Unusually, I was unable to attend the May 2025 meeting of Saughall & Shotwick Park Parish Council 'in-person', but I submitted my usual monthly report to parish councillors for their consideration...
Outcome of joint surgery on 10 May 2025
I am obliged to Cllrs Young and Storrar for joining me for the spring ‘joint surgery’ on 10th May 2025. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with residents in this format. A number of issues were raised with me to action, which I am underway with. They can be summarised as follows:
- Pavement condition between Church Road and Smithy Close (ongoing challenges with bamboo growth) – SE to pursue latest with CWaC.
- Drainage concerns (Long Lane) – see notes below.
- Various issues on Saughall Hey (pavement hole; road condition at the ‘Greenway end’ and a manhole grid cover near Wain Court) – SE to deal with all these matters.
VE Day Service, 10 May 2025
Thank you to everyone involved with making this service at All Saints Church very special. It was a memorable and moving occasion and I was delighted to be able to attend and to show my respects for those within the parish who gave so much in WW2 for the freedoms we are able to enjoy today.
Coalpit Lane
Parish councillors will be aware of general heightened concern in the area in relation to unauthorised development in neighbouring parishes by members of the traveller community (most notably off Parkgate Road, Mollington and in Dunkirk/the A5117 in the Ledsham and Manor Ward).
Activity within a field on Coalpit Lane, on the left-hand side as you head towards Mollington, has been raised by both me and residents regularly since early 2024. This is a complicated piece of land with multiple ownership. However, to the immediate right of the site, the introduction of a small brick structure to enable utilities has been the main point of concern which is logged with CWaC Planning Enforcement.
Recent developments, commissioned with Scottish Power, presumably by the owners of the right-hand portion of the land, to connect this brick structure to an electrical supply have also been raised with SPEN direct (query submitted on 22/04/25). Further queries in respect of land ownership are being pursued and CWaC officers kept fully informed. I am in regular touch with residents in the area and have offered detailed advice around what action they can, and should, take if there is an escalation of development in the location.
Hedge access off Parkgate Road
Concern was raised with me regarding access to the land adjacent to the former K’s Nursery site (from Parkgate Road, opposite Long Lane, more or less) – where the hedge was opened up somewhat to allow Scottish Power to undertake the emergency repair in this location from some weeks ago. Clarification from CWaC to the queries raised on 01/05/25 as follows:
“Thank you for your Councillor Portal Enquiry regarding the concern that land has been accessed through a hedge in a dangerous location (no dropped kerb). Highways have advised:
The gap in the shrubbed hedge was formed by Spen, when they were carrying out emergency works at the location due to a loss of service, our Network Steward has visited the site today and taken the attached picture, there is no evidence of wheel tracks in the soil and the gap is too narrow for a vehicle to enter/exit.
The hedging on the boundary of the land is the responsibility of the landowner, for stock proofing or preventing the public from trespassing onto it. We have no powers to insist they reinstate it.
We will monitor the situation, if the gap is widened and vehicle tracks are evident we can advise planning and will issue an illegal access letter to the landowner.”
HyNet Project – ‘small signage’ in the area
Comments around small signage in the area appearing on roadside verges (including on Hermitage Road) in recent weeks were relayed to the ENI team for clarification. The explanation provided as follows: “This is a location sign which relates to a road crossing number along the pipeline route (in this case road crossing number 13 – this was the one SE supplied to them on Overwood Lane, Mollington). United Living has advised that they currently have road crossing signs and finger board directional signage out along the route, to help orientate their site investigation crews as they conduct their ongoing detailed design works. In terms of future signage, there will also be some New Road and Street Works (NRSWA) signage installed as they progress, to warn of site access points as they are installed.”
Dog fouling in the village
I received a note from a resident of Greenway with concerns regarding dog fouling in the village, summarised as:
- Concern that, as a responsible dog owner, the residents finds himself not only cleaning up after his own dog but frequently cleaning up after dog owners who can’t be bothered and ‘treat the village as a dog toilet’.
- A request to looking to the possibility of placing more dog waste bins around the village.
- A request for clarification from the PCSO as to whether it would be unreasonable for them to “challenge” dog walkers to furnish proof of being able to clean up after their dogs, i.e. that they are carrying ‘dog poop’ bags.
