Society's Newsletter March 2013

Following previous successful public meetings, which had attendances way beyond our expectations and showed that residents are very keen to improve the appearance of our villages and district, we have organised another:-

Public Meeting

at the Red House, Albrighton

Bar Open 7pm, meeting starts 7.30pm – ends 9.30pm

Monday 8th April 2013

The whole meeting will focus on the Railway Station.

REFURBISHMENT OF ALBRIGHTON RAILWAY STATION BRIDGES AND PLATFORMS – speakers from Network Rail and May Gurney Contractor will explain the work being carried out including how the footbridge will be lifted out and taken to Derby for specialist conservation treatment. How will the bridge over the road be taken out and replaced?

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STATION/RAIL LINE by Ernie Howells of the Historical Society. This will set the scene for an interesting evening.

UPDATE ON THE CIVIC SOCIETY’S PROPOSALS TO RESCUE THE STATION BUILDING AND TURN IT INTO THE STATION HERITAGE CENTRE, to be an arts & crafts centre/local museum and tourist information point.
A local resident is interested in opening a small take-away cafe within the centre just at morning rush hour to sell coffees/sandwiches to travellers/commuters on the platforms

All residents welcome to attend, we hope to see you there

---------------------------------------------------------

Footpath Ramp to the Wolverhampton Platform at the Rail Station

We have learnt that during the period when the footbridge has been removed for refurbishment, access to the platform will be by walking along Station Road and under the bridge to reach the foot of the just constructed temporary access ramp up to Wolverhampton platform 1. Please go to have a look at it. It is well made with a proper surface and handrails although, due to the lack of land available and with no fault of Network Rail, it is a little too steep to fully comply with the disabled access standards. Nevertheless it will provide adequate access for many people, including the elderly and mums with push chairs & small children. We believe it would be an asset for the village for it to remain and not to be destroyed and removed when the footbridge is back again, especially as the intended disabled ramp access at Cosford Station was cancelled. The Melville Club, Tuesday Toddlers Group and the Medical Practice have already expressed support for its retention. County Cllr Malcolm Pate has taken on the issue and Albrighton Parish Council supports its retention. Cllr Pate, the Civic Society and Albrighton PC and are now trying to gain agreement for it to remain, even if blocked off while the matter of its connection with Station Rd is reviewed by Shropshire Council and that matter resolved. We would welcome any comments.

To see some photographs of the path near to completion, please click Here

Planters for the High Street–to provide some colourful flora on the our shopping street

The Society has contributed £1100 towards the purchase of 3 planters. The Society wishes to thank Albrighton Parish Council for their contribution of approximately £400. The planters have been ordered with delivery expected at end of March and will be sited at three locations and if successful, we will try to provide more. If anyone would like to ‘adopt’ one – this would only involve any weeding and/or watering, please contact Mike Pitchford (01902 372016). All plant sourcing and planting would be done by Civic Society volunteers
For more information please see www AlbrightonAndDistrictCivicSociety.co.uk or contact:
Peter Woodman –Chairman ((: 01902 372225) 31/32 High St or Rod Smith -Secretary ((: 01902 372765)