Dear All,
As you will be aware, our verges are usually kept trimmed and some of our ditches kept clear; our signs are shined and various jobs carried out by our Lengthsman. This is a position paid for by your Parish Council. At the moment, the contract we have to sign with Balfor Beatty Living Places on behalf of Herefordshire Council, is causing some considerable problems for us (and other parishes). The contract requires certification of certain skills and abilities. Sadly, even though we know that our Lenghtsman has more than proved himself competent, we are currently not allowed to employ him. If we did so, we would be in breach of contract and put at risk him, us and you should any issues arise.
This means, until the issues are resolved with BBLP, our grass is not going to be cut nor weeds removed, nor any of the other duties our Lengthsman has performed. As a parish council we are not happy with this and continue to make strong representation to BBLP and Herefordshire Council via our Ward Councillor John HARRINGTON.
We know that seeing our village in an unkempt state is not what we’re used to. We would ask you for your support as we continue to work hard for a resolution. If you feel that by registering your concerns about this situation will add to finding a positive outcome, please do feel free to submit them to Herefordshire Council. The following link maybe of use to report any part of the highway you may consider to be in a dangerous state, under the heading ‘To Contact us About Anything Else’ https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1/report-problems-road
As a parish council, we thank you for your understanding and support.
Helen Batchelor
Bodenham Parish Council (Chair)