A response from the ‘Dog Warden Team’ at CWaC as follows (07/04/25):
“Thank you for the conversation this morning regarding the fouling in Saughall Village.
The Dog warden service will continue to patrol the area, instructing persons seen to be in control of dogs to clean up after their dogs. If persons are seen to allow a dog to foul, they will be spoken to first and if appropriate they will be issued with a fixed penalty notice for the offence. As was stated in the communication there are a number of bins in the area, that can be used for depositing dog waste as well as general litter.
Whilst on patrol I do challenge people as to having with them a receptacle to remove the waste their dog produce, under the Crime and Policing Act 2014. If the person fails to produce to the officer the means to remove dog fouling, they can be issued with a fixed penalty notice, the full amount is £100 if paid within 14 days of issue with a reduced penalty amount of £75 if paid within 7 working days, with a maximum penalty on conviction in the Magistrates court of £1000.
Whilst I am out doing these patrols, I also hand out oxo biodegradable dog waste bags which helps to encourage responsible dog ownership.
I have copied in [officer], who has responsibility for the number and placement of bins in the area for the waste to deposited in.”
Pear Tree Farm development – outstanding issues
I asked CWaC Planning / Planning Enforcement to update on the status of any progress to address the outstanding issues at this site. The response received as follows, which I have gone back to the officer further on to ask what the timeframes might be for this to progress from ‘review’ to ‘action’. I will advise further when I receive a response.
“Dear Councillor Eardley,
Thank you for your email, all documents are with the Councils Legal team for review of prosecution proceedings.
Regards.
Planning Enforcement Officer”
Worsley Avenue pavement
I have again raised the state of the pavement on Worsley Avenue following a visit there on 12/04/25. The report logged has a reference: CE705554623. My follow up note to CWaC officers as follows on 13/04/25:
“Please can I understand what the council intends to do regarding this footway in Saughall. This is not a new problem but the area is now clearly dangerous – please see attached images which I took when there on Saturday 12th April.
The severe deterioration here was first logged on 18/06/24 – CE623660274 and this resulted in works undertaken in November 2024 to repair some of the pavement (closest to the junction with Hermitage Road). This work left the area in the image untouched, despite being in a poor state then and presenting trip hazards. I do not understand why the whole section wasn’t dealt with in one go in November.
I followed up with a report again on 09/02/25 (CE686083552) – no action has been taken as a result of it. As a minimum, I believe this area needs to be coned off ASAP.”
I received a further update on 01/05/25 (together with the attached plan):
“A scheme was issued to our service delivery partner on the 17th of April for the area to be repaired as shown on the attached plan and I will request an update as to when works are likely to commence, once I have this information, I will ensure that you are updated accordingly. The Network Steward for the area has confirmed that the location has been coned off as to prevent any trip hazard.”
Litter at the Eurogarages site on Parkgate Road
Back in July 2020 I contacted the management team at the Eurogarages site on Parkgate Road, Saughall regarding the very extensive litter problem that existed all around the site. Some action was taken then to improve matters, but the position is as bad as ever as per the image attached which was sent to me by a resident recently. It is clear that their litter picking operation is inadequate or needs improvement and I have asked that they deal with this as soon as possible – email sent on 08/04/25. The CWaC Regulatory Services team have also been informed of the matter.
Planning
- Notification of appeal decision (08/04/25) - APP/A0665/D/24/3354193 Highgrove (formerly known as Kingswood Lodge), Kingswood Lane, Saughall CH1 6DE. The development proposed was to increase the height of the existing dwelling. Decision – appeal dismissed.
- Notification of appeal decision (08/04/25) – APP/A0665/D/24/3353198 Highgrove, Kingswood Lane, Saughall, Chester, CH1 6DE. Application Ref: 24/00973/FUL. The development was originally described as “Retrospective alterations.” Decision – appeal dismissed.
Shotwick Park Estate, future of – ongoing engagement with residents
I understand there has been some encouraging community engagement following the publication of draft plans for the land at Shotwick Park by Cheshire West and Chester Council and much interest at the in-person drop-in sessions held on 14 and 16 May at the primary school and Vernon Institute respectively. I intend to attend the final sessions on Saturday 24th May as part of the Saughall Farmers Market at the VI, 9am to 1.30pm.
