Parish Notice Board

Ripple

Local Library Update

Plans are now in place and comms are being drafted to let residents know about the extension of library services as we exit lockdown and enter tier 2 later this week. The key points for the third phase of the extension are outlined below: From the 2nd December library customers will once again be able to: • browse shelves and borrow books using self-service kiosks • return books • pre-book public computers • pre-book a desk in the library for study and/or wi-fi access The mobile library service will be recommencing and we will look to bring further services back into libraries in early 2021. Subject to volunteer availability, Library Service at Home book deliveries will be available for customers who are unable to visit their local library. Book return dates have been extended to 31st December 2020 and no overdue fines will apply between 28th October and 31st December 2020.

West Mercia Police Alert - Catalytic Converter Thefts

There have been a series of Catalytic Converter Thefts in the South Worcestershire We are working to apprehend the offenders but you could assist us by following this advice to protect your vehicle; Protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves • If you can, park your vehicle in a locked garage when it is unattended. • If it’s not possible to garage your vehicle, park it in a busy, well-lit area as close to your property as possible. • Consider installing a Thatcham approved alarm to your vehicle. Ones that activate if your vehicle is lifted or tilted are particularly effective. • Use a catalytic converter protection device or marking system. CatClamp http://www.catsafe.org.uk/ Further information on crime prevention products can be found at the below Police approved websites https://www.thatcham.org/what-we-do/security-certification/ https://www.soldsecure.com/ https://www.securedbydesign.com/member-companies/accredited-product-search Catalytic converters control and convert exhaust emissions from your vehicle into less toxic substances. If yours is stolen, you will know because your vehicle’s engine will sound different. If you suspect your catalytic converter has been stolen, report it to us immediately by calling 101. If you require any further assistance or information do not hesitate to contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team. If you have information about a crime, phone the police on 101 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

COVID Update

We know that people over 60 can be badly affected by the virus. It can make you very poorly, need hospital care and even cause death. This is, of course, very worrying. It also has implications for our NHS. It leads to pressure on our services and creates a rising demand for intensive care beds. We need to act now, to prevent this situation becoming any worse. How can you help? How can you protect yourself and others? Please follow national restrictions during the lockdown period and then any new guidance from 2nd December. You should also keep your distance, wash your hands regularly and wear face coverings where needed. These measures are our best defence against the virus. We know it can be hard, keeping a distance from others, avoiding travelling to places, not meeting up with friends or family. But the virus spreads when we mix and have contact and don’t stay apart. Stay local, don’t visit areas with higher levels of restrictions. If we can stay local, stop visiting areas with greater numbers of infections, we can protect ourselves and others. Please ensure you self-isolate as soon as you have a symptom of Covid-19. The symptoms to look out for are; • a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual) • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal If you have any of these, no matter how mild your symptoms, please self-isolate immediately and book a test. You can do this online https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. With a second national lockdown in place, the County Council’s Here2Help service is on hand to help residents who require extra support. A phone number has been set up to help fill out the form for those who can’t access the internet. The dedicated number is: 01905 768053 and is open Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 5:00pm and Friday 9:00 - 4:30pm. Guidance for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable has been updated to include additional measures to keep this group safe during lockdown. This information is available on the Here2Help shielding advice page on the county council’s website. The Government is encouraging people in this group to register for support on the national website where they, for example, can get access to priority supermarket deliveries. For more information, please visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

Local Library Opening Details

Libraries across Worcestershire will remain open but with reduced services during the latest, national lockdown period. To reflect proposed Government regulations, plans are in place for the following services to be available at libraries during the four-week period, with library users being encouraged to take advantage of online services available on the Digital Library Hub 24/7: 1. Reserve and Collect book ordering and pick-up service 2. Pre-bookable public computer sessions for essential purposes 3. Book returns Library opening hours will remain unchanged from tomorrow until December 2. A return date for all borrowed books has been extended to December 31 2020 and all library fines will be suspended until that date. There will also be no reservation charges while the Reserve and Collect service is in operation. Details of these changes will be added today to the County Council’s Libraries and Learning webpage: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20017/libraries_and_learning

Ripple Parish Council Meeting on 30 November 2020 Cancelled

As a result of the recent Government announcement, the meeting scheduled to be held on 30 November 2020 has been cancelled. A new date will be set in due course.

