News

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.

Local roadworks in May …

The following roads are to be treated in May as part of Shropshire Council’s surface dressing programme.

  • A442 – FROM TELFORD & WREKIN BOUNDARY TO REDMOOR CROSSROADS
  • LITTLE SOUDLEY ROAD, MARKET DRAYTON
  • WISTANSWICK – RED LION TO A41 JUNCTION
  • ROOKERY LANE TO WOOD LANE, MARCHAMLEY
  • MARCHAMLEY WOOD TO FAULS
  • SHREWSBURY ROAD PREES – LOWER HEATH TO A41 JUNCTION
  • WESTON UNDER REDCASTLE, FROM A442 JUNCTION TO B5065 JUNCTION

A full list of roads to be surface dressed this year can be found here.

I will do my best to provide advance information!

Thousands of bikers to take to the roads in Bike4Life charity ride

Road users are being warned to expect some disruption in and around Shrewsbury on Sunday morning (23 April 2023), as the annual Bike4Life Midlands Air Ambulance charity motorbike ride heads out from the Meole Brace Park & Ride site to RAF Cosford, via the A5 and M54.

The Ride Out will leave the Park & Ride site at 11am, with the anticipated 3,500 riders due to arrive from 8am for registration.

Due to this event the Park & Ride site will be closed to all other vehicles. Some disruption is also expected on the A5 and M54.

Government’s Emergency Alerts test to mobiles on Sunday 23 April 3pm

This Sunday (23 April 2023) at 3pm the Government will be testing their new Emergency Alert system.

The alert will say:-

“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK Government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.

This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”

The Emergency Alert sounds like a loud siren and will come directly from your phone. As this is a national test, it will affect everyone with a compatible phone regardless of location. The alert will also still sound if your phone is on silent.

We are all free to make a choice about whether or not we want to receive these emergency alerts, but there is concern over potential safety risks to people who may be keeping their phones hidden from an abuser, as the alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a screen message and vibration.

The charity Refuge have created a video guiding you through the ways you can disable alerts. That can be watched on their YouTube channel.

People can opt out from receiving emergency alerts to avoid their device from being detected.

How to opt out of Emergency Alerts

You can opt out of Emergency Alerts, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety. To opt out:-

  1. Search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
  2. Turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’.

If you still get alerts, contact your device manufacturer for help.

Emergency Alerts will be sent to compatible mobile phones within an area of risk.

Emergency alerts work on:-

  • iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later
  • Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later.

The alerts may still be received on earlier versions of Android. If you have an earlier version of Android, you may still be able to receive alerts. To check, search your device settings for ‘emergency alerts’.

Reasons you will not get an alert

You will not receive alerts if your device is:-

  • turned off, or in airplane mode
  • connected to a 2G or 3G network
  • wifi only
  • not compatible.

To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit the Government website.

Hodnet Footpath Group. March 7th Walk

Whilst spring may be upon us? March certainly is, so here are details of our next public/group walk.

This month’s walk is a varied one, and is centred around the nearby village of Fauls – largely following the route of our Walk 7 leaflet.

We will meet at Fauls Church for a 10AM start. There is car parking alongside.

This is a moderately long and undulating route of about 5 miles in length, with a fair few stiles, and is dog friendly. It could be muddy at this time of year, so good footwear is essential.

Duration of the walk is expected to be around 2 – 2.5 hours, so as desired bring a drink/snack.

Everyone is welcome.