News

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)

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.

Are you eligible for a COVID-19 spring booster vaccination?

The COVID-19 spring booster vaccination campaign is ongoing, and eligible Shropshire residents have been invited to boost their immunity.

The vaccine is available to:

  • People aged 75 or over
  • Anybody who lives in a residential care home for older people
  • Those aged 5 or over, who have a weakened immune system.

Those living in care homes have been prioritised, and local care homes have been receiving visits from roving NHS teams since the programme launched in April 2023.

COVID-19 vaccination clinics offering bookable and walk-in appointments are being organised and delivered by Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust.  The latest dates and venues are available to view on the website here.

You can also sign up to Shropshire Council’s coronavirus updates mailing list for a weekly timetable of upcoming clinics across the county.  Join the mailing list here.

The last date for eligible people to receive a COVID-19 spring booster vaccination is Friday 30 June 2023.

DATE CHANGE – December’s Walk – HFG

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the date of our December walk has had to be changed from the Tues 6th to Tues 13th December. All other details unchanged, as below.

This months public walk, led by Hodnet Footpath Group, will follow the route of our walk 3 leaflet, the ‘Permissive Path’ walk from Hodnet to Marchamley – but then go onwards to Hawkestone Hall where we will stop for the purchase of a coffee/tea or seasonal drink, plus take a walk around their gardens. Afterwards you can return to Hodnet directly, or continue the walk via the second part of the published route down Long Lane and over The Hearne to Hodnet.

This is an easy walk over largely dry terrain – so, hopefully its nearly weather proof !

Meet at the Lyon Hall’s car park in Hodnet ready for a 10.00 departure.

If you intend to come, please let David Wilson know (07970304169 email: david.wilson65@icloud.com)- so we can alert you to late changes &/or advise Hawkeston Hall of likely numbers to expect.

Accompanied children and dogs [on leads] also welcome. Sensible footwear advised.

Expected duration of this walk – around 2.5 – 3 hrs.

Note. To assist with planning, we aim to do these walks on a regular day each month, usually the first Tuesday of the month. Future walks – January 2023 – none; February 7th (Hodnet to Wollerton and back via Espley) March 7th (Around Fauls); April 4th (TBA); May 2nd (TBA).

All walks will start at 10.00 AM and last around 2 – 3 hours.

Keep up to date with all our activities via the Hodnet website or, better still, our group’s own Facebook page – search for Hodnet Footpath Group.

Unwanted Tree Dates!

Well, it took about 6 emails and a couple of phone calls but I finally have some dates when the STC Depot will be open to receive donations of unwanted trees. Dates and times are as follows:

Monday 31st October        10am – 3pm
Sat 5th November            8am – 11 am
Wednesday 9th November    9am – 3pm
Sat 12th November        8am – 11.30am

A location plan:

Autumn Public Walks- 2022

Although the response to our earlier season walks was a bit patchy, and rain forced cancellation of one, we’ve decided to persevere and try some more in the Autumn – all in the hope that local residents and friends will join us to explore some of the interesting (possibly ‘hidden’ to many) countryside that exists right on our doorsteps!

Past walks have attracted a diverse bunch of local folk, so why not come along for a pleasant stroll in good company?

To assist with planning, we aim to do these walks on a regular day each month, namely the first Tuesday of the month during September (Stoke on Tern to Peplow), October (Around High Hatton) and November (Hodnet to Fauls). All walks will start at 10.00 AM and last around 2 hours.

Full details will be put on the village website and our Facebook page later in the summer, please look out for them. In the meantime, if you’re interested, please note the dates in your diary.

Free parking is available at all start points. Accompanied children and dogs [on leads] welcome on all walks. Sensible footwear advised, plus a drink/snack. Most walks are between 2 – 3 hrs duration.

Keep up to date with our activities via the Hodnet website or better still our groups own Facebook page – search for Hodnet Footpath Group.

8/7/22 – New Date for Glow Worm Spotting

AMENDMENT: Due to changeable/unsuitable weather this event, planned for 1/7/22, has now been moved to the reserve date of 8/7/22. All other details unchanged. If you registered you will have been sent an advice email, if not and especially if you miss this website notice, please accept our apologies. Hopefully see you next week.

