Longden Ford and Rea Valley LJC meeting report

The public attending the Longden, Ford and Rea Valley Local Joint Committee (LJC) meeting at Cruckton Village Hall on Wednesday 13 June 2012 were interested to hear from Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for transport, and Ron Buzzacott, Shropshire Council’s highways manager.

Many local parents attended the meeting to ask questions about the provision of a pedestrian crossing in Hanwood.  They were initially disappointed to hear that Hanwood’s pedestrian crossing has been withdrawn from this year’s capital budget.  Councillor Simon Jones continued to explain that the scheme would be designed, planned and consulted on this year, and the pedestrian crossing would be installed during April, May and June in 2013. 

Also at the meeting the committee agreed to give grants to local community groups Longleat Social Club to assist residents in their gardens; Kickz’ dance group, whose membership involves local young people; and Ford parish plan group to enable them to publish their new plan. 

Chair of the LJC Councillor Roger Evans commented:

“It was good to see so many local residents come and quiz officers about why the pedestrian crossing had been cancelled for this year.  The assurance that this is still in the programme and only delayed due to budget pressures was reluctantly accepted, with the reassurance that work will start no later than spring 2013.  

“Questions and concerns were also raised about the number of times the railway bridge in Hanwood had been struck by lorries.  Again members of the committee were assured that Shropshire Council’s signage would be checked, and discussions would also be held with the Highways Agency about installing additional signs on the A5.”