Eastfield Play Area, Blisworth

Please note that the gate to the Eastfield play area is not automatically closing.  We have organised a contractor to repair the lock but would ask parents with young children to take care to ensure that the gate is closed at all times while using the facilities.

HGV stuck in High StBlisworth Parish Council has asked for a meeting with representatives from West Northants Council, Highways and the Police to discuss the traffic issues in the village.  They have agreed to attend the Parish Council meeting on  Monday, 2nd October 2023.

The Councillors hope that with all the representatives present, there can be a constructive discussion to reach resolutions and get action agreed.

We need your support!

Please attend the meeting to show that this is an issue that impacts all the residents and not just something that only concerns the Councillors.  WNC and Highways will note the attendance level as evidence for any traffic calming initiatives we request in the future – over to you!

BLISWORTH PARISH MEETING: Monday, 2nd October 2023 at the Village Hall, 18-19 Stoke Rd, Blisworth, Northampton NN7 3DH from 7:30pm.

This meeting is in response to a letter sent by Blisworth Parish Council  raising concerns regarding the ongoing traffic issues through the village. The letter has been sent for the attention of:

Councillor Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northants Council
Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom, Conservative MP for South Northamptonshire
Ian Rigby, Director Technical Development, National Logistics SEGRO
Scott Martin, Project Director Civils & Infrastructure WINVIC
Nick Henstock, Assistant Director for Highways
Sam Simons, Kier (Highways) West Northamptonshire council
Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, West Northamptonshire Council
Stephen Mold, Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner
Please see below the letter from Blisworth Parish Council about the increasing traffic issues in Blisworth and the very grave concern regarding the impact of this traffic on the subsiding section of Stoke Road in Blisworth village.
Further Roadworks:  Blisworth Village and surrounding roads

Kier (Highways) are intending on carrying out urgent carriageway repairs to a section of the road between Buttmead and Wellspring.  To complete these works safely will require that the road is closed for up to two days at off peak times and it is expected to commence on the 5th September 2023.  Information received 22/08/2023.

The closure and diversion can be viewed here https://one.network/?tm=135386137  

Update 26/09/2023:  Winvic Construction Ltd are currently working on the A508 in Grafton Regis as part of the Church Lane junction improvement scheme.

Part of this work requires the highway to be resurfaced which will be happening this weekend, 20:00 29th Sep until 06:00 2nd October.  During this period the A508 will be fully closed, with access to residents along the A508 limited to the North. No access will be possible from the South.  A traffic diversion route will be in place directing most of the traffic down the A5 and A43 to get access to the M1.  Barricades will be set up at Pury Road and Grafton Road, to allow traffic to turn onto the A5 and follow the diversion route. Local Residents will be able to pass the barricade at Pury Road and access Grafton Regis via “The Lane”.  Access will also be possible from the East along Bozenham Mill Lane.

Map showing Grafton Regis Road Closure

See below for further road works updates or click on  Highways and Traffic section.

Massive HGV warehouse development on land west of Northampton Road (Planning Application WNS_2022_1134_MAO).

Please continue to upload your objections, if possible we need 1000 objections.

We wanted to bring this application to residents’ attention again because there have been some amendments to the original planning application and if we do not respond, it may well be agreed.  As stated in the last R&A, the plans include approx. 50 HGVs loading/waiting bays, 110 plus car parking spaces and 16 HGVs per hour through the village!  In an amendment, it was suggested that a ‘routing system’ will stop vehicles accessing the village.  They will advise drivers that they will not be allowed to go through the village, but they have not stipulated who will monitor the HGVs or what fines, if any, will be applied.  WNC and the Police do not have the power or labour to monitor the routes that the HGVs use nor will the Police have any legal powers to enforce any recommendations the developer suggests.  Therefore the reality is that all these HGVs will pass through the village.  BPC has resubmitted another comprehensive objection but we need residents to individually submit objections.  Though this proposed development will devalue your property and reduce your ability to sell, the planning committee are not allowed to consider these points in its deliberations.

