Community-led Plan Developments

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Village Team Jumble Trail Event

We are running a Jumble Trail Event in Heptonstall on Monday 29th August.

There will be things on at the bowling club for families, as well as bacon sarnies, a good value lunch and bouncy castle for the kids.

Anyone wanting to get involved will be given space in the bowling club, or the chance to ‘buddy up’ with some-one along the trail.

Please contact Jan Lymer on 01422 847979 or 07772 168812 so we can match you  up with someone local.

Anyone can come along and raise money for their own cause, or just get the chance to de-clutter the house!!

It is going to be a lovely way to while away a few hours over the bank holiday, and the village will be judging its best garden competition on that day too.

Jumble trail booking details 500

 

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Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group

Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group will be holding their annual Front of House competition later in the year.  Get your tubs, pots, hanging baskets, window boxes and front gardens looking lovely and you could win a prize.

No need to enter.

The judges will be making their decision over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

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HAVE YOUR SAY…

HAVE YOUR SAY…

Does the Civic Parish of Heptonstall need its community group?

hep_fwd_logoOver the last 10 or so years Heptonstall Forward has been active on behalf of all Residents, putting forward and supporting their views when it has really mattered.

Whether it be planning issues or concerns over speed limits, establishing a newsletter or bulb planting, Heptonstall Forward has taken the Residents’ views forward and represented them at meetings, arranging emergency meetings if a situation demands this.

In May 2016 the members of Heptonstall Forward will be retiring, as their brief to produce and oversee the Community-led Parish Plan will be ending, this role    being handed over to the Parish Council.

So is the community group now to fold?

OR should it continue representing the Residents, but with a fresh brief?

Does the Civic Parish of Heptonstall need a community group?

Come and have your say over a cup of tea and a biscuit, on Sunday 22nd November: 2pm at Heptonstall Social and Bowling Club

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The Future of the Heptonstall Christmas Tree.

For the past 3 years Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group (HeLP) and other volunteers have provided the village with a Christmas tree.  A resident in Weavers Square has very generously let us use his electricity for the tree lights free of charge.

Understandably this arrangement is not sustainable indefinitely and so HeLP has applied for planning permission to have a power cable installed in Weavers Square to provide electricity for the tree lights and for other existing events.  We do not wish this to lead to a mushrooming in the number of events held in the square. HeLP, who will hold the key to the supply, will only grant any additional access to it after proper consultation with residents in the vicinity.

HeLP have received a Community Grant from Calderdale to cover the cost of running a cable from the centre of the road under the wall into Weavers Square by the litter bin.  Northern Powergrid tell us the work will be completed in half a day to minimise disruption.  The power supply will be housed in a small stone box which will be attached to the inside of the wall adjacent to the sign to the toilets, protruding above the wall at about the same height.  The box will be 2 ft x 2 ft x 1 ft 4 ins with a lockable door.

This can only go ahead with the approval of Calderdale Council.  As part of their consultation process they will inform the Parish Council of our application.

If you wish to actively express your support send an email Roger Greenwood, Clerk of the Parish Council.

We hope you will be supportive of this scheme so we can continue to enjoy having a Christmas tree in the square.   

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Christmas Tree Sale and Lights Switch On

It’s all happening in Weavers Square on Saturday 6 December, with a Christmas Tree Sale from 3pm to raise funds for Heptonstall Lights and Planting.

Hot chocolate, warm fruit drink and hot chestnuts will be served. The sale will be followed at 5.30pm with the big lights switch on and raffle draw (tickets on sale beforehand in the pubs and on the night in the square.

Music will be provided by Hebden Bridge Brass Band. Pie, mince pies and mulled wine will be served.

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Gala Dinner at the Bowling Club

Tickets are now on sale for our Gala Dinner at the bowling club on Saturday 27th September.
Food is being prepared by a Michelin standard chef, who has trained under Raymond Blanc, and worked extensively throughout Europe.
Dog lover, and talented chef Ian Tiller, has teamed up with Pennine Animal Welfare,  to raise money for this charity.
Organiser Jan Lymer said: “I would like to raise money to get one of the toilets in the Bowling Club converted to accommodate wheelchair users.  Ideally I would like to get the work done, in time for this year’s Christmas lunch at the club for our older generations.
“Tickets are only 25.00 each for a stunning 4 course meal, and it is just not possible to eat food prepared by a Michelin standard chef at this price.
“You can bring your own wine on the night too, so when we release the menu you can have fun matching it  with the food! This is a great chance to dress to impress too!
“There are only 50 places available, so please get in touch to reserve tickets.”
Jan Lymer
01422 847979
07772 168812
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Heptonstall Traffic Group Report, July 2014

Following a request by the Traffic Group the police have taken action to enforce the Village 20mph zone. Results of this action have so far shown no significant infringement.

