Community

HFG – Xmas Walk: Dec 5th

Our next walk is on Tuesday Dec 5th, starting at 10.30 from the Lyon Hall’s car park in Hodnet.

This month we are walking to Hawkstone Hall, where we have arranged for tea/coffee to be available – at an expected nominal charge.

Our route will be out via the Hearne to Long Lane, then up to Marchamley and down to the hall. After refreshments, participants can walk around the gardens before returning to Hodnet – but, of course, you are free to return earlier if time is pressing. The return route will be via the Marchamley to Hodnet permissive path.

As ever, all are welcome, inc. dogs [on leads] and children, with suitable footwear/clothing advised.

Further info, if required, from Jake Williams [07474 – 974477]

Shropshire Youth Survey November 2023

Shropshire Youth’s aim is to help improve the community for young people. So that they know what they can do to help, they’re asking young people all over Shropshire to fill in this questionnaire. By taking the time to do this you will have an active role in making your community better for you and other young people in Shropshire.

The link below will take you to the Council’s survey page:

Shropshire Youth Survey November 2023

Views sought about proposed fines for dog fouling

Shropshire Council are asking people for their views about proposals to issue fines to dog owners who allow their animals to foul pavements and public amenity spaces without clearing up afterwards.

An eight-week consultation began this week into plans to introduce a ‘public spaces protection order’. It can be seen here.

The PSPO would enable Shropshire Council‘s dog warden service to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100.

Under the PSPO, dogs would also be excluded from play and sports areas and would be required to wear a lead on the public highway. Officers would also have the power to ask for a dog to be put on a lead where they aren’t under the control of their owner or are acting aggressively.

The consultation runs until 21 December 2023 and the findings will then be brought back to the council’s Cabinet for further consideration early next year.

As both public education and enforcement are required to encourage responsible dog ownership, if a PSPO is agreed an educational campaign would be run ahead of the new rules coming into effect.

A53 Roadworks 29 August – 7 September 2023

The A53 between Battlefield and the Muller Roundabout will be subject to night closures for carriageway repairs. Closures will be from 20:00 – 06:00. The work will be carried out in 4 phases:

Phase 1 – Battlefield to Shawbury – 29/08/2023-30/08/2023 (1 night)

Phase 2 – Shawbury to Hodnet – 30/08/2023-01/09/2023 (2 nights)

Phase 3 – Hodnet to Tern Hill roundabout – 04/09/2023-05/09/2023 (1 night)

Phase 4 – Tern Hill roundabout to Muller roundabout – 05/09/2023-07/09/2023 (2 nights)

A41 Roadworks

The dual carriageway section of the A41 will be closed on 17th and 18th July. Inevitably, that will mean increased traffic and heavy lorries through Marchamley and Hodnet: Take extra care.

The A41 is to be closed between Hinstock and the roundabout with the A519 from 24th July until 1st September. There is a very lengthy diversion but it seems more likely that the A41 will be avoided altogether by drivers who are used to diverting through Hodnet.

Upcoming roadworks at Tesco Extra in Shrewsbury …

Work to install new traffic lights and pedestrian crossing facilities at the Tesco Extra junction in Shrewsbury will be carried out from 24 July for six weeks.

The work will involve the removal of the existing traffic lights, and their replacement with new signals and safer pedestrian crossing facilities. The new equipment will also be more energy efficient.

The pedestrian crossing between The Range and Go Outdoors on Arlington Way will also be modified to make it a staggered signalised crossing. This will involve a significant amount of construction work on the central refuge.

For the duration of the work there will be temporary four-way traffic lights and pedestrian crossing facilities, with delays expected.

Expect Delays – Road safety work to be carried out at Gingerbread Man roundabout 15 June – 7 July 2023

Map showing the location and extent of the works.

The next phase of work to improve safety on the A529 near Market Drayton is to be carried out from 15 June to 7 July 2023 at the Gingerbread Man (A529/A53) roundabout.

Work will be carried out under multi-way temporary traffic signals from 7am to 6pm each day, though with no multi-way signals after 4pm on 3, 4 and 5 July.

The work will include

  • Cutting back and clearing vegetation at signing and lighting column locations.
  • Change of speed limit terminal signs; construction of pedestrian footway around the south-eastern verge to connect Adderley Road with the footway constructed by Aldi on the A53.
  • Kerbing.
  • Maintenance/upgrade of footway around the perimeter of the roundabout.
  • Uncontrolled/dropped pedestrian crossing points.
  • New regulatory signs and posts.
  • Road markings.
  • Replacement of lighting columns and converting lanterns to LED.

During the work, signed diversions will be in place and businesses will be open as normal. Access to residential and business properties will be maintained

Annual Glow Worm Spotting Walk

Hodnet Footpath Group are again running a ‘Glow Worm Walk’ on the evening of 27th June – weather permitting*.

This is a night time walk when we try to spot some of Hodnet’s rare glow worms, these rare beetles being found locally only in the vegetation alongside the old railway line running from Hodnet to Wollerton. During their brief breeding season the females can be spotted glowing to attract a mate. Ideally a warm, dark and dry night is the best time to spot them from mid June to mid July.

This year we are meeting at The Bear in Hodnet from 9 pm, for those who would like to have a drink/socialise beforehand, and then making our way to the old Railway Line bridge on Station Road, Hodnet, for a 10.30PM departure. If you prefer you can meet up at the railway bridge on Station Road at 10.30. There is roadside parking nearby.

Children and dogs (on leads) welcome. Sensible shoes and clothing and a torch advised.

*In case of rain the event will be be cancelled and take place at the same times/venues the following Tuesday, July 4th.