However, as a resident you can submit an objection and highlight that:

  • Already, each time there is an issue with either the A43, A508 or M1, there are significant increases in traffic flows through the village from c5,000 to c9,000 vehicles daily and queuing traffic is now being regularly witnessed up Towcester Road onto the A43 and on the A43 lay-by to turn right into Blisworth, in addition to tailbacks of traffic along Northampton Road beyond the railway bridge, at peak hours.
  • Even if, as the developer now suggests, their HGVs will not be able to access the village, then the only route will be Northampton Road but there is not the capacity for this type or increased volume of traffic. It will cause chaos at the Tesco/Mereway roundabout and through Milton Malsor and Collingtree.
  • Furthermore, the Secretary of State for Transport has recently agreed that the Gateway, rail-freight terminal can begin operations ahead of ensuring that the rail-freight terminal is operational, leading to further traffic on all routes around the village.
  • The original application stated that the location was ideally suited due to the road links with the A43, A508 and M1 but there simply isn’t the capacity on the Blisworth roads for a new development of this type and magnitude.
  • The increase in traffic will significantly undermine the buildings in the Conservation area, many of which, by nature of their age, have issues with their foundations.
  • Any further increase in traffic along Northampton Road and through the village will increase traffic fumes and noise pollution.
  • Already children and the elderly in the village cannot safely navigate the roads due to the speed and quantity of traffic.
  • This proposed development will significantly reduce the quality of life of residents in the village.
  • If you have photographic evidence to show the amount of traffic on the Northampton Road or through the village, please include these in your letter/email.
  • BPC have suggested that to ensure that HGVs from this proposed development cannot pass through Blisworth, the physical design of the access should be amended to include a traffic island so that it is physically impossible for HGVs to turn right towards Blisworth when leaving the site or turn left from Blisworth to enter the site. Appropriate signage on the site and on the approaches should also be provided. We urged that these measures should be made a condition attached to any planning consent.

Even if you do not live on the main routes, please consider writing to support your fellow residents.   Remember also, the above, are a few points that you can include, but it is important that you make the letter your own and do not simply copy and paste these points. To submit your objection type in the address: https://wnc.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Display/WNS/2022/1134/MAO and select COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION, or write to: Mr Daniel Callis, Principal Planning Officer – Major Projects Team, West Northants Council, The Forum, Moat Lane, Towcester, Northants NN12 6AD. Quote Planning application no. WNS/2022/1134/MAO Land west of Northampton Road.

Police & Neighbourhood Watch Scheme:

The Neighbourhood alert system has been renamed “Northamptonshire Talking”.   Regular updates about local crime and matters of priority within South Northants are on Neighbourhood Alert www.northamptonshireneighbourhoodalert.co.uk/.

There is a coffee catch up planned at the Blisworth Community Cafe (Blisworth Baptist Church) on 29 August 2023 at 10:00am where the Community Support Officer PCSO will be present.  Cllr Read will be attending and all are welcome.

SEGRO GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT (Winvic) Roadworks

Update 08/09/2023 from Winvic Construction Ltd & Segro Plc:

Please see also the Highways and Traffic section

Update 25/08/2023 from Winvic Construction Ltd & Segro Plc:

  • Roade Bypass is now open with a 30mph speed restriction. Knock Lane / Blisworth Road has also been reopened this week.
  • The route change where we want to re-open Rookery Lane and close Courteenhall Road has been pushed back until the start of September.
  • The next full closure of the A508 is programmed for 15th-18th September to complete surfacing works at Area 17, Grafton Regis.

Please see the  Highways and Traffic section  to see the latest update (updated 25/08/2023) documents regarding SEGRO Gateway Development (Winvic) and WNC road closures/works in and around Blisworth.

Blisworth Parish Councillors have asked Winvic/Segro what the impact of this work on the A508 will be in terms of diversion routes and Blisworth village.  Councillors have reminded them of  the Health and Safety aspect and the need to safeguard the residents on the subsiding area of Stoke Road.

Train Travel to London

Network Rail  submitted this update for September:  Next month railway teams will connect the  interchange at the Gateway (SEGRO) site.  A section of the West Coast main line between Milton Keynes and Northampton is scheduled to close between Saturday 2 and Sunday 10 September 2023.  During this time, there will be no direct services between North Wales and London.  Journeys will take longer on diversionary routes, could involve rail replacement buses and train timetables will be different.  Passengers are being advised to check before they travel by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk to plan their journey in advance.  All dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

West Northants Resources and Waste Strategy Consultation

WNC are reviewing their bin collection and waste strategy and are asking that you respond to their consultation.  Waste collection survey  The online consultation will take place from Wednesday 5 July to Monday 21 August and is asking if you would rather have the current large bins, emptied every third week or smaller bins, emptied every second week.

Blisworth Parish Council Newsletter Round and About No 152 August_Sept 2023

Allotments

Work on the Blisworth Parish Council allotments (off Courteenhall Road) is due to commence on Monday, 21st August 2023 and will take approximately one week to complete.

