Blog

Speeding Update

Most residents will by now have noticed the Speed Indicator Device (SID) installed by the Parish Council near the Old Dairy on the A396. Anyone who has paused to observe it will have seen the marked reduction in vehicle speeds as drivers approach the device. This visual impression has now been supported by the analysis of the recorded speed data.

The results show that , coming from Cutcombe, 84% of vehicles are travelling at under 30mph, which is the legal speed limit. Furthermore, 95% of vehicles are passing through at under 35mph, and 99.74% at under 40mph. These figures represent a significant improvement compared with previous data collected by the Police.

Unfortunately, a small number of irresponsible drivers continue to travel at dangerously high speeds — 20 out of 34,666 vehicles were recorded at over 50mph, typically during the early hours of the morning.

The Parish Council would like to express its thanks to Councillors Ian Ware and Claire Gibbard for their work in the installation of the SID and for their ongoing efforts in maintaining it.

Residents who wish to review the data in more detail may download here HERE .

In addition, some residents will have noticed the installation of a new post on the Duddings bank. This post has been approved by Somerset Highways for the placement of a SID. The original intention was to rotate the existing portable SID between the two locations. However, despite being a “portable” device, the equipment is extremely heavy and difficult to move, particularly as it must be mounted above head height. For this reason, the Parish Council has decided to pursue the purchase of a second SID to remain permanently at the Duddings site.

As grant funding is limited, this may take a little time to achieve.

In addition to the SIDs, the Parish Council has requested the installation of a “Bend in the Road” warning sign at Totterdown to alert drivers to the series of bends approaching the Duddings area. Somerset Highways has agreed to investigate this request. The Parish Council will keep you updated on this request.

Lesley Webb

Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer

Timberscombe Parish Council

Fabulous and Fun Ferret Racing Evening!

We are so delighted with the support we had from the village for our ferret racing evening last Saturday in the village hall. A sold out crowd came along and enjoyed our home made cottage pies (and shepherds pie) and veggies and really entered into the spirit of the occasion to cheer on the ferret races which were released by young people in Timberscombe. There were lots of laughs and plenty of entertainment. A huge thank you is due to the hard working members of the PCC who prepared and served all the food for the evening, to Rev Nicola and David Butt who had the idea in the first place and organised our Ferret man. Thanks also to Marion who dealt with huge amounts of pound coins and a lot of organising on the evening. And of course to the sponsors who sponsored each race and thereby ensured that we maximised our profits for the maintenance of our very special village church, St Petrock’s. Our kind and generous sponsors were:

The Great House, The Lion Inn, Ark at Wheddon Cross, Rob the Mechanic, Rob and Kath Blomfield Richards, Allan Sutton, Rev Nicola and David Butt and finally Kate Hart and myself as Joint Churchwardens.

The totally fabulous amount of £1295.97 was raised which is a remarkable total for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Our thanks and congratulations to everyone who helped make this such a success.

Marion Jeffrey and Kate Hart

Road Closure Reminder

A reminder that work starts on Monday 9th February to repair a section of the A396, Cutcombe Hill, between Timberscombe and Wheddon Cross. The road will be closed at night between 7.00pm and 7:00am for approximately 3 weeks, from 9th – 27th February.
Each day, the road will reopen between 7:00am to 7.00pm, with two-way traffic signals in place to manage traffic safely.
If works finish earlier than expected, the road will be fully reopened.
Temporary traffic signals are currently in operation at the site, and these will remain in place outside working times to protect the site and for public safety.
The work schedule should also avoid disruption to the Snowdrop Valley event held between 24th January and 22nd February.