Calderdale Council have agreed a policy to introduce 20mph speed limits in all residential areas in the Borough over the next three years. The Council is currently considering how the policy is to be implemented. The initiative may resolve the question as to how we get the present 20mph zone in Heptonstall extended to cover all built-up areas in the Parish.

Traffic obstruction problems due to inconsiderate parking on Longfield/Southfield appear to have eased following the introduction of ‘mini-buses’ but problems caused by parking outside and above and below the Cross seem to be on the increase. This problem is under investigation to see how it may be resolved.

Preliminary work has been carried out to introduce ‘decorative’ Village entry signs welcoming visitors and requesting careful driving. This is another part of our campaign to slow drivers down and make the Village safer.

Planning has provided advice on how we might best obtain permission for a new off-road car park on Valley View Road. Preliminary proposals have been drawn up to obtain further feedback on feasibility from Planning and Highways. The proposals call for road widening to accommodate off-road parallel parking for up to 21 cars.

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Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group Front of House Competition

DSC_1268The Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group Front of House Competition was won this year by David Flint of Townfield (see pic.) and a runner up prize was given to Bernice Briggs of Smithwell Lane.

The group would also like to make special mention of both pubs who have helped brighten up the village this year with their impressive displays of flowers.

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Plant and Hanging Basket Workshop

HeLP is planning to hold a free workshop in Weavers Square  –  learn how to create a lovely hanging basket or planter and  take it home with you. Everything you might need will be available, with plants to buy.

Saturday 14th June at 11.0 – 2.0 pm.

The Tour de France will bring us lots of visitors – we’d like to decorate the village  together and make it even more attractive this summer.

We will also be running our annual Front of House competition to coincide with the race; judging will take place on the race weekend  –  so get your tubs and baskets ready and see if you can win a prize!

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Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group (HeLP)

Pudding Night – 2 April

Thanks to everybody who supported the Pudding Night in The White Lion and made it a success.

 

Churchyard Clear up – 12 April

Thanks to everyone who helped with the churchyard clear up. We are beginning to make a difference.

The next clear up and planting session is on Saturday 26 April at 11.0 – 1.0 pm. Everybody welcome.

 

Plant and Planter / Hanging Basket Sale

HeLP are also planning to hold a Plant and Planter / Hanging Basket Sale in Weavers Square on Saturday 14th June at 11.0 – 2.0 pm. We want to help make Heptonstall even better for the Tour de France.

We will also be running our annual Front of House competition to coincide with the race, so get your tubs and baskets and see if you can win a prize.

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Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees Winter Support Service

 

If you are worried about your home being cold or damp in winter, and rising energy costs, Age UK have a new FREE service that is available to any older person.

They can help with:

  • Checking your home’s energy efficiency
  • Tips on staying warm and well in winter
  • Installing practical equipment, such as draught excluders and radiator foils
  • Companionship visits
  • Days at Centres in Halifax and Huddersfield

To find out more, call us on 01422 262011 or visit the website.

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Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees Online at Home Project

 

Want to get to grips with new technology and the internet but don’t want the outlay of a new computer straight away? Age UK may be able to offer:

  • Loan of digital equipment for 6 months
  • One-to-one support from an experienced IT volunteer
  • Access to the internet

If you would like more information or to see if you or someone you know is eligible, please call Anne Cuthbert at Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees 01422 252 040 or visit the website

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Northern Powergrid: online registration for Priority Services Register (PSR)

Northern Powergrid has launched an improved online registration process for its Priority Services Register (PSR) for those customers who feel they are particularly vulnerable and would benefit from additional support during a power cut. New features now allow carers or relatives to register on behalf of a vulnerable person and also let those registering set the length of time they wish to be on the register. Reminders will be sent automatically to extend or end their registration. The PSR pages include tips on energy efficiency and contacts for organisations offering support and advice on heating and fuel bills.

http://www.northernpowergrid.com/page/powercuts/priority.cfm for more details…

 

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Heptonstall School Fair

pfa school poster

This weekend is a busy one in Heptonstall. On Saturday, Christmas trees will be on sale in Weavers’ Square from 3pm, with all proceeds to the Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group.