In the event that the contractor needs to change the schedule of works, updates will be posted on our website and on the Blisworth Parish Council Facebook page.

Blisworth Parish Council currently has a number of plots that are vacant on the Parish Council allotments, off Courteenhall Road.  If you would like a relaxing place to grow your own veg or flowers, please contact the clerk.  Fees are only £6.00 per year.

Annual Parish Meeting

Thank you to all the residents that attended the Annual Parish Meeting and for your engagement with the voting process about Blisworth Parish Council’s future priorities. It was great for the councillors to hear your views and share ideas, as well as enjoying cake!

We asked residents to vote on seven different suggestions/future expenditure priorities (listed below) to identify where residents might want to spend our limited funds and which ones are thought to be the most urgent.   (The pound signs are an indication of the costs involved).

  1. A traffic calming chicane on Stoke Road (within village limits) similar to a chicane in Shutlanger village. ££££
  2. Further Signage: 20 mph limit near the school, improve weight-limit signage for Stoke Road etc  ££
  3.  Traffic operated crossing across High Street, near Blisworth School (where the current bus lane is).  ££££
  4. Happy to Chat Bench in the village to improve village interaction. £
  5. A footpath from the Tunnel Carpark into the village   ££££
  6. Electric E charge on the streets to encourage electric car take up Free
  7. Improve pavements including installing dropped kerbs £££

Below are the results of engagement with residents on future expenditure priorities (including votes collected at the Annual Parish Meeting, online votes via Blisworth Parish Council Facebook page and voting boxes at the Blisworth shop, St John’s Church and the Baptist Church).

128  Votes – A calming chicane on Stoke Road (within village limits) similar to the chicane in Shutlanger village.

123 Votes – Further Signage: 20 mph limit near the school, improve  weight-limit signage for Stoke Road etc.

113 Votes – Improve pavements including installing dropped kerbs.

104 Votes – A footpath from the Tunnel Carpark into the village.

57 Votes – A traffic operated crossing (current bus lane) High Street near Blisworth School.

25 Votes – Community engagement initiatives – e.g., ‘Happy to Chat Bench.’

13 Votes – Electric E charge on the streets to encourage electric car take up.

Blisworth Parish Council will need to seek further consultation and agreement from West Northants Council and Highways prior to actioning these initiatives.

 

Footpath from TunnelPavementsChicane on Stoke Rd

Happy to Chat BenchElectric car changing pointsSignage

Pelican Crossing

Blisworth Parish Council Surgery

We will continue to host informal surgery sessions where councillors will be present at the Blisworth Baptist Church for discussion on any parish issues. It will be a great opportunity to join us for a chat and air any concerns over a cup of coffee and maybe a bit of cake!  We are extremely grateful for the support of the Baptist Church and the free use of their facilities to further support our local community.  Our next session will be on  Tuesday 8th August 2023 (10:00 – 12:00).  If you are concerned about the traffic issues in the village or have any other worries please come and have your say. 

S137 Grants

The parish council can award small grants of up to £500 to local groups/organisations to promote community activities in our village. Contact the parish clerk for details on Blisworthparishcouncil@gmail.com or view our Policies page  and scroll down and select the BPC s137 Policy and Form document.

Volunteering at the Closed Cemetery

There was a great turn out from residents eager to volunteer to help maintain the Closed Cemetery (opposite St John’s Church).  A special thank you to the children who worked so hard to clear many of the weeds! Please contact the Clerk if you would like join the group of volunteers to help in the future.

WNC Cost of Living Support

WNC would like to raise the awareness of  “Cost of living scams”.  Please be cautious of possible scams including fake text messages and emails relating to cost of living and energy.   For more information please visit cost of living scams.

Elections

Have you ever considered working in a Poll Station or at a Count Venue during an election and supporting the democratic process? For further details please visit: www.westnorthants.gov.uk/electoral-services/employment-opportunities-elections.

VOTER ID – You now need photo ID to vote

To view the full list of acceptable photo ID you can use to vote at a polling station, and for further information, please visit our website.  If you do not hold accepted photo ID, you can also apply for a the free Voter Authority Certificate.

www.westnorthants.gov.uk/VoterID

Subsidence at Stoke Road – New Update 23/03/2023

Residents have noted an increase in the volume and weight of the traffic this week along Stoke Road, through the village.   May we ask you, friends and neighbours to take videos, if at all possible, and then post them on the Police website: https://snap.northants.police.uk/snap/   This helps to highlight the problem, rather than having just one email from the Blisworth Parish Council.  The Police may be more inclined to act if they get multiple emails from residents.   Please note that it is an offence to video another vehicle while actually driving.  Alternatively, if you could take the registration number and the name of the company etc on the overweight vehicle and notify the Police, they will investigate further.   Blisworth Parish Council have notified the Bridge and Highway Structures Team Leader to alert them to the fact that there is increased and increasing volume of traffic using Stoke Road and an increasing amount of  traffic that contravenes the 3.5 T weight restriction.