Hodnet Footpath Group are once again running our annual nightime walk to try and spot some of Hodnet’s rare glow worms.

These nationally scarce, and locally rare, insects live in certain parts of the vegetation alongside the old railway line from Hodnet to Wollerton. During their brief breeding season they may be spotted glowing to attract a mate.

Glow Worm taken at Hodnet 2016

A warm dark and moonless dry night is the best time to spot them from mid June to mid July, and our walk this year is being held on Friday 1st July. Although you can turn up on the night, it helps us plan/manage the event better if you register your interest. Please contact David Wilson email david.wilson65@icloud.com or call 07970 304169

Meeting Point: By the old Railway Line bridge on Station Road, Hodnet, for a 10.30PM departure. Alternatively, meet in the reception area of The Bear Inn, Hodnet, at 9.30pm for a pre-walk drink – departing for Station road at 10.15pm.

Children and dogs (on leads) welcome. A torch may be helpful for the walk [but isn’t necessary for spotting Glow Worms!]. Sensible shoes and clothing advised.

Note. If wet, the event will be cancelled and then take place on the following friday. If you let David Wilson know you are coming he can keep an email/phone contact for you and let you know if this becomes necessary.

Heating Oil Thefts

The following is from Market Drayton Police Facebook page. Market Drayton’s PCSO Steve Robinson says:

“Following the recent spike in crude oil prices, the cost of heating oil has also increased. Reports have been received relating to thefts from tanks at residential properties and commercial premises, notably in rural locations.

“Things you might want to consider could be:

Implementation of a fuel management system with a key or code access and alarm features.

Try to ensure the tank is overlooked either with natural views or using physical surveillance such as CCTV or, better still, both.

Install anti-siphoning devices and lockable fuel caps.

Install motion sensor lights.”

In addition, sometimes its a good thing to be a nosey neighbour! If you see strange vehicles about, jot down number plates or take a photograph if it is safe to do so.

Christmas Fayre

Don’t forget! The Christmas Fayre is at the Lyon Hall, Hodnet, tomorrow, Saturday 27th November, between 10 am and 2 pm.

There will be craft stalls, gifts, preserves and refreshments.

Parking and entry are free.

Fix my Street!

Shropshire Council is encouraging residents to report issues of concern via the website www.fixmystreet.com

Reporting anything is a very straightforward process. Typing in a postcode brings up a good map of the area so that the issue of concern can be marked. There is a comprehensive ‘tick box’ list of categories – Abandoned vehicles, Bus stops, Car parking, Dog fouling, … Pavements/footpaths, Potholes, …Other. Users are encouraged to add a photo of the problem – issues with photos are apparently likely to be resolved more quickly. Users are required to put in some personal information but, from my own experience, this doesn’t generate a mass of ‘rubbish’ correspondence, just allows confirmation that the issue has been logged.

The process is simple and quick to do. We all have things we like to grumble about so let’s actually report them! A flood of reports about and photos of the same potholes might get them fixed sooner.

Click on this link to go directly to the website: https://www.fixmystreet.com

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.

October’s 1st Tuesday Walk – HFG

Hodnet footpath group’s next walk takes place on Tuesday 3rd October 2023.

We will meet ready for 10.00 start by the old railway line bridge on Station Rd, Hodnet, with roadside parking adjacent.

We will be walking along the old railway line to Wollerton (benefitting from some planned tree/shrub clearance work this weekend), then down to Heathbroook and back to the bottom of Station Road. Those that have had enough can return from there, otherwise we will continue to and through Tunstall woods before returning to the start.

As ever, all welcome, whether old or new faces, plus children and dogs too.

Bring a drink/snack if you wish.

Queries to Jake Williams 07474 974477

Closure of A49 north of Shrewsbury Monday 25th September – Wednesday 4th October 2023

Essential road repairs are to be carried out on the A49 from Halls roundabout to Astley Lane, Hadnall from Monday 25 September to Wednesday 4 October – from 9.30am to 4pm each day.

While work is being carried out the road will be closed, with a signed diversion route in place.

Access to residential properties and business within the closure will be maintained – along with access for emergency vehicles.

Advance notice signs, advising of the forthcoming closure, will be erected prior to work starting.

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.