LOCAL ISSUES:

Blackstone Island Repairs:

County Highways had hoped to repair the brickwork of this Island by the end of February but this
work has been delayed owing to Severn Trent local maintenance works being necessary in the
vicinity. The Highways Engineer has assured me that when practicable, the Island Project will be
completed before this Island along with the Catchems End Island are placed under the District
Council’s control regarding future maintenance.

Catchems End Zebra Crossing, Tactile Studs:

I have been informed that the special studs which had been ordered have now been received at the
Highways Depot and therefore the works to install these can soon be carried out.

Illegal Parking / Grass Verge Damage:

By the Pedestrian Crossing near to Grey Green Lane Junction with Kidderminster Road, vehicles are
again parking on the verge causing obstruction and actual damage to the grass. On several
occasions I have informed our local police team who have spoken with the owners of these vehicles;
But still the problem persists and local residents are understandably upset. I have therefore agreed
to enquire whether County Highways will install bollards here to provide a permanent solution.

Beales’s Corner Flood Resilience Costs:

Council will recall that, In addition to the Government’s
agreement to provide £6.2million for a new Permanent Flood Barrier, and the County Council’s
commitment of £500,000 towards this, I was authorised to allocate £20,000 being a Local Member’s
contribution. I was further provided with £18,000 to allocate in support of preventative projects or
local resilience schemes. I can now clarify that of this figure, £9,000 has been set aside for a local
barrier project which would see Victoria House flats and other local properties served by a common
access having their own Flood Gate to help protect residents’ vehicles and reduce flood water up
against the properties themselves, And protect the escape route from the flats across the courtyard.
I am grateful for the great work on this by Richard Osborne and Kirsten Huizer of North
Worcestershire Water management.