Lanes and Streams was a key theme at our June meeting. Under both these headings we discussed the surface water drainage issues of lower Vinesend Lane and the knock-on effect of the drainage down to the new school site. We determined to write again asking for remedial action to the Highways Department with a copy to the Architect of the school. Roger Gill and Michael Allfrey reported back on their investigation of the quality of wildlife in the stream below the sewage works at Stiffords Bridge. All was not well they felt. A letter is being sent to Environmental Health outlining our concerns. On a more positive note, the Council agreed to offer the contract for Lengthsman to Jeremy Moore of Ledbury, for more details see Parish Council’s "Reporter" which should be through your door by the end of June.

Volunteers do so much to shape the nature of our community, and we are particularly blessed in Cradley and Storridge. Following last month’s plea Terry Robshaw stepped forward offering his services as Internal Auditor. He will be reporting to the Council twice a year. But we still need a Supervisor (or a team of Supervisors) for the Lengthsman. There will be some nominal remuneration, but getting out and about and doing your bit for the parish will be the real reward. Please step forward.

We, along with many other parishes, have filled BT’s mailbox with challenges to their proposals to remove some of our phone boxes! BT has now promised to take no action until the issues we raised have been resolved. We will stick with this.

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 6 July at Storridge Village Hall. Mrs M Barnett, Clerk to the Council can be contacted on 01531 635 103.

Sally Ramsden