Reminder - Road Closure Ripple & Uckinghall Proposed Commencement 20 October 2020

Temporary Road Closure Application #900264 Approved the application detailed below: TMA Or Works Permit Reference JZ10208021138 JZ10206346848 Closure Reason Carriageway Resurfacing Proposed Start Date 20/10/2020 Proposed End Date 31/10/2020 Proposed Times 07.30 - 16.30 Location UCKINGHALL ROAD, U60402 (usrn: 24410819), UPTON UPON SEVERN Highway Section Closed From Junction with C2213 School Lane Highway Section Closed From Junction with U60400 Bow Lane

West Mercia Residents Survey

Ahead of setting next year’s policing budget, the PCC is seeking the views of communities across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire in a public survey. With the Covid pandemic placing an impact on the economy, and wider public finances, there are greater uncertainties than usual as we head towards next year’s policing budget. Therefore, the PCC wants to ensure that, when it comes to it, the public’s views are at the heart of his decision making. The survey will ask people about their priorities, what it’s like in their community from a policing perspective, and in which areas of policing would they choose to spend more or less money. The survey will run from Monday 5th October to Monday 2nd November. To complete it, click on the following link – www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90277140/your-voice

Road Closure - Brockeridge Common - Rectory Lane in Ripple

Please note that Gloucestershire Highways have a Temporary Traffic Order in place to close the road for resurfacing for approximately 4 days commencing on Friday, 9th October 2020, concluding on Wednesday, 14th October 2020. Further details can be found on the GCC website: wwww.gloucestershire.gov.uk/resurfacing

Message from Malvern Hills Council Regarding Coronavirus

Cases of Coronavirus are rising across our district, as well as other parts of Worcestershire. Although we are still some way off the point where full local lockdown restrictions are needed, Worcestershire Public Health is monitoring the situation. An outbreak control plan is in place and action will be taken, if necessary, to protect residents. It is really important we all keep playing our part to protect ourselves and each other. Please make sure you are following social distancing guidelines at all times and remember: Hands - wash them regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser Face - wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet Space - stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors) If you have symptoms you should self-isolate immediately and book a free test online or call 119. You should also self-isolate if you are asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. Read the guidance on how to self-isolate with a possible Coronavirus infection Read the Coronavirus FAQs to find out what you currently can and cannot do ________________________________________ Care homes closed to visitors Care homes across Malvern Hills District have been closed to all but essential visitors. This is a precaution to protect vulnerable residents following a rise in Covid-19 cases. Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said: "The decision to stop care home visits is not one we have taken lightly. I appreciate this will cause upset and frustration for some of our residents and I recognise this is very difficult for families. "Looking at the rising numbers of cases in the district, we are concerned about the welfare of our most vulnerable and the wider community. I need to protect those at risk and prevent the further spread of Covid-19. "We will review this on a daily basis and will lift these restrictions when we see numbers falling again. This is a sensible precautionary measure, it is better to act now than later." ________________________________________ Remember the rule of 6 New social distancing rules are being introduced on Monday, 14 September in England. From this date, it will be illegal to meet with people you do not live with in groups of more than six indoors or outdoors. This applies to private homes, pubs, restaurants, shops and other venues like places of worship. There are exceptions to this rule including schools and work places.