A reminder that the draft plans formulated for Shotwick Park include:
• Creation of a community woodland in keeping with current historic woodland
• Maintaining and enhancing current woodland, hedgerows and habitats
• Maintaining and improving access to nature for local people
• Opportunities for the community to get involved in helping manage the area
The community can have their say on these plans before Sunday, 8 June. Click the below link for more details: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/shotwickparkplans
Lodge Lane – abandoned car
There appears to be an abandoned car on Lodge Lane – it has been there since early April. I reported to CWaC on 11/04/25 – ref. CLR705062284 and their response (of 22/04/25) is below, in italics. I have gone back to them further (direct to CWaC Regulatory Services) to confirm the length of time it has been present and that the front tyres are flat. I have also commented that it has the characteristics of a vehicle that has been abandoned, having potentially been stolen – the car radio has been tampered with etc.
In order to consider whether a vehicle may be classed as abandoned our Regulatory Services team require further information about the vehicle. Would it be possible to provide the following information for the details to be passed to Regulatory Servies for their consideration:
How long has the vehicle been in the location?
Are there any flat tyres?
Is there any vehicle damage?
Is there mould present inside the vehicle?
Please note, the vehicle was taxed on 1 April, so is unlikely to meet the current abandonment criteria unless it is badly damaged.
Further update sent to me on 29/04/25:
“I have checked with the Police if they have any markers on the vehicle and there is nothing on their system to indicate the vehicle may have been stolen or used for criminal activity. As the vehicle was taxed on 1 April 2025 we would not be able to consider it as abandoned until at least 60 days after this date. If the vehicle is still in location after 1 June officers can assess the vehicle and issue a 7 day notice for its removal.”
Saughall Community Speedwatch
Ongoing thanks to the team for all their efforts around the village in respect of Community Speedwatch. I am next scheduled to join a session w/c 26th May (most likely to be held on Friday 30th May). I know the support for this work continues to each week, with the dedicated action of the volunteer team.
Drainage challenges in the parish
As previously advised, I held a comprehensive update meeting with CWaC officers in relation to various locations across the Saughall and Mollington Ward on 28 March 2025. Notes have been prepared following this engagement, which I had hoped to be in a position to share with colleagues for this meeting, but they are awaiting final additional officer input. They will be supplied to you ASAP (and wider residents). As part of this note update, I requested dates for a specific update meeting between CWaC officers and the parish council and I’ll advise further on this in due course.
Highways – Church Road changes to ‘yellow lines’, including Aldersey Close
I have requested an urgent update on the above which is now a very longstanding issue for resolution and implementation in the parish. I will communicate the latest position to Cllr Kerr in due course, in the first instance, as Chair of the Highways Group.
Member Budget 2025/26
A reminder that my 2025/26 CWaC Member Budget is now open for grant applications. I would welcome any from within the parish. The application process can be found here: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-and-committees/councillors-allowances/member-budgets
In addition to that which I agreed last year – I have chased when the new village sign on Parkgate Road will be implemented - I provisionally have noted support for the following:
- A sum of money to support the uniformed organisations in Saughall (£250 provisionally – for a project of their choice).
- Provision of bulbs for planting in the autumn (£150).
Miscellaneous
- Long Lane water leak (opposite Russet House). I was advised on 09/04/25 that this leak has been comprehensively repaired by the utility company responsible (rather than a temporary diversion by CWaC into the ditch course as had previously been anticipated).
- Lodge Lane – flytipping (bed frame and mattress). Reported on 08/04/25 – ref: CE704226461. Resolved.
- Mud/manure on the road (field immediately to the rear of The Saughall Arms if travelling from Blacon). Reported on 08/04/25 (at the request of a resident). Ref. CE704225632.
- Potholes – Long Lane between the village sign and final short row of houses on the right hand side if heading from the village towards Parkgate Road. Reported on 08/04/25 – ref. CE704227520. Resolved, alongside some others in the vicinity.
- Lighting column not working (outside 123 Hermitage Road). Reported on 10/04/25 – ref: CE704697436. Resolved.
- Flytipping – Lodge Lane – box and various paints etc. Reported on 11/04/25 – ref. CE705059645. Resolved.