Blisworth Parish Council has contacted the Bridge and Highway Structures Team Leader for North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire dealing with the issue of subsidence at Stoke Road.  Highways have revised their initial plan for works at Stoke Road and are in talks with the Canal and River Trust and WNC.  Bliswoth Parish Council have alerted them to the fact that the road has deteriorated and that the hole has both widened and deepened and that it is impossible to pass.  Additionally the depth of the hole steers cars into the middle of the road into oncoming traffic. Highways have agreed to send out an engineer to check the condition of the road again this week (w/c 06/03/2023).
They have also agreed to send an updated plan and report on the condition of the road for residents, which will be posted on this website as soon as it is received.
Please note Blisworth Parish Council had already arranged a meeting with representatives of Highways to discuss the many traffic and road issues within Blisworth village and a major concern is the condition of Stoke Road and the impact of increased and increasing traffic along this route.
Highways have contacted Blisworth Parish Council with the following information:  They state that they have sent an engineer (w/c 06/03/2023) who has confirmed that:
‘while it may seem to have deteriorated, the settlement (at Stoke Road, Blisworth) is the same as previously inspected.’
They have agreed to send a Traffic Management contractor to see what additional signage can be installed to deter overweight vehicles from accessing Stoke Road from the direction of Shutlanger etc.   Please read the Highways Blisworth Stoke Road update March 2023 for details of their plans and current status.

Farming Community Network

Here to listen and support you.  Contact the Family Community Network to speak in confidence with a sympathetic person who understands farming life.

Helpline: 03000 111 999

Email: help@fcn.org.uk  Open 7am – 11pm.

 

Charging units for electric cars

Blisworth Parish Council have been contacted by Char.gy.  Char.gy  supplies options to allow drivers to charge an electric car on the street (where there is no off-road parking).  Their charging units can be fixed to lampposts or onto purpose installed bollards.  We would like to hear residents’ views about this proposal.  Would you be interested in having a charging unit on the street near your property or do you envisage that this may increase parking issues?

Interested in a charging unit on your street:  bit.ly/iwantacharger

char.gy — Electric vehicle charge points on street and in lampposts

 

Public Spaces Protection Order
New Public Spaces Protection Order.
The PSPO means dog owners could be fined £100 if they fail to:
  • pick up their dog’s mess and dispose of it properly
  • carry the means to pick up after their dog
  • prevent their dog from entering public places from which dogs are excluded, including children’s play areas, schools, skateparks, tennis courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and bowling greens
  • keep their dog on a lead when in cemeteries, burial sites, graveyards, memorial gardens, allotments, car parks, sports grounds, fields and pitches – when in use for authorised sporting activity
  • put their dog on a lead when asked to do so by an authorised officer
  • Also restricts a person from walking more than four dogs at any one time and prohibits smoking in: children’s play areas, schools, skateparks, tennis courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), and bowling greens.  You must have the appropriate means to pick up dog faeces deposited by your dog. It is recommended that you take out several bags with you so that if your dog decides to go to the toilet more than once, you are not without a bag.  Dispose of the bag correctly in either a dog waste or litter bin, or take it home and place it, suitably wrapped, in your own waste bin.  Do not dump the bag in a hedge or hang it from a branch, this is littering. Littering is also an offence and you can receive a fine of £150.

Parking and Mobility issues

Could we ask residents to be mindful of the impact on others in the village of parking on pavements/dropped curves.  This can make it extremely difficult for residents with mobility issues to move freely around  the village.

