HALLOW PARISH MATTERS

Thank you to all those residents who provided information to us about the state of Hallow roads, speeding and public rights of way paths around the parish.  We discussed these matters in early January with our County Cllr Mr Scott Richardson-Brown who undertook to:

Pursue public rights of way path clearance with the WCC team.

Provide some financial assistance to the parish council to implement some speeding mitigation measures.

Arrange for WCC to collect data on speeding through the village in order to provide a factual, evidence led approach to speed mitigation and possible enforcement in the future.

Arrange for pavement and road inspections, and where possible repairs based on the reports given to the PC by residents.

Speeding
We know that this is a significant concern for residents and has been an issue in Hallow for a good many years.  There are sadly limits on what can be done, both legally, and in terms of costs that the PC can bear, and what Worcester County Council can do.  In brief, the approach is evidence led and risk-led, and speeding mitigations have to be justified against the volume of accidents and the injuries and fatalities that arise from them.  Whilst we all perceive speeding as a problem, and with the exception of the recent accident on the Green, we are thankfully free of major accidents and harm to residents or drivers.  We are exploring updating the VAS mobile speed system to an enhanced model, these can signal speeds to drivers, smiley faces etc, and you will have seen them in use round about the county.  They are known to have a reasonable degree of impact.  Suggestions have been made about “White Gates” at the entrances of the village, but we are advised that they have limited and at times no impact on speed reduction.  We have to be guided about what is likely to have the most impact for the cost. 
 
Roads
Our clerk will pursue with Mr Richardson-Brown the feedback/complaints received thus far.  Just be aware that time lines can be longer than we might like, and there is a back log.  If you wish to report a pothole or road issues, or a pavement issue you can do so online at:
https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20449/keeping_you_informed_about_highways/1504/report_a_pothole
 

A number of issues relating to overgrowth, hedge encroachment and stiles were reported, and these will be processed by the relevant WCC team.  Again, patience will be required as there is a back log.  Where we can action work via the Parish Council we will do so.

Thank you for informing us of these issues.
Hazel Kemshall, HPC Chair.