See WNC Information and Notices for information about Cost of Living, Fix My Street and other notices.
Traffic Update – Stoke Road Monday 15th April – Friday 5th July 2024
Update: We have just been informed that the Tunnel car park will also be closed for the duration. It will be used as a storage area for the contractors.
On behalf of West Northamptonshire Council, Kier Highways will soon be undertaking essential carriageway strengthening works on Stoke Road. This is to ensure the structural stability of the carriageway and stabilise the adjacent embankment. The works will also include some carriageway resurfacing and installation of vehicle restraint barrier.
Where: Stoke Road, Blisworth.
When: Monday 15th April – Friday 5th July 2024
Times: 24/7 Closure. Working hours Monday – Saturday 08:00 – 17:00.
How long: 12 Weeks. Please see the map for the diversion route(s).
Highways have instructed the public not to park on the carriageway during these works. They reserve the right to tow away any vehicles restricting the works.
Residents: Vehicle access will be limited for residents.
Residents with properties within the road closure will be escorted through by the traffic management contractors.
Please see the map for the diversion route.
BPC have been notified that Anglian Water has also requested a road closure.
Part of Stoke Road will be closed between 1st-3rd July to allow an air valve and chamber to be repaired. Stoke Road Closure Map 1-3 July (Information received 06/02/2024).
We have asked Highways to confirm the start date for planned works on the subsiding section of Stoke Road.
Road Closure: Windmill Avenue – 10 April 2024
Kier are intending on carrying out urgent pothole repairs on the above road. To undertake this work safely they will require that the road is closed for up to three days at off peak times. It is expected that the works will commence on the 10th April. The closure and diversion can be viewed here https://one.network/?tm=138095181
Road Closure: Chapel Lane/Gayton Road – 5 April to 18 April 2024
We have contacted the company to ask for further details to check what area of Gayton Road will be closed and the purpose for the closure etc. Please see the map to show the closure details. Gayton Road Closure . We have been informed that this will be a full road closure due to the width of the road for Open Reach and that access will be maintained for residents.
Road Closure: Stoke Road – 17-19 September 2024
We have received a notification that part of Stoke Road will be closed between 17-19 September to allow Sunbelt to repair a damaged box in the verge near to Southern Wood. Stoke Road Closure September
Blisworth Parish Council Newsletter Round and About No 156 Apr-May 2024
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For traffic updates from SEGRO/Winvic, please check out our Highways and Traffic page.
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 14th May 2024 (10:30 – 12:00). If you are concerned about the traffic issues in the village or have any other worries please come and have your say.
Blisworth Young Parish Councillors – Have your say! https://www.facebook.com/1BYPC/
Blisworth Young Parish Council starting January. Opportunity to join the team 11-17 yrs. Empowering young people in Blisworth to have their say and be heard.
Please help Blisworth Parish Council to support residents of Stoke Road –
Subsidence at Stoke Road – New Update 23/10/2023
We have just been notified that the Police are now requesting that all footage of vehicles contravening the 3T weight limit should be sent direct to:
Police Officer Kate Rideout (Neighbourhood Policing Team Officer) at kate.rideout@northants.
You need to ensure you capture the company name and the vehicle registration. Please send your videos on the day that you take them so that PC Rideout can contact the driver asap.
Blisworth Parish Council have notified the Bridge and Highway Structures Team Leader to alert them to the fact that there is increased and increasing volumes of traffic using Stoke Road and an increasing amount of traffic that contravenes the 3.5 T weight restriction. We also requested that they check the road again. The Geotechnical engineer visited Stoke Road on 2nd October 2023 and reported that no deterioration to the patched road surface was observed. They also examined the embankment and no new signs of movement were observed.
The team have asked the Police to have more of a presence at Stoke Road and there needs to be improved signage to better inform the public of the 3T weight limit, which a lot of people are ignoring. It needs to be a 3T weight limit because it is an incredibly fragile embankment. Work on restabilising the embankment was due to commence in October 2023 but this has been delayed to April 2024 because other roads works, that are part of the strategic plans, superseded the local plans. The diversions and the 3T weight limit need to be more widely advertised to the public so there is better awareness.
Community Speed Watch group – Help to slow the traffic
We need to persuade the various representatives on the consultation panels for the Safer Roads Team that the residents are trying to do all they can to make Blisworth’s roads safer for the residents. This is the first step to getting the Police and Highways to do their bit, for example agreeing to the 20 mph zone and lower speed limits in other areas of the village.
Thank you to the residents from Blisworth, we now have 12 volunteers and one resident has now kindly agreed to be the coordinator. BPC have contacted the Police and we have been informed that the only available slot is March 2024 but at least we are on the waiting list so we can prove to the consultation panel that it is in hand and we are raring to go!
We could always do with standby volunteers so please can you contact the Clerk 07983233501 or blisworthparishcouncil@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer.
To be eligible to join the scheme each community will need at least 12 volunteers: (All training will be provided).
- one co-ordinator
- one deputy co-ordinator
- 10 volunteers
If you live on a road in Blisworth that has speeding issues, please contact the Clerk and volunteer to join.
Please note it is imperative that we have a co-ordinator and a deputy co-ordinator otherwise the Police will not agree to providing the training or the equipment to set up the group.
Blisworth Parish Council asked for a meeting with representatives from West Northants Council, Highways and the Police to discuss the traffic issues in the village. They agreed to attend the Parish Council meeting on Monday, 2nd October 2023.
Thank you to all the residents that attended. The minutes to the meeting have now been published (Minutes for October-2-2023) and sent to all the representatives that attended the meeting, with the reminder that now they need to work together to resolve the traffic issues in Blisworth. Blisworth Parish Council will continue to correspond with all the representatives that attended the meeting to ensure that there is action as agreed at the meeting.
This meeting was 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:
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.
Works at the Closed Cemetery, Blisworth
Work on the Closed Cemetery will start on Friday, 27th October 2023.
Allotments
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. Please note fees are set to increase for 2024-2025 to £10.00 per plot.
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).
- A traffic calming chicane on Stoke Road (within village limits) similar to a chicane in Shutlanger village. ££££
- Further Signage: 20 mph limit near the school, improve weight-limit signage for Stoke Road etc ££
- Traffic operated crossing across High Street, near Blisworth School (where the current bus lane is). ££££
- Happy to Chat Bench in the village to improve village interaction. £
- A footpath from the Tunnel Carpark into the village ££££
- Electric E charge on the streets to encourage electric car take up Free
- 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.
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
- West Northamptonshire Council Online Cost of Living Support Hub
- Cost-of-Living Support Line 0300 126 7000 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
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.
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
Public Spaces Protection Order
- 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
Blisworth Notice Boards
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.
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
Don’t forget to contribute to the Northants Police current priorities survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.
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/
Yet more warehousing developments
WE STILL NEED YOU! Parish Councillor Vacancies
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.
Please contact the Clerk for a copy of the signed minutes.