Hebden Bridge Brass Band will play from 5.30pm for the switch-on of the Christmas tree lights. At 6pm they will move into the White Lion, where pie and peas will be served.

On Sunday, Heptonstall School’s Christmas fair runs from 2pm to 4pm in the school hall, with attractions including Santa’s grotto, games for the children, face painting and many other stalls.

Further ahead, Christmas events include:

Sunday, 15 December, 3pm, Christingle Service at St Thomas’.

Sunday, 15 December, time tbc, a concert of Klezmer music at the White Lion.

Sunday, 22 December, 10.45am, Nativity Service in the Methodist Chapel. Children from the village and school are invited to take part in this enjoyable event. We also need a baby to play Jesus – contact Margaret Coupe on 01422 842550 if you want to put your baby on the road to stardom.

Sunday 22 December 6.30pm, Village Carol Service at St Thomas.

Wednesday, 25 December, 9.30am, Joint Christmas Day Service at the Methodist Chapel.

 

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Consulting you on Calderdale’s speed limits

20mphsign1The Traffic, Parking and Road Safety Group have received details of a consultation exercise on speed limits by Calderdale MBC, and urge local residents to take advantage of this opportunity to express their concerns on the matter.

More information on the consultation can be seen by clicking on the speed limit sign.

Alternatively, frequently asked questions and a link for posting your views on-line can be seen by following this link.

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Heptonstall Traffic, Parking & Road Safety Group: Follow-up to the June 2013 traffic speed survey in Towngate and Smithwell Lane

Calderdale Council’s Highways Department were appraised of the results of our survey by email in early August and a meeting requested to decide what action might be taken to enforce the 20 mph limit.

Highways’ responded by email saying that no further action or meeting was needed on the grounds that:

(a) the higher readings were probably spurious (since the method of measurement can give rise to spurious readings when, for example two vehicles cross the tubes at the same time) and,

(b) the survey showed that the speed limit was, in the main, being adhered to.

 

In a further exchange of emails it was pointed out to Highways that:

(a) We agreed that most drivers adhered to the speed limit, our concern was with the danger posed by the 30+% who did not;

(b) Whilst we agreed that some of the very high readings might be spurious, it was unlikely that they all were, that such readings were consistent with anecdotal evidence, and that even if they were discounted it still left a large number of vehicles (albeit a small %) travelling at more than 30mph ie well above the speed limit;

(c) In the circumstances, effective enforcement required proper traffic calming measures rather than conventional police action eg full width cobbled road bumps at intervals along the street;

(d) The Community is seriously concerned that unless something is done there is going to be a nasty accident. This concern and the evidence presented was surely sufficient to justify at least a meeting to discuss possible improvements?

 

Despite these arguments Highways remains intractable. For the reasons given of budgetary constraint and the need to manage scarce resources according to priorities across the Borough, Highways have confirmed that “ there remains insufficient justification to pursue any works in the foreseeable future” and that “there is no benefit in holding a meeting when there is no prospect of action being taken in the current climate”.

So, where do we go from here? There seems little point in pursuing Highways further. Perhaps the speeding problems will recede with the re-opening of Lee Wood Road – although the problems pre-dated its closure ? Perhaps the current Calderdale Council initiative to introduce 20mph schemes in all residential areas in Calderdale will have a positive impact – although speed limits without effective enforcement might be seen as a toothless weapon? We (and the Parish Council) will continue to monitor the situation and will lobby our Ward Councillors and the Police to try to get action. We sincerely hope that we are not going to have to wait for an accident to happen before something is done.

In the meantime Calderdale Council intend to consult the public on their “plans to introduce 20mph zones in residential areas across Calderdale” (article on Page 8 of the Hebden Bridge Times, 10th October 2013). It is intended that the consultation will be carried out via their website and three public meetings across the Borough but as at 24th October the arrangements have not been announced.

