District Council asked to share benefits of growth

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On Tuesday 15 July, over 50 members of the public, including parish councillors from Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Belbroughton, Catshill, Clent and Hagley, attended the New Homes Bonus Public Forum at Bromsgrove Council House.

The Public Forum was called by Bromsgrove Council as a result of a 1,429 name petition presented to Full Council in April 2014. The forum called on the council to consult with local communities affected by housing development and to share, not only the burdens, but also the benefits of growth. Those attending were unimpressed by the Council’s current policy which is to use the grant, likely to rise to approximately £1.2m by 2016/17, to offset the financial pressures facing the Council.

The overwhelming mood of the forum was that the Council should follow the guidance provided by central government and use part of the money to improve local services and facilities in the area most affected by development.

Those attending felt that the council concentrates far too much of its investment in infrastructure and services within Bromsgrove town centre. As a result, villages services and community groups go largely unsupported despite being asked to accommodate the demand arising from further local housing.

It was noted that Wychavon Council have protocols in place which pass on 40% of the New Homes Bonus to affected communities. It is hoped that Cllrs Sheerey, Taylor, Baxter and Mallett will make similar recommendations to the full Council.

Footnote
The following are extracts from the minutes of Bromsgrove District Council’s Cabinet meeting on 26 February 2014:

  • Agenda item 4, para 3.10: “… by 2016/17 it is estimated that the Council would benefit by £1.2m of New Homes Bonus.”
  • Agenda item 4, para 3.11: “As agreed in the current financial plan any income received from New Homes Bonus will be utilised to offset the pressures facing the Council.

Poppies promise colourful commemoration

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flower_poppy The Parish Council’s offer of free poppies to commemorate the outbreak of WW1 has been well received within the village. In order to ensure that the poppies were accessible to residents, the Parish Council enlisted the support of Cafe Morso and The Tea Shop. Both outlets report that customers were delighted to be able to take advantage of the offer. The 50 packets of seeds are nearly all gone so hurry if you want one …

Rail improvement works timetable announced

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This summer, Network Rail will be carrying out major engineering work project on the Cross City Line between Redditch and Barnt Green. This involves the installation of a 3 kilometre length of track alongside the existing single track through Alvechurch.

This new section of double track will improve reliability and crucially, from the start of the December Timetable, the train service frequency will be increased from 2-trains to 3-trains per hour. A further benefit of the scheme is that Alvechurch station will be transformed, with an additional platform, a new footbridge and lifts – providing step-free access for all.

This is an extensive project, which means the rail network will need to close between Redditch and Barnt Green while works are carried out. Replacement coach services will operate during the closure period from Redditch to Alvechurch connecting passengers with the train service at Barnt Green and Longbridge.

The closure will be on four Sundays in June and for eight weeks between July and August as follows:

Sunday 8 June 2014
Sunday 15 June 2014
Sunday 22 June 2014
Sundat 29 June 2014; and
Sunday 6 July to Sunday 31 August 2014 (8 weeks)

Network Rail advise they will undertake a comprehensive programme of communications to keep passengers informed of the alternative travel arrangements.

First World War Centenary Competition

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WWI Centenary imageThe Parish Council has been considering how Barnt Green can come together, as a community, to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. The war affected not only those who fought but also those who were left behind. Its impact was profound and touched all areas of life. We hope that our Centenary Competition will inspire you to write, draw, paint, compose music, arrange flowers or cook. Your entries should simply seek to evoke the spirit of the age. Near the date of the centenary, the Council will seek to display the entries (well, at least the non-perishable ones!) so that the whole community can commemorate the event appropriately.

The Centenary Competition
Entries must have a First World War theme and entrants must either live or work within the Parish or attend a school, church, society or club located in Barnt Green.

More than one piece of work may be submitted for consideration.
Family or group (two or more people) entries are permitted.

Entries will be judged within the following three age groups:
(a) up to 11 years;
(b) from 12 to 16 years;
(c) over 17 years.

The closing date for entries is 12.00 noon on 25 June 2014.
Because of the perishable nature of floral and food submissions, entries will be judged that afternoon.
The Parish Council will award one £25 gift voucher and two £20 gift vouchers for the best entries in each category.

Please follow the this link to download  the competition entry form and rules. Both forms are available in hard copy on request from the Parish Council office.

Bridges over rail line to be rebuilt

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At a meeting dated 18 December 2013, Network Rail has identified four local bridges that will need to be rebuilt in order to accommodate the proposed electrification of the main line running through Barnt Green.

The bridges concerned are:

Bridge 109 – Linthurst Newtown over bridge
Reconstruction of this bridge will involve closure of the road. Owing to height, weight and width restrictions on other roads in the area the diversion is likely to be lengthy using Saint Catherine’s Road, Linthurst Road, Fiery Hill Road and Hewell Lane. The new bridge will be one lane wide and, because the bridge deck will be higher, the approach from Blackwell may need modification to ensure that on-coming traffic is sufficiently visible.

Bridge 110 – Greens Occupation Bridge (access from Blackwell Road to farmland and private residence)
Although not a public highway bridge, it does carry a public right of way that will need a temporary closure or diversion. The bridge provides access to farmland and a private residence. Network Rail may provide an alterative access bridge whilst the permanent access is rebuilt but no commitment has been made to this as yet.