Blisworth Notice Boards

We have a number of great notice boards across the village which are there to help residents advertise local events and services. We all want our notice boards to be well kept but sometimes they get very untidy. We are fortunate that some of our volunteers will be looking after them to keep our notice boards looking great.
Any notice that is out of date, weather worn or unsuitable will be taken off.  If the notice boards are full, anything from outside the village will be removed to make room.
To help, there will be a plastic bag at the side of all the notice boards with pins for notices and posters so all can be made secure with four pins on each corner.   Please can we remind you that staples damage the notice boards and are difficult to remove.  In order to support the volunteers that give their free time to keep the boards presentable, we will automatically remove any notices that are posted using staples  in the future.
Please could we also ask you to remove posters/notices once they are out of date as this leaves room for other residents to post up to date information.
Funding for Community Renewal

Some community groups and organisations are struggling to bounce back after the Coronavirus pandemic, and a bit of money to fund a new activity or to energise a relaunch might go a very long way.  The Janet and Bryan Moore Trust is a local charity which is inviting applications for funding for projects that help enhance and unite local communities such as childcare, scout groups, fitness groups and churches.  Parish and town councils are not eligible bodies themselves, but if you know of, or are a member of, a community group in need of funding it might be just what you’re looking for.  Grants up to £20,000 are available.  See www.janetandbryanmooretrust.org.uk for details.

Citizens Advice Bureau – If you are worried about debt, benefits, housing or anything else – Drop in to see an advisor at the Towcester Foodbank every Tuesday 12-2pm.  Citizens Advice & Food bank

Blisworth Football Club

Blisworth Football Club have asked Blisworth Parish Council to post their presentation detailing their forthcoming plans.  Football Club Presentation

Don’t forget to contribute to the Northants Police current priorities survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NorthantsLocalPriorities.  This is an opportunity for you to let Northants Police know about our concerns regarding  traffic and speeding in the village and hopefully this will inform the Police that  road safety is a priority for our village.

Police & Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (helping to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour).  If residents would like to receive notifications direct, you can register with: www.northamptonshireneighbourhoodalert.co.uk/

Please help Blisworth Parish Council to support residents.  Click on the ‘Operation Snap’ link below to find out how to report vehicles that exceed the 3-Tonne weight limit situated on the Stoke Road (near the canal tunnel entrance).   Operation Snap

Yet more warehousing developments

Blisworth Parish Council has been approached on behalf of the Harworth Group, who is preparing proposals to create new employment space off Junction 15 of the M1, near Collingtree in Northamptonshire.
The proposals include six industrial units, delivering 1.64 million sq. ft of logistics space.
We would be interested in residents’ views on this proposal.
Eastfield Play Area

Please contact the parish council if you have any concerns/issues regarding the play area.

 WE STILL NEED YOU!  Parish Councillor Vacancies

There are four vacancies for a member of the public to become a Parish Councillor.  If you feel you would like to get involved in making decisions about your local community, local issues and make a significant contribution to the area in which you live or work, then this is the position for you!  Do you have an interest in your local environment, local transport, local government finances, amenities, planning and housing issues, community events, anti-social behaviour and policing, and want to make a difference then please apply!

  • You must be aged 18 years and over, eligible to vote and have lived or worked in the parish of Blisworth for 12 months or more, or within 3 miles of the parish boundary.
  • Any elector can identify a potential councillor and nominate candidates for election and have the right to elect a councillor who represents their interests.
  • The role of Parish Councillor is unpaid however training and support is provided.  If you are interested please contact the Parish Clerk on blisworthparishcouncil@gmail.com.

Support to elderly residents

Northamptonshire Age UK provides support to elderly residents with a wide range of services including domestic cleaning, gardening, handy person, carer sittings service, day care at home, information and advice.  For more information please call 01604 611200 or email access@ageuknorthants.org.uk or visit www.ageuknorthants.org.uk.

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Grass cutting

Residents with any questions, concerns or issues about grass cutting in the village please could you contact the Clerk of the Parish Council and not the contractors that way we can make sure issues are logged and tracked.  Blisworth Parish Council:  blisworthparishcouncil@gmail.com

Blisworth is a thriving, picturesque village in South Northamptonshire situated 5 miles south of the county town. It has some 900 homes and an estimated population of 1870 (2010 village survey).
The West Coast Railway runs close to Blisworth and the Grand Union Canal passes through the village which extends from the famous Blisworth Tunnel, to the outlying residential areas of Blisworth Arm and Blisworth Park.
Village amenities include a primary school, a village shop with news agency and post office and two local pubs. Many small businesses surround the area, largely in discreet attractive business parks.

If you have any questions regarding the content of the website please contact the Parish Clerk in the first instance:- E-mail: blisworthparishcouncil@gmail.com
Only information approved by the BPC may be included on this web site.

To visit West Northamptonshire Planning Applications Register, please click the link. Click here to be directed to the WNC Planning Applications Register

Please contact the Clerk for a copy of the signed minutes.