Dear All,
As you are probably aware, issues continue across our village regarding the growing grass and gathering gutter detritus. Without doubt, it is not the image Bodenham is used to, nor what we wish for. As per my previous update, you will see that a contractual issue remains between BBLP and Bodenham Parish Council relating to employment of our Lengthsman. As no resolution has been found I have written to the CEO of Herefordshire Council. Our Ward Councillor is also fully aware. My letter to Mr Walker is below for your information.
As a parish council we are working as hard as we can to rectify this problem and ask for your understanding. Like you, we are not happy with how our village looks!
With kind regards,
Helen Batchelor (Cllr)
Dear Mr Walker,
Re: Lengthsman Scheme for Parish Councils – Bodenham
In line with many other Parish Councils, Bodenham Parish has, for some years, enjoyed being part of the County Councils ‘Lengthsman’ scheme.
In 20/21, an issue was raised by our Parish Council regarding the contract proposed by BBLP in relation to the scheme. In short, the ‘small print’ of the contract required nominated Lengthsmen to hold appropriate insurance and both a construction qualification – a ‘Blue Card’ and a ‘Streetworks’ ticket.
Bodenham Parish Council pointed out to BBLP that our existing Lengthsman (fully paid for by the Parish Council) held correct insurance but neither qualification. As our preferred Lengthsman, he was only requested by us to cut some grass verges and remove detritus from the gutters throughout our village.
Following discussion with BBLP it was agreed that providing the Parish was happy with the individual, work could continue but no spraying nor use of a mechanically operated machine upon a highway would be allowed without the relevant qualifications. To that end, Bodenham Parish Council submitted the regular contract to BBLP with an addendum pointing out the lack of qualifications and an undertaking not to carry out spraying or other prohibitted work. The contract was not rejected by BBLP and our Lengthsman continued to work.
The contract was scheduled for renewal this Spring. The same issue arose. Identical wording for the addendum was added as the same person was appointed by the Parish Council to act as Lenghtsman. This year, BBLP have rejected the addendum, stating that aforementioned qualifications are required.
Efforts to locate a qualified Lengthsman have failed. More telling were the several other local parishes that we have contacted regarding this matter. Only one had a qualified Lengthsman, all others employed local contractors without the ‘tickets’ and one even simply paid a resident to use his strimmer where and when needed. Our Lengthsman still works for a neighbouring parish. BBLP are aware of this.
We have emailed BBLP to seek a solution. We have not had a response. We have asked for further advice and suggested we leave the ‘scheme’, but we still need to employ a person to work on Public Realm Land. We have not had a response to that either.
Currently, we are left without the services of a Lengthsman and verges are overgrown and have, in some instances, become a hazard near junctions. Following a recent request from Bodenham Parish Council, dangerous junctions have been attended to by BBLP.
We note the County Council suggests the formation of Community Groups to help maintain the aesthetics of villages, working with a Lengthsman, Locality Steward and the County Council. We assume that no such group would have the required ‘tickets’. We are left wondering how our award winning village Flood Defence Group may fare, clearing ditches and verges to prevent flooding, if they don’t have the appropriate ‘tickets’ to work on Public Realm Land, indeed, every householder who cuts the verge in front of his/her property could come into conflict with the requirement.
Whilst we fully support the necessity of appropriate insurance for anyone who works on behalf of Bodenham Parish Council, we fail to comprehend the need for a ‘Blue Card’ or ‘Streetworks Certificate’ for our Lengthsman.
We ask Herefordshire Council to review the contractual requirements and offer a solution to a problem that has been highlighted for some time but without redress.
Yours sincerely,
Helen Batchelor
Cllr (Chair)
Bodenham Parish Council