 

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SPEEDING TRAFFIC IN THE PARISH PLEASE PLAY YOUR PART IN DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.  WATCH OUT FOR THE CONSULTATION ANNOUNCEMENTS (ON CALDERDALE’S WEBSITE) AND TAKE PART IN THE CONSULTATION.

 

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Bus Service Threat

Metro and First bus companies are proposing to scrap through buses from Heptonstall to Halifax.

There will be a half-hourly service from Blackshaw Head through Heptonstall to Hebden Bridge, and a bus every ten minutes from Todmorden via Hebden Bridge to Halifax.

Their statement below:

First are considering making substantial changes to bus services in Hebden Bridge,  particularly services 591 and 593 at the end of January 2014. The company plan to operate every 10 minutes (Monday to Saturday) between Halifax and Todmorden via Hebden Bridge. To achieve this there will no longer be a direct service to Halifax from Heptonstall and Old Town.

Metro is proposing a revised minibus network for the area which will both address recent unreliability problems and maintain links to Hebden Bridge which would be lost following the changes to services 591 and 593.

Metro and First would like to seek your views on these proposals.

Why change is needed        

  • First have indicated that they wish to concentrate resources on an improved Halifax – Hebden Bridge – Todmorden service
  • Unreliability of current minibus network due to vehicle problems
  • The current minibuses are reaching the end of their working life
  • Poor connections to train and longer distance bus services
  • Duplication of bus resources on routes to/ from Old Town, Heptonstall, Keighley Road and Cragg Vale
  • The need to find a solution which does not involve additional public subsidy

Proposals by First

  • Service frequency between Halifax and Todmorden increased to every 10 minutes from 0700 until 1800 (Mon – Fri). “Turn up and go” frequency between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden
  • Services 591 (Heptonstall – Halifax) and 593 (Old Town – Halifax) withdrawn

Proposals by Metro

  • Metro will invite tenders for a new minibus network increasing from 3 buses to 4 buses
  • Smaller minibuses introduced to improve access

What type of buses will be used?

Metro are proposing to increase the number of minibuses from 3 to 4 and to use smaller vehicles which are better equipped for roads in the area. This will enable us to serve more areas.  The smaller buses will carry up to 16 passengers. Unfortunately the use of smaller buses will mean less room for shopping, buggies etc. Also some passengers may find it harder to get into and out of a smaller minibus.  We will finalise the make and model of buses when we appoint a bus operator for the services.

To complete the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/hebdenbridgebusreview

Alternatively, public consultation drop-in events during August, where First and Metro staff will be available to answer questions and listen to your suggestions.

DATE TIME LOCATION
Wednesday 07 August 10:00 – 18:30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall
Thursday 15 August 14:30 – 18:30 Halifax Bus Station

If you need to contact Metro regarding these proposals, please email busconsultation@wypte.gov.uk

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Traffic survey proves drivers speeding

A covert traffic survey organised by a residents’ group has shown cars speeding at more than 55mph through the village, in contrast to Calderdale’s radar gun survey.

The council’s survey suggested average speeds of only 12-13mph but the residents’ group believes this was due to the way the speeds were measured. Full statement below from Heptonstall Traffic, Parking & Road Safety Group

Results of a traffic speed survey carried out in Towngate and Smithwell Lane over the period 20-26th June 2013.

Residents have long complained of the non-compliance of drivers with the 20mph speed zone through Towngate and Smithwell Lane. These complaints have grown in both number and volume since the Lee Wood Road closure forced increased traffic through the Village and serious road safety concerns have been voiced by an increasing number of the wider local community.

The Group and the Parish Council have repeatedly taken up these concerns with Calderdale Council, first to try to obtain effective speed zone enforcement and second to get effective traffic calming measures in place. The Council’s response has been to carry out some sporadic SiD/Radar gun surveys, the latest of which suggested average speeds of 12-13mph, maximum speeds of 20mph and 85 percentile speeds (the parameter used for determining speed limits) of 14-16mph. As a consequence of these results Calderdale Council proposed to take no further action.

To try to resolve this conflict between residents’ and Calderdale Council’s views and because in our opinion the Calderdale surveys are unreliable (random days & locations, short time periods, SiD/Radar gun visibility slows drivers down) the Group, with Parish Council support, decided to carry out its own more systematic, comprehensive and covert survey.

