Projects

Some of the issues that need to be dealt with by Ripple Parish Council are best managed by the setting up a small group of Councillors to concentrate on the specifics of the matter, and then report back and make proposals to the Council at it's regular meetings. Typically these matters involve some complexity, involve a wide range of information, require several meetings with outside organizations, and will take some time in resolution. This way we can often capitalize on the wider experience of Councillors, and also share the workload. The following are brief descriptions of our 2008/2009 range of Special Projects.

Upton Marina Development

Most people will be aware of this development. The scheme is to dig a second marina basin, deposit most of the spoil on the eastern hillside, construct 43 holiday lodges, build 32 marina side houses and apartments, build an office block, a large industrial factory building, and a very large clubhouse/restaurant. The impact on our area will be enormous. We have opposed this development throughout the outline and details planning process, and brought it to a public enquiry, where the Inspector found in favour of the Applicants. We are now working closely with Tingdene Marinas and MHDC, to ensure that the development phase is conducted according to the planning permission, and with concern to the environment and local residents. For further information click here and select the marina items.

Ryall Road Traffic

The speed and volume of traffic along Ryall Road has long been a concern of residents. Over the past two years we have worked closely with the WCC Highways and the Police to formulate a solution. We have consulted widely in polls and public meetings. Due to the lack of street lights, the width and route of the road, multiple access points, and the requirements of Bus and Emergency service operators, our options are limited. We have considered, and had rejected, a partial road closure, speed bumps, road narrowing, chicanes, and extra signage. The road has now been resurfaced and remarked to give a perception of being narrower. This is a well tested method of slowing traffic. In addition plans are being worked out for the remarking of the A38/A4104 junction, to ease congestion at that point with a view to reducing the "rat run" traffic on Ryall Road. When these changes are in place, we have been promised a further traffic survey, to determine if speeds and volumes have been reduced. If not, then the installation of vehicle activated SLOW signs will be considered.

Cemex consultations

The largest industrial activity in our Parish is the extraction and processing of sand and gravel by Cemex. They operate a processing plan at Ryall and are presently extracting minerals from their Uckinghall/Ripple site. The material extracted is barged along the Severn to Ryall for processing, including the manufacture of cement. They also expect to be active in the Strensham area, and these minerals would also be processed at Ryall. Cemex are a global minerals and building materials conglomerate, with worldwide net sales in 2007 of $21.7 billion. However at local level they are anxious to be a good neighbour in their community. Ripple Parish Council meet quarterly with Cemex area management, to discuss the progress of their local activities and the impact on the Parish and it's environment. The minutes of these meetings are reported in our Parish Council meetings.

The Parish Plan

Mentored by Parish Councillors, an enthusiastic group of local residents have been developing a plan for the Parish. A most detailed survey of local opinion has been conducted, with a staggering greater the 70% response. Once a close analysis of the issues and concerns has been completed an action plan will be developed, reviewed with the Parish Council, and where appropriate adopted by the Council as it's business plan for the future. When the plan has been endorsed by the Parish Council it may also be used by MHDC as a supplementary planning document. This process has been supported by Community First, and jointly funded by Defra and the Parish Council. The whole process typically take about 18 months, and we hope it will be completed early in 2009. A lot more detail on the Parish Plan will become available at Home/Parish Area Services/Parish Plan.

Parish Emergency Plan

During the Summer of 2007 Ripple Parish, along with many other communities, suffered from severe flooding, both off the land and from the river. The Government's Pitt Report highlighted and re-emphasised the responsibilities of County and District Councils, and the lack of co-ordination down to local levels. Parish Councils are now being supported by MHDC in the development of local Emergency Plans. These will enable local knowledge and planning to fit into the MHDC and Blue Light services emergency action plans. Examples of emergency scenarios are severe flooding, heavy snow, prolonged utility failures, heat waves, and industrial emergencies. The Community Emergency Support team will focus on lists of key contacts including emergency and utility services, risk assessments and plans for each scenario, identifying community skills and resources, plans for vulnerable groups and individuals in the community, a blueprint householders self help plan, and ensuring communications and proper maps and documentation. These strategies should ensure that the emergency services can be quickly mobilized with local information and resources. The Ripple plan is in the early stages of development. Progress will be reported at meetings and on this website.