Parish Lengthsman, Roads and Flooding
The Parish Lengthsman
The Parish Council is a member of the county’s Lengthsman scheme. This means that some minor highways maintenance is devolved to the Parish Council from Herefordshire Council.
The Lengthsman carries out crucial work such as clearing mud and debris from drain tops and gullies, digging out ditches and some watercourses and for the first time being able to work on the drainage system. Also carried out is strimming some verges, cleaning signposts and removing storm debris. Our Lengthsman also works with the Parish Footpath Officers on the maintenance programme for Public Rights Of Way
For the last few years the Parish has received grants from Herefordshire Council for this work and the Parish Council also has its own budget. In total in a typical year expenditure on this work is £8,000-£10,000.
This expenditure is at the forefront of the Council’s drive to reduce flooding which has become increasingly frequent in recent years. It is easily understood that the Lengthsman is at the heart of this program and from 1 April 2025 Council will appoint a new Lengthsman to hold the Council contract.
If any resident knows of someone who could be interested in this contract could they please contact the Parish Clerk, Allan Drew using clerk@hfspgroup.gov.uk
The Lengthsman in our parish does not repair potholes: this is undertaken by Herefordshire Council through Balfour Beatty Living Places.
Currently (March 2025) the Parish Council has advertised for new Lengthsman. However, any problems can still be reported.
Winter Gritting
None of the Group Parish’s roads are on gritting routes for gritting lorries, but Herefordshire Council has provided salt-grit bins at various locations, which are filled by their roads contractor, Balfour Beatty.
The Parish Council works with Balfour Beatty to ensure that bins are kept filled, damaged bins replaced, and if possible new bins are provided. However, the number of new bins that can be provided by Balfour Beatty is limited. In January 2015 the Parish Council purchase some new bins and installed these at agreed locations.
Salt-grit bins are provided for use on the public highway only, and the use of salt-grit from these bins on private driveways or roads is considered theft and will be reported to the police.
The Parish Council holds a small stock of salt-grit in bags at two locations, for re-filling bins. To report bins which need re-filling or are damaged, contact the Clerk or Chairman on the numbers above.
Members of the public should not be put off clearing footways because they are concerned someone will get injured. There is no law stopping individuals from clearing snow and ice on the footway outside their home or from public spaces.
Flooding
For urgent flooding or highways defects report to Herefordshire Council directly by following this link:
www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1
Your report is recorded on the County Council website but please do keep a record of the job number so any further issues can be followed up
Flood protection – sandbags
Herefordshire’s Highways Team has provided some small stocks of sandbags at locations in Risbury, Stoke Prior and Steen’s Bridge which are available for use in an emergency.
If sandbags are needed for an emergency, please contact:
- Clerk to the Council: 01885 400712