where a strong local case is made. The Government has also created a statutory duty to collaborate.
Essex Highways & Police Updates
Lollipop Vacancy in Fordham
