The Council acts as the link between residents and NSC, the highways authority, and does whatever it can to ensure issues such as damaged surfaces, potholes, missing signs and blocked drains are resolved by NSC. If you have concerns then please make sure that the Clerk is informed.

In addition, the Council is aware that traffic volumes and speeds appear to be increasing throughout the parish and is in regular discussion with NSC about possible actions.

NSC’s approach is based on transport policy relating to safety schemes and reported accidents, with the police being reluctant to agree to any revision of speed limits unless it can be shown that enforcement action won’t be needed or that some traffic calming will be introduced. There are differing views about physical traffic management schemes, with some residents being much less enthusiastic than others. All highways schemes have to compete for funding from a limited budget.

In support of Downside Road residents, the Council has lobbied NSC for a review of the issues affecting this road. We have met the relevant Area Committee to discuss the poor quality of the road surface, traffic speeds, visibility, obscured signs, the need for a footway, flooding, possible weight restrictions and the A38 road junction. Although data from NSC indicates traffic numbers have not significantly increased in recent years, the concerns are now being actively considered.

There may be some opportunity for BIA funding of road improvements in future. We are also pressing for changes to the lane markings and signage of the two airport roundabouts.

The Council has argued through the Area Committee for the speed limit on West Hay Rd to be reduced to 40mph. This was alongside Congresbury PC’s request for a similar reduction on Wrington Rd.

Frustratingly, the police won’t support this change and NSC is unwilling to act independently. Our aim was to start with West Hay Rd and then to seek similar reductions on other parish roads. It might seem strange but the police/NSC argument is that if more people were to drive slower, by 5 to 10 mph, then the case for a reduction would be much stronger.

In Redhill, discussions are in hand with NSC concerning the junction of The Pound with the A38, including provision for residents needing to cross the main road.

The difficulties at this junction have been recognised by NSC and possible schemes are under review. To discourage through HGV traffic, advisory signs were erected on the Redhill and Wrington access routes. It has been noted that through traffic using the route from Redhill to Congresbury looks to be an increasing problem.

In Wrington village, following positive reaction to the pedestrian zone marking in Silver St, NSC has agreed a similar scheme extending past the garage from end of the School Rd footway, with an equivalent road marking being a future possibility for High St. Traffic issues affecting the school are under discussion with NSC and we hope these can be addressed through a School Travel Plan, which would provide access to a dedicated budget.

To minimise obstructions for the bus a short extension to the Broad St double yellow lines has been agreed and the

single lines at the east end of the road are to be repainted. Please note the restriction times! The Council appreciates parking can be difficult in the village centre but urges everyone not to obstruct the road junctions and especially the bus route.

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Skateboard Park

One achievement has been the work to bring a skateboard park to fruition. The parish plan questionnaire and feedback from younger residents showed strong support for this scheme and the Council was happy to encourage the development, with Gina Moss leading the project committee.

The park is to be sited in the north-east corner of the Wrington Recreation Ground and the Council has agreed to use of the land without charge. In addition, it was agreed to contribute £2,500 towards the total cost of £36,000.

In January it became clear that the excellent support from local individuals and companies, along with some very generous grants from local trusts and other grant giving organisations, meant that the funding target had been hit.

Preparatory work is now in hand, with it expected that the park will be completed for opening around the end of May. We are sure that this will prove to be a much-appreciated parish asset and complement the other local sporting facilities.

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Wrington Memorial Hall

Having finished the car park renovation, the unisex disabled toilet and work on the front wall, refurbishment of the interior is now planned. We have a large, valued and well-used building which needs bringing up-to-date.

There will be a new colour scheme for the main hall and redecoration of the former skittle alley and parts of the back-stage area and dressing rooms.

In addition, the central heating system is to be extended and upgraded with a new gas-fired boiler.

Two colour schemes were prepared for the Hall Committee to chose from. It is also intended to replace the curtains with blinds, which should prove to be more durable than curtains.

Users will appreciate that the floor is a priority, with discussions underway as to how best to treat it. The surface is now in a poor state, although the basic floor is sound and the anticipated treatment should result in a fine natural timber finish.

When all this work has been completed, probably by the early autumn, we’ll have an attractive venue available for use by all parishioners.

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