From the hi-vis desk of District Councillor David Harrison came another bumper newsletter – and rather than let it collect digital dust in your inbox, we’ve summarised the whole thing and popped it up on our blog (with a bit of added cheek).
We’ve covered everything from spring daffodils to dodgy detours, rogue flood debris to pavement-parking nuisances. There’s even a spare pump in Nottingham (seriously), and big updates on local planning dramas, fly tipping, and the future of the Parish Hall loos.
First off, a massive thank you to everyone who’s helped make the daffodil displays in Kempsey and Kinnersley look like something out of a National Trust calendar. Jan and I kicked things off back in 2019, and now it’s blooming lovely all over the shop. Who knew bulbs could bring so much joy (and so many Instagram photos)?
Traffic Troubles:
The Ketch Roundabout and A4440 are starting to resemble a Mario Kart track – just with fewer banana skins and more actual crashes. Please slow down, look up from your satnavs, and maybe don’t try a handbrake turn past the Tesco roundabout.
Meanwhile, Taylors Lane is now essentially a seasonal attraction: closed at one end or the other until Christmas (probably). Treat it like Narnia – it might open again one day, but don’t rely on it.
Flood Defences:
Exciting stuff at the Kempsey pumps – I visited the flood defence site where a rogue tree had tried to body-slam the trash screen. The pumps are fine, we’re told. And yes, we have a spare in Nottingham. Like a backup kettle, only heavier.
Kempsey Come-On-In Coffee Club:
This caffeine-fuelled social powerhouse is still going strong after 8½ years, now running out of The Firs with Libby and her heroic team of tea-wielding volunteers. A standing ovation and a biscuit to you all.
Parish Hall Glow-Up:
Funding from John Michael and me helped give the Parish Hall a much-needed makeover. It’s looking proper fancy now – even the toilets. You’re welcome.
Parking, Poo & Police Patrols:
Pavements are for people, not your cousin’s 4×4. Our community safety team and police are cracking down, and yes, that includes speeders. Smile for the speed gun.
Dog Fouling & Fly Tipping:
We’ve got new signs in Severn Stoke for the dog mess situation (if only dogs could read), and fly tipping is back in fashion apparently. Someone did get prosecuted for it though – justice for Pixham Ferry Lane!
Planning Mayhem:
We’re fighting off yet another housing application – this time for 99 homes off Bannut Hill. Because obviously what Kempsey needs is more cars and no dentists. You can still object online, so get typing!
New Community Centre:
Plans are in for a shiny new centre with pitches, a trim trail, and even a potential Skate Park and Pump Track. It’s either a dream for local youth… or a new reason for noise complaints. Time will tell.
SWDPR & Ongoing Battles:
I’ve been sitting through endless planning sessions (in person and on YouTube, because I’m that kind of fun) raising my voice against filling the green gap between Kempsey and Worcester with yet more houses.
And finally – we’re still here, answering your questions, untangling planning chaos, and trying to sort out who owns what orchard. As always, do give me or Cllr John Michael a ring if you’ve got a local issue – we’ll do our best not to sigh too loudly.