Our objective was to provide hard evidence either, that drivers are compliant with the 20mph limit and that therefore residents have no cause for concern or, that drivers are not compliant and that therefore some enforcement and/or traffic calming action is needed from Calderdale.

The speed survey was carried out over the seven day period 20th – 26th June 2013 by Leeds City Council, which is contracted by Calderdale Council to carry out similar work for them. Traffic volume and speed data was collected by hour, for 24 hours per day in 5mph wide ‘bins’ from 0 to 60mph, using pneumatic tube sensors across the road and battery operated electronic recording equipment – a more discrete method of measurement than radar guns/SiD and much less likely to impact on normal driving speeds.

Measurement was carried out for both ‘up’ (Northbound) and ‘down’ (Southbound) traffic at three points: at the start of the ‘cobbles’ just uphill of the junction with Valley View Road (ie inside the 20mph zone at the lower entry to the Village); at the junction of Silver Street with Smithwell Lane; and, at the Lodge/Sandal House entrance drive (ie inside the 20mph zone at the upper entry to the Village). Unfortunately, due to technical problems, the Silver Street equipment delivered only 3 full days of results but the other equipments delivered a full 7 days of results and we consider we have more than adequate data to draw some robust conclusions.

The survey produced a mass of data and analysis of it is on-going but a brief summary of salient facts of immediate interest is provided in the table overleaf. The most striking facts to emerge are:
• 800-900 vehicles travel up and down Towngate/Smithwell Lane per day (reducing to 500-600 at week-ends);
• Of these 8-12% exceed the 20mph speed limit at the lower end of the Village, 7-9% do so at Silver Street and 32-33% exceed the limit at the upper end;
• Amazingly, at the lower end of the Village 5 vehicles were recorded travelling at more than 45mph, of which 2 were exceeding 55mph, whilst at Silver Street (in just three days) 3 were recorded at more than 40mph and, at the upper end of the Village, 11 were exceeding 40mph, of which 3 were exceeding 55mph.

We consider the results of the survey lend substantive weight to the views of residents, that there is considerable non-compliance with the 20mph speed zone and that a significant number of vehicles are being driven at dangerously high speeds through the Village. It is our intention to use the evidence generated to try to persuade Calderdale Council to take effective action to achieve driver compliance with the 20mph zone.
traffic survey-page-0

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Lee Wood Road re-opening August

Lee Wood Road, which skirts Heptonstall village, will re0pen to traffic from August 16 or earlier, according to Calderdale Council.

A letter from the Planning and Highways division said there would be a permanent 40mph speed limit and 18 tonne weight limit, with the larger vehicles being diverted via Todmorden, Cliviger and Blackshaw Head.

Boreholes have shown that the section of wall cannot be reconstructed using the council’s current method, as the wall would need to be built from more than 6m below road level.

However, as monitoring  has shown no further movement, engineers plan to narrow this section between Tentercroft and Hollins to a single lane and re-open it with vehicle-activated traffic lights.

Reconstruction of the collapsed section of the retaining wall that supports the road has now been completed. Workmen are now re-laying a drainage channel, trimming trees and putting in a kerb to narrow the road and traffic lights.

Monitoring will continue, and if the road begins to show movement again, the wall would have to be replaced with a piled construction. Designs for this will be made as a contingency measure. Building this would mean closing the road again.

A letter to residents about the works is on display in the noticeboard cabinet next to the café.

Official confirmation of the above plans to  re-open Lee Wood Road have now been received from Calderdale MBC by the Parish Council.

Details can be seen here…

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Traffic issues

By the Traffic, Parking and Road Safety Group

Are you concerned about traffic through the village? 

Are you prepared to put pen to paper to report issues?

We’re gathering ‘evidence’ to present to CMBC – to try to convince them that more needs to be done to relieve current (and possibly future) traffic difficulties resulting from the Lee Wood Road situation.

Reporting forms are available in the Post Office or by calling the phone number below.

Please return completed forms to the collection box in the Post Office or the alternative address on the form.

Photos and/or video clips would also be helpful.

Contact Number for forms or further information:       01422 847328

The Traffic, Parking and Road Safety Group

 An action group supported by Heptonstall Parish Council

& Heptonstall Forward