Some of you have been asking what was the outcome from our AGM in November 2019.

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Some 34 residents attended the meeting to hear Matthew Upton (the Catchment Manager for United Utilities) present plans for the section of the Goit than runs alongside Railway Road Brinscall.

The Company intends to remove the railings along a 500 metre section from School Lane, Brinscall to ‘Gantry Bridge’ (opp. the current X & P Garage) and replace this with a hedge.

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friends of GREAT (foG) had been working with UU on a plan to upgrade this by replacing the railing in part with a new fence and altering the existing railing but UU have admitted that this proposal was not cost effective. UU have always maintained that the railings serve several functions in protecting their asset the asset from accidental damage, and from unauthorised public access and potential vandalism but they also have conceded that they are a 'tired looking' asset ready for investment. It is hoped the new hedge will continue to meet these functional requirements while also improving aesthetics and improving bio-diversity and health outcomes.

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UU wish to enlist the assistance of the Village Community and friends of GREAT to become involved to ensure the hedge becomes established, to help protect plants in their early life, and guard against the boundary being abuse. UU foresee themselves 'laying' the hedge after 10 years and then trimming it annually. A budget has been approved and a local contractor has been engaged with a view to starting works in January 2020. It is ideal winter work for UU and the contractor.

The proposals were acclaimed by the meeting as good news for the villages, and Matthew was thanked formally

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We have had further discussion with UU and the Contractor and barring any further emergencies resulting from our erratic recent weather works to remove the existing railing will commence the week beginning, MONDAY 2nd MARCH 2020. This will start from the Brinscall Road end working towards the middle bridge, with a short section of new fencing being erected around the small pump house. The ground will then be prepared and the hedge planted.

 

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Two things are now important

1. To carry out the works the contractor requires access along the adjoining footpath so we will be informing residents and other users who park on this that for a short period of time they will need to find alternative parking.

2. There will be opportunity for residents to get involved with the planting of the hedge along with UU and the Contractor. The exact dates for this are not yet set but if you wish to get involved pleases contact me, via the website

 

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