Local Highways
I was contacted by a resident about the state of Upton Lane. Work has been done to improve the road which is pleasing, however, I have received complaints about the piecemeal patching and rate of repairs of the road, stating that, in their opinion it needs complete reconstruction.
I contacted the interim Head of Highways, to report the workmanship. His response was that: …the unclassified road network presents the Council with a significant challenge, as is the case for all highway authorities across the country for which surveys show that 21% of all roads in the country are considered to be in “Poor” condition. [The] highways team, through our prioritisation, have managed to maintain the Shropshire network in a slightly better condition with only 15.3% of the network being considered in “Poor” condition. This should be considered in the context of the funding that the council receives for highway maintenance from government, with the council only receiving £8,921 per mile, compared to the national average of £10,925.
He cited underfunding for highways nationally as an issue and that this caused long term deterioration. He stated that major investment with almost 500 miles of the network deemed to be in need of significant repair.
With regards to repairs, he states they are focused on ensuring that the Council’s contractor (Kier) are undertaking reactive maintenance activities to the required standard and are working efficiently. This is scrutinised on a weekly basis and, he says, appropriate action taken when these are not completed as per the order, although he also stats this is an area where they need to improve performance. He thanked myself and residents for providing an update on the work.
Whilst I understand that funding is tight, given that we are a rural County and receive less funding on average than other areas, nevertheless there is an issue with the contractors, as Shropshire Council officers are aware. Please continue to contact me at ebirdshropshire@gmail.com with issues, as officers at the Council need to be made aware where there is substandard work being done or if roads or lanes near you are becmoing dangerous.
Shifnal Town Council have now written to Shropshire Council raising serious concerns about the road surface on Evelith Lane and have requested the whole lane be re-laid.
Hubbal Lane, Tong
I was contacted by the Chair of Tong Parish Council, Cllr. Fisher regarding planning in Hubbal Lane, Tong. As you can see from the image, this is a narrow, rural, single carriageway lane. There are currently two planning applications in, for small general industrial and storage uses and cabin hire use. Residents are very unhappy about this, as the lane is not suitable for large vehicles. I have notified officers and have received responses on this issue. I can’t comment further as it is under consideration, but I am hopeful that residents voices will be heard.
Newport Road Flooding
I have received an update on the drainage relining on the Newport Road, Albrighton. Kiers subcontractor Wilkinson’s were on site last week finishing off the root cutting within the drainage system and will then be carrying out the lining of the pipe.
Wilkinson’s have indicated that they could potentially be completed by the end of the week.
Once they have finished the lining of the system, Kier can concentrate on the installation of the access gates to the man holes.
Shifnal Town Council Meeting
This week I attended Shifnal Town Council. Due to conditions of purdah, with a forthcoming election, I was unable to take Shropshire Council questions, however I can continue to respond to emails at ebirdshropshire@gmail.com.
There was a report from the projects officer and the council considered a proposal to support litter picking initiatives in the Town. Myself and the Town Council fully support the TF11 Wombles. I would ask though that people are careful when walking alongside highways, and to leave the main highways in and out of the Town to the County Council. Please also be aware that there may be medical waste, including needles, so please proceed with caution.
The Council also received a report from the Law and Order Committee. Given the feedback I have received from residents, I will support the Mayor and the Town Council in their negotiations to bring back a police presence into Shifnal.
We also noted a report from the Shifnal Integrated Transport Scheme group meeting. The works are now open to tender. In mid-May, the tenders will have been received and will be evaluated. In June/July, Shropshire Council will appoint and mobilise a contractor. By December 2021 / January 2022 work on the project will have been substantially completed.
I am very pleased that this project is going ahead, with £2.7 million being invested into Shifnal Town Centre. This means new paving, road resurfacing, widening of the currently narrow pavements, enabling wheelchair access (and making it less dangerous for parents with small children). The junction at Aston Street will be improved and there will be new street furniture in the Town. The parking issue, which was of concnern to residents is resolved and there is only a net loss of one parking space.
Register to Vote
As you may be aware, there are County and Town / Parish council elections due on 6th May. You can register to vote here https://shropshire.gov.uk/elections-and-electoral-registration/the-electoral-register/ I would encourage everyone to register, regardless of your politics or voting intentions. A good turnout is good for democracy.
If you are reading this and live in the area, there are three local County seats in the Wrekin constituency up for election, Shifnal North, Shifnal South and Cosford as well as Albrighton. There are also a number of Parish Wards up for election, Shifnal Idsall, Shifnal Manor, and Shifnal Rural https://www.shifnaltowncouncil.gov.uk/STC/ward_map1.pdf
Edward Bird - Councillor for Shifnal South and Cosford 