Upton Safer Neighbourhood Team August Update

August 2020 Upton Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) atest updates The latest figures for crimes and incidents reported in June 2020 can be found via this link:- https://www.police.uk/pu/your-area/west-mercia-police/upton/?tab=CrimeMap Safer Neighbourhood Teams work with local people and partners to identify, tackle and solve issues that matter to the community where you live. Upton SNT is based at West Mercia Police Station, School Lane, Upton-Upon-Severn and covers Upton town centre and its neighbouring parishes as listed below. Making neighbourhoods safer by cutting day to day crime and anti-social behaviour is at the heart of keeping people in West Mercia safe. The team are:- PC Kevin Johns PCSO Linda Pawley PCSO Tracey Baker Upton Safer Neighbourhood Team is based at West Mercia Police Station, School Lane, Upton-Upon Severn, Worcestershire, WR8 0LE. Areas covered:- Upton upon Severn Hanley Castle Hanley Swan Welland Castlemorton Birtsmorton Berrow Earl’s Croome Ripple Hill Croome Holdfast Queenhill Bushley Longdon Eldersfield Corse Lawn Pendock Speed checks & enforcement The team have been carrying out speed checks in the following areas during the months of May, June, July & August 2020: Sunday 17th May 2020 from 1200-1245hrs on the B4208 Pendock Tuesday 19th May 2020 from 1535–1621hrs on the B4208 Pendock Sunday 24th May 2020 from 1350-1435hrs on the A4104 Baughton Wednesday 27th May 2020 from 1630–1730hrs on the B4208 Pendock Saturday 30th May 2020 from 1355-1425hrs on the B4209 Hanley Swan Saturday 30th May 2020 from 1445-1515hrs on the A4104 Welland Sunday 31st May 2020 from 1100-1130hrs on Tunnel Hill, Upton upon Severn Tuesday 23rd June 2020 from 1308-1335hrs on B4209 Hanley Swan Sunday 19th July 2020 from 1035-1115hrs on B4209 Hanley Swan Sunday 19th July 2020 from 1145-1245hrs on B4208 Pendock Sunday 19th July 2020 from 1319-1349hrs on A4104 Baughton Tuesday 21st July 2020 from 1846-1952hrs on B4208 Pendock Wednesday 29th July 2020 from 0759-0904hrs on B4208 Pendock Sunday 9th August 2020 from 1035-1115hrs on B4209 Hanley Swan Online reporting Did you know you can now report some incidents online via our website … www.westmercia.police.uk Emails We all receive emails at home and work. It is important that you know who you are dealing with. There are scam emails out there that appear to be from reputable companies, recently there have been emails claiming to be HMRC offering tax rebates and TV Licensing saying TV licences hadn’t been paid for. Please check before replying to emails you are not expecting. Have you become the proud owner of a new pedal cycle over the past few months? • Record it • Remember to record details of your bike such as the frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in) and take a photo. • Double-lock it • It can take thieves as little as few seconds to cut through some locks, so use two good quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock. • Lock the lot • Lock the frame and both wheels to the cycle parking stand. • Secure it • Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre. • Remove the removable bits • Take parts that are easy to remove with you. • Park secure • Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV. • Remember safety begins at home • Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street. • Lock the lot • Lock the frame and both wheels to the cycle parking stand. • Secure it • Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre. • Remove the removable bits • Take parts that are easy to remove with you. • Park secure • Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV. • Remember safety begins at home • Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street. How to get in touch Tel: 101 Email: upton.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk Website: www.westmercia.police.uk Twitter: @MalvernCops Only call 999 in an emergency, when a crime is in progress or life is in danger.

Update from Dr Kathryn Cobain - Director of Public Health for Worcestershire

Following news of an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus in Birmingham, Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire has given us this update: “An increase in cases in Birmingham has meant that Birmingham residents may have to follow tighter restrictions in the coming weeks. We have currently not seen a similar increase in cases in Worcestershire. This is a timely reminder that COVID 19 has not gone away and Worcestershire residents should continue to avoid crowded places, use face coverings and regularly wash their hands when out and about If you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19 , arrange to be tested and isolate at home.”

Uckinghall and Ripple Road Closure - Proposed Date 20 - 31 October 2020

Please Note Worcestershire County Council will be undertaking Resurfacing works:- Uckinghall and Ripple Road Closure TMA Or Works Permit Reference No. JZ10208021138 JZ10206346848 Closure Reason - Carriageway Resurfacing Proposed Start Date 20/10/2020 Proposed End Date 31/10/2020 Proposed Times 07.30 - 16.30 Location UCKINGHALL ROAD, U60402 (usrn: 24410819), UPTON UPON SEVERN Highway Section Closed From Junction with C2213 School Lane Highway Section Closed From Junction with U60400 Bow Lane

Ripple Parish Council Meeting - 27 July 2020

A Closed Meeting of Ripple Parish Council in order to comply with current COVID requirements to be held on 27th July 2020 at 7.00pm at Ripple Parish Hall In normal circumstances from 7.00pm residents are invited to give their views and question the Parish Council on issues on this agenda, or raise issues for future consideration at the discretion of the Chairman, before the start of the Parish Council Meeting. This will be a closed meeting as a result of the COVID-19 situation and any Public Questions are to be submitted 5 days in advance of the meeting in writing or by email to the clerk for the Chairman’s consideration.

