Whats New!, Copyright, Disclaimer and Contacts, Cradley Home, Parish Council Home

Our Chairman was pleased to welcome members of the public and the press who had come to listen to Kenton Bradbury on the subject of our electricity supply.

We heard it from the horse’s mouth: the electricity supply service record for our parish for 2002/2003 was poor. Kenton Bradbury from Central Networks (previously named "Aquila") admitted as much in his presentation. But there was no single cause for the repeated power cuts we have been suffering. Bird strikes, storms, and trees on the line can all cause problems. Faults can develop in the overhead network, in the insulators, in underground cables and in the substations.

What are they doing about it? Nothing specific for our area, but they are looking across the board to spending more on upgrading their network from 2005. Efforts are being made to use technology to speed repairs and new processes are building on the local knowledge of the work force. The 5-year cycle of tree clearance is being reduced to 3 years, so we will see tree cutters again in our area in 2005. They are also paying special attention to the way they keep customers informed when there is a problem. From having one of the worst records for customer service in the UK, by additional recruitment, and increased training and by giving customers more information, more frequently, they are now in the top league. We must be thankful for small mercies.

Are you confused by who does what in the electricity industry? Kenton Bradbury did his best to explain the effects of privatisation, deregulation, mergers and takeovers. Suffice it to say, if you have a power cut and need information ring 08457 331 331. You will also find this number on your electricity bill, no matter who sends it to you.

The Annual Parish Meeting date was confirmed as Tuesday 27 April 7.30 in Storridge Village Hall. The aim of the meeting, which has been called by David Creed- Newton, Chairman of the Parish Council, is to provide an opportunity for the people of the parish to celebrate and debate. In response to local interest we have invited Jim Lambert of the Herefordshire Football Association to speak on the subject of sport and opportunities for funding. It was also agreed to invite representatives from community groups to speak at the meeting. If we have missed your group but you want to speak please let our Clerk know. It should be an interesting evening.

We were dismayed to find that Herefordshire Transport Dept had no plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit in time for the opening of the new school. To increase the pressure on Herefordshire Council it was agreed to raise this matter with the Police, and the School Governors. If you too are concerned about this issue please write to your local County Councillor, Rees Mills, Old Court, Walwyn Road, Colwall.

At last we are about to replace the bench at the Chapel Lane playing field. We must thank Mr Curtis Munrowd and Mr Frank Hare for their cooperation and assistance in making this happen.

The Agenda for Parish Council meetings is displayed at Finchers Corner, the Butchers, the Post Office and on the notice board at Storridge Village Hall at least 3 clear days before each meeting. Copies of the minutes for the last 2 years are held at Cradley Post Office. The next Parish Council Meeting is on Tuesday 13 April. Mrs M Barnett, Clerk to the Council can be contacted on 01531 635 103.

Sally Ramsden