Causeway lorry signs
14 Village Voice February 2017
FOUR-METRE high signs designed to deter HGVs from crossing Swarkestone Causeway are planned to be put in the ground before the end of March. The problem of heavy vehicles crossing the ancient causeway has been a problem for a long time, with drivers handed fines when caught flouting the 7.5 tonne weight restriction. The latest area forum meeting held at Melbourne Sports Park on January 24 heard from Derbyshire County Council highways officers, who gave an update as to when the new Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) signs would be installed. The meeting heard that three signs would be erected on either side of the causeway warning HGV drivers of the weight restriction, with the intention being they will be placed far enough from the causeway that drivers would be able to travel a different way and not cross over. Neil Bennett, from the county council’s high-
ways department, told the meeting: “We installed traffic monitoring equipment on the south side of the causeway about five years ago. That did confirm there was a problem of overweight vehicles using the bridge more than they should be.” There are exemptions to the new VAS signs, such as buses and farmers with land on either side of the causeway who need to get access with farm vehicles.
New club takes root
MELBOURNE’S new gardening club will hold its first meeting at the Senior Citizens’ Centre on Thursday, February 16 at 7pm. Anyone is welcome to hear Lesley Hough outline what the club intends to focus on, what its new members want and to find out when future meetings will take place.
n THIS summer in Melbourne it’ll be time to dust down those neon leg warmers and put the shoulder pads back in – because it’s “Back to the 80s” at this year’s carnival. The 2017 summer shingdig may not be happening until July 8 but the committee is already hard at work getting everything arranged for the big day with the 80s theme in mind. Expect favourites like the baking competition to make a re-appearance plus the traditional wide array of stalls and children’s
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rides to enjoy. Carnival chair Tracey Ridley said: “It’s a really exciting theme and everyone seems to be buzzing about it. It’s going to be a very vibrant and fun day.” Pictured are carnival committee members: (left to right, back row) Andy Owens, Rhona Kirkham, Rachel Hill, Sarah Stainthorpe, Pip Cole; front row Gemma Holden, Gemma Bettelley (secretary), Tracey Ridley, Chris Peat (treasurer) and Rebecca Stead.
Collapsed pipe clue to flooding?
WATER pipework under Sweet Leys Way on Melbourne’s Station Road is believed to have partly collapsed. The latest floods meeting held at the Assembly
Rooms in Melbourne heard from a representative from Davidson’s, the housebuilder which erected the homes on the estate. It was the first time that Davidson’s had been represented at the series of meetings started many months ago in response to serious flooding in Melbourne. Sam Callaghan, from Davidson’s, said: “On Sweet Leys Way, we have an existing pipe coming from Station Road – there is a section of this pipe that we believe has collapsed.” The issue was discovered when cameras were sent down the pipes. As reported in November’s Village Voice, flooding experts have been awarded £80,000 in grant funding to create a computer model which will aid understanding as to why Melbourne floods. Melbourne is built on a steepsided catchment which makes it vulnerable to extreme weather, but it is hoped that a long-term LEADERS of a charity-run pre-school group are celebrating after solution may be found which winning two certificates for the quality of their work – plus £1,200 will help limit the extent of any to provide hi-vis jackets for youngsters and new equipment. damage. Breedon Play & Learn, a pre-school for two to four-year-olds, has Meanwhile, there was relief won a Play Champion Award plus Healthy Tots status. on Sweet Leys Way – an area of Breedon Play & Learn was also given the £1,200 grant from the the estate badly hit by floods Co-op, and it has been used to buy new equipment and hi-visibility over the summer – that a possijackets. ble cause of the problem had Pre-school manager Sammi Gillham said: “The children are over the moon with this and have enjoyed exploring the local community perhaps been found close to in their new jackets. We cannot thank the Co-op enough and are their homes. Sweet Leys Way resident Gill so thrilled with their generosity.” Breedon Play & Learn has places available for two to four-year- Ashworth told the Village Voice: “I’m hoping this will resolve olds. Sammi Gillham (left) is pictured with Amanda Lenton and their everything and that everything certificates. will be sorted now.”
Double joy for pre-school