Blow for wind farm plan
The response from the Department of Local Communities and Government requires that any application for such a development would require a full environmental impact assessment. In making this decision, the proximity of the heronry at Goat’s Lodge was a contributory factor.
This decision is considered good news by those who consider the site unsuitable for a wind farm. This is because it increases the level of scrutiny of any application and helps in ensuring that all environmental matters are fully addressed.
The first proposals for wind farm development on the site were discussed as long ago as 2001 and a series of potential developers have been involved in the ensuing period. An application for nine turbines was refused by the local planning authority earlier in 2011.
Planned closure of Glass Lane from 3rd January 2012
Staffordshire County Council is currently planning to replace the highway bridge over Ash Brook on Glass Lane / Orange Lane in Bromley Hurst as the existing masonry arch bridge is now in a very poor condition.
The works are now provisionally programmed to commence on the 3rd January 2012 until 24th March 2012. A road closure to vehicles is necessary on Glass Lane, at the bridge, to enable the construction works to take place. This road closure is anticipated to last for 12 weeks, the first 4 weeks of which is programmed for South Staffordshire Water to replace a length of water main in order for our works to progress.
It is understand that this will cause some local disruption and inconvenience, but it is unfortunately unavoidable. The duration will be kept as short as possible. A signed vehicle diversion route, for traffic to follow, will be in place during the road closure.
Get out and about with Ridware YFC
December proved to be a busy time for Ridware YFC with the programme kicking off with County Mixed Volleyball competition. This was followed by a General Meeting and a sale of reduced priced Joules clothing – so if you were looking for an early start to your Christmas shopping this was the place to be. Next on the agenda was a trip to Marston’s brewery, which included a few free samples – no wonder this was a popular event! To celebrate Christmas a traditional Christmas Meal was held at the Three Horseshoes at Tatenhill. Rounding off the festivities was a County ‘Christmas Down Under’ Disco where members were invited to wear their shorts!!
On behalf of all our members we would like to wish future members a very happy Christmas and hope to see you in 2012!
January 2012 programme
Wed 4th – Ten Pin Bowling @Uttoxeter, 8pm (to practice in readiness for the County Competition on 12th Jan)
Wed 11th – General Meeting & Social @ The Meynell 8pm
Thurs 12th – Ten pin bowling competition @ Tenpin Stafford,
Sat 14th – New Year Ball “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” £15 members £18 non members
Wed 18th – Film night, Smokey and the Bandit @ New Inn (Five Lane Ends) 8pm
Wed 25th – Watch “Lambing Live” @ Tom Taberner’s (Bell House Lane, Anslow) 8pm
You don’t need to be a farmer, live on a farm, or even own a pair of wellies to join our Club. There are opportunities to travel the world, learn new skills, build your confidence, work as part of a team and most importantly, make new friends and have lots of fun.
If you are fed up of staying in during the dark winter nights then contact Secretary Sam Teece on 07799126976 or Chairman Tom Taberner on 07762586916 for more information on how to join Ridware YFC.
Charity Zumba Night – Friday 16th December 2011
Raising money for two charities: The Stroke Association and Therapies Unite (Therapies unite help disabled children and adults living in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico with musculoskeletal and neurological contitions to imporove their mobility).
Why not come along for a fun night out and help a good cause at the same time?
Work on Butter Cross
The Parish Council has been advised by Staffordshire County Council that some remedial work is needed on the repairs to the Butter Cross carried out during 2010.
Working in conjunction with English Heritage, the County Council maintenance consultants have decided that some of the applied panels have shrunk excessively. These will be replaced by new air-dried oak to improve the appearance of the Butter Cross.
Call 101 for police
Staffordshire Police has followed other forces, including Derbyshire, in replacing their non-emergency telephone number with the much simpler “101”.
Although the existing number (0300 123 4455) will continue to be answered during a transition period, residents are advised to start using the new number immediately and to update their records accordingly.
New number for Highways Hotline
The Highways Hotline can be contacted between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday on 0300 111 8000 (calls charged at local rates) and at any time by emailing highways@staffordshire.gov.uk.
You can use this to report issues with roads, pavements, signs and streetlights.
Road works in Radmore Lane – starting 10th October 2011
The County Council says:
“The works will start around 10th October 2011 and will take approximately 4 weeks to complete, however it is estimated that the carriageway resurfacing will take only 1 week to complete.
We take care to make sure that work is completed with the minimum of disturbance to the local community but as with any major works, delays may occur.
Although some works can be carried out without restrictions to traffic, it will be necessary to temporarily close Radmore Lane whilst the road resurfacing takes place. We understand that many residents and businesses have no other means of access to their property and as such we will gladly work with those affected in order to maintain access whilst these essential works take place.
We will aim to speak in person with all those affected, but if you would like to discuss any specific issues in advance of the works, please contact us via the telephone number above.
You can help us to get the job done with the minimum of delay by following this advice; please keep children away from the works to ensure their safety, please drive appropriately through the works as there may be temporary surfaces in place, please check your shoes before entering your property or car to make sure there is no bitumen from the works and please wherever possible avoid parking vehicles on the roadside when working in these areas.
If you have any questions about the work or, concerns about how the work is being carried out, please do not hesitate to call our Highways Hotline on 0300 111 8000 (calls will be charged at a local rate) or email highways@staffordshire.gov.uk
You can also keep up to date with the scheme progress and future programmed work in your area by logging onto our web pages at: (link expired)
Rural entrepreneurs sought to boost county farms profile
With prosperity and economic regeneration at its heart, the county council is looking for highly motivated and ambitious prospective tenants for two of its farm holdings.
Staffordshire County Council values its farm holdings and has developed its portfolio to help regenerate the local economy when many other local authorities have disposed of theirs. It is recognised as a national leader in terms of running county farms.
The county council is now seeking tenants for two holdings where business cases can suitably demonstrate an ability to diversify. This could mean opening a bed and breakfast, tea rooms, farm shop or even something more innovative. With competitive tenancy rates, county farms demonstrate real value for money for those looking to set up a rural business. In addition they’re an asset to the wider taxpayer as they’ll create great returns for the county.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for assets and the environment Mark Winnington said: “Staffordshire’s rural economy is a vital part of our prosperity agenda and county farms are an integral part of enhancing it.
“We value the hard work and commitment of our tenants, many of whom have established thriving enterprises and developed successful careers.
“With our latest tenancies we are really looking for ambitious people with agricultural experience, but who are looking to diversify and build up another business on site.
“They will need to demonstrate their capability to do this, but we know there are many people with the skills and drive to be a success.”
County farms tenants need to have had five years’ agricultural experience which can include three in agricultural training or education. They must be able to provide a detailed business plan which includes two years’ cash flow and budgets. There is no age restriction for tenants. Holdings include a house, buildings and land. For the two advertised tenancies, prospective tenants will need to have sufficient capital to finance their suggested enterprise.
Anyone who would like further information should contact the county farms team on 01785 277721 or email county.farms@staffordshire.gov.uk
Extraordinary Meeting of the Parish Council – 12 October 2011
Note that the meeting will start at 7:00pm and will take place in the Memorial Room at the Village Hall, Abbots Bromley. Agenda items are:
1. Apologies for absence
2. Public session
3. Declarations of Interests
4. Planning
– Applications
– ESBC Core Strategy (link expired)
– Response to Core Strategy
5. Agenda items for the next meeting
6. Date and time of next meeting
– Wednesday, 26th October, 7.00pm Memorial Room, Village Hall
The full meeting notice is available on these pages
