March Update from your Parish Council

Highways and Byways

Doubtless you will have noticed that the bench on the Manse Green was demolished by a low loader lorry that skidded and went up the bank. We were very fortunate that this occurred before the school run started.  We can only restate our request that you observe the ‘No Parking’ signs round the Manse Green – they are there for your safety.  We will replace the bench in due course.

It seems that the flooding outside Reed End Farm has been solved.  Congratulations to Roy Collins for pursuing Herts CC.

Please be careful when driving on the roads out of the village – keep away from any puddles as there are pot-holes everywhere.  Continue to report them to Herts Highways – it does seem that the most dangerous are filled quickly.

If you walk around the local byways then you will have come across the result of flailing by HCC   contractors along Byway 36 (this is the green lane starting at Hay Green) and 41 (from Chapel Green up to Hawkins wood). This work also encroached onto the commons of Ducks Green and Collins Green. This clearance work has destroyed the habitat of protected species and left the land in a condition which many users find to be unacceptable. The Conservators had not authorised the work on these greens.  Both they and the Parish Council have discussed the issue with HCC to register dissatisfaction with the state of the byways.  We are hopeful that the contractors will be instructed to return to tidy up the debris and that no lasting damage has been inflicted on our local wildlife.

If you have any questions for the Conservators on this matter, then please contact their clerk (clerk@therfieldheath.org.uk).

The next village litter pick will be on the 7th March, meeting at 10am outside the pub. Please come along and spend an hour or so to keep our community tidy.

Planning:

It is quiet on the planning front at the moment – although a surveyor has been seen in Grange Meadow.  There is no news yet on the forthcoming update to the North Herts Local Plan and whether any sites in the Parish have been put forward for consideration by North Herts.

Council

We still have vacancies for two councillors so if you are interested in getting involved in the management of the village then please come and talk to us or email clerk@therfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

Our next council meeting is on the 10th March at the Chapel. The agenda and minutes will be available on the website and noticeboards.

Communication

The council will use the google group called the “hub” for sending out important information as well as using the official website.

If you are not currently subscribed to the hub, then we recommend that you sign up.  To do so send an email to hubtherfieldkelshall@gmail.com to be added to the list.  The links can also be found on the parish website.

Our operational site is www.therfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk .  

Please consult this site for information on meetings, notices etc.

David Wealthy

Chair – Therfield Parish Council