Bridge 111 – Rocky Lane / Hewell Lane over bridge
This bridge, close to the centre of Barnt Green will be closed for approximately six months from May/June 2015. The road width and layout will remain the same after the works have been completed and existing abutments will be maintained. The appearance of the bridge will be unaltered.Because the considerable overnight and weekend work will generate noise, light and dust issues, the Parish Council has recommended that, at key points during the work, Network Rail offer residents who are seriously inconvenienced temporary hotel accommodation.
A public engagement campaign will also take place and a detailed programme of works will also be made available nearer the time.
The diversion route will be by Fiery Hill Road and back to Hewell Road. Foot access to the railway station from Hewell Lane will be maintained throughout.

Bridge 111A – Barnt Green station footbridge
The new footbridge will be a Network Rail standard pedestrian bridge with solid sides measuring 1.8m to provide necessary protection. The existing footbridge will not be removed until the new bridge has been built.
The plans for the new bridge do not currently include stairs to platform 4 (for Redditch trains). The Parish Council has made representations to Network Rail indicating that this should be reviewed as passengers crossing the bridge ought not to have to exit the station and re-enter in order to access this platform.
The Parish Council have also indicated that if the bridge is to be replaced then lifts should also be provided in order to make the station fully accessible. The County Council has agreed to raise this issue with the Department of Transport.

The Parish Council will release further information as it becomes available.

Local bus services ‘at risk’

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In a bid to save £30 million pounds per year, Worcestershire County Council is actively considering ending the subsidies that support the provision of many local bus services. Among the services at risk are all the buses (145, 182 and 183) serving the residents of Barnt Green. Make your voice heard before 17 January.

The County Council estimates that it pays a subsidy of £1.66 for each of the near 41,000 passengers using the 145 service each year. The equivalent subsidy for users of the 182 and 183 service is estimated to be £1.06.

As part of its Transport Review, the County Council have launched an online consultation on the withdrawal of these subsidised bus services.  The consultation period closes on Friday 17 January.

Although the Parish Council is responding to the consultation it is important that as many local residents as possible make their voices heard. It is unthinkable that local residents who depend on these services should see them withdrawn.

Sign up NOW for the Barnt Green Sport Relief mile

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On Sunday 23 March 2014 take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile hosted by the Barnt Green Chuggers and Barnt Green Parish Council. Sign up now!

Dust off those trainers and walk, jog or run (or hop, skip, jump …) around the 1 mile village-based route or be more adventurous and try either the 3 mile or 6 mile off-road route taking you past the Bittell Reservoirs!

Don’t miss out. Follow this link and snap up your place on the Barnt Green Mile now!

Half price entry fees available for a limited period only.

Community walk a great success

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On Saturday 28 September nearly 200 walkers of all ages turned out to support the Barnt Green community walk and pig roast organised by Barnt Green Parish Council.

There were 4 guided walks, varying in length from 6.5 miles to 2.5 miles, which passed many local beauty spots including the Worcester and Birmingham canal, Upper and Lower Bittell Reservoirs, Cofton Church, Lickey Visitors Centre and woods.

The walks celebrated the recent agreement with Worcestershire County Council to sign and promote a new footpath called The Barnt Green Circular.

Amanda Hill, Worcestershire Countryside Volunteers Officer, led a very well supported walk from Barnt Green to Upper Bittell reservoir. After the walk, Amanda commented:

I am delighted with the new Barnt Green Circular Walk. In the next few weeks, the County Council will publish the route and erect signage along the footpath to enable walkers throughout the county, and beyond, to enjoy the beautiful and varied countryside surrounding Barnt Green.

Charles Hotham, Vice-Chair of Barnt Green Parish Council, indicated that he had been delighted with the turnout which had been helped by perfect weather and the promise of a pig roast organised by local Barnt Green butcher, Warwick, and the village off-licence, Vinalia.

The event also provided an opportunity to highlight the work of Worcestershire Countryside Volunteers who help to maintain and improve pathways throughout the county. If you are interested in helping with this work please contact Amanda Hill at .

Community walk and pig roast

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On Saturday 28 September you are invited to participate in the Barnt Green community walk and pig roast. You can choose from four guided walks varying from 6.5 miles to 2.5 miles.

The walks will start and finish at the Friends’ Meeting House in Sandhills Road, Barnt Green and take in many local beauty spots including the Worcester and Birmingham canal, Upper and Lower Bittell Reservoirs, Cofton Church, Lickey Visitors Centre and woods. Children are very welcome (there will be a trail quiz) but, if under 16, should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

All the walks should arrive back at the Friends’ Meeting House at about 5:30pm in time for a pig roast in Millennium Park. Individuals and families are invited to just come along on the day and join in. The timetable is:

From 1:30pm     Local walks exhibition in the Friends’ Meeting House.

2:00pm: Walk 1 (6.5 miles) leaves Barnt Green for Withybed Green, the Worcester and Birmingham canal, Bittell reservoirs, Cofton Church, Lickey Woods and Visitors Centre returning to Barnt Green.

3:00pm: Walk 2 (5 miles) leaves Barnt Green for Withybed Green, the Worcester and Birmingham canal, Bittell reservoirs returning to Barnt Green.

3:30pm: Walk 3 (4 miles) leaves Barnt Green for Cofton Church, Lickey Woods and Visitors Centre returning to Barnt Green.

4:00pm: Walk 4 (2.5 miles) leaves Barnt Green for Bittell reservoir returning to Barnt Green.

5:30pm: Pig Roast (finishing at 7.30pm).

Development of Fiery Hill Road

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In May 2013, Banner Homes submitted a new full application for 88 dwellings on Fiery Hill Road.

The Parish Council, while acknowledging that some development is inevitable given the existing outline planning permission granted in July 2012, argues that the number of dwellings should be limited to approximately 50.

Read the Parish Council response in full.