Stratford Bridge Lane Closure

PUBLIC NOTICE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 (AS AMENDED) WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL NOTICE OF THE CLOSURE OF U60404 STRATFORD LANE, RIPPLE, WORCESTERSHIRE ("THE HIGHWAY") Reason for restriction: Surface Dressing Works. There is a need to close the highway in the following terms:- 1. The effect of this Notice is that no vehicle shall proceed along that part of the highway from its junction with C2213 School Lane to its junction with A38 Tewkesbury Road. 2. This provision shall continue in force for a maximum of 5 days, however, it is anticipated that it will remain in force for 5 days commencing 29 May 2020. 3. Alternative routes: - A38 Tewkesbury Road, C2213 School Lane and vice versa. Nothing in this Notice shall prevent at any time access for pedestrians to any premises situated on or adjacent to the highway, or to any other premises accessible for pedestrians from and only from the highway. THOMAS POLLOCK Head of Commercial Law (Legal & Governance) Date 29 May 2020 883561 – U60404 Stratford Lane, Ripple - Expedient

WCC Household Recycling Centres Reopening

Household Recycling Centres (HRC’s) reopening from Monday 11 May. WCC will be opening 7 of the 11 sites and these are: • Bromsgrove (Quantry Lane) • Malvern (Newlands) • Pershore (Hill & Moor) • Redditch (Crossgates) • Stourport (Bonemill) • Tenbury • Worcester (Bilford Road This recognises the additional resourcing required to operate the sites in line with the new requirements, e.g. social distancing. It is important to note that journeys to HRCs must only be undertaken if your waste or recycling cannot be stored at home safely or disposed of safely by other means. Residents should only be visiting if the waste cannot be stored at their home without causing risk of injury, health or harm. There is no other reason the journey will be considered a legitimate purpose for travel. If the waste can be temporarily stored, recycled or disposed of in a way that does not pose a risk to safety or human health, then this should be done. WCC are encouraging residents to check the website for full details of the social distancing measures, opening times and other restrictions before they visit the HRC. These measures include a ‘one in, one out’ access policy, no staff assistance to remove items from vehicles so those visiting need to be able to remove their own waste, and additional services such as compost sales and charity reuse points will be closed until further notice. We expect the sites to be very busy so residents may have to queue for a long time before they are able to access the site as only a limited number of cars will be allowed at any one time . We will have traffic management in place where possible and will monitor this to try and keep disruption to the network to a minimum. We also have included at the bottom of this email the detail that we will be putting on the website, www.letswasteless.com, at 12pm. This will give you an overview of what WCC have put in place.

WCC Household Recycling Centres Reopening

Spring Newsletter

Welcome to the Ripple Parish Council (RPC) Spring Newsletter. Unfortunately due to the Government COVID-19 Directives Ripple Parish Council (RPC) is unable to hold its Annual Parish Meeting, but we hope this will bring you up to date with all that is currently happening in Ripple Parish. The Coronavirus pandemic restrictions have impacted on the way we work. Face to face Parish Council meetings have been cancelled, until further notice, but we are continuing to conduct as much business as possible via social media. Agendas for our ‘virtual meetings’ will be posted, as before and you are still invited to raise any issues, which we will continue do our best to address. At the beginning of the outbreak RPC was invited to join the “Stay Connected” scheme, co-ordinated by Upton Town Council and Upton Baptist Church, which has proved invaluable in providing a helpline and practical support for local residents who are unable to get out and do shopping. Many volunteers in the parish are working hard to deliver this service and we thank them. If you are aware of anyone who needs assistance please remind them about “Stay Connected” (Helpline 01684 594991 - open Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm) or alternatively let one of your Councillors know and we will try to help. It is worth pointing out that RPC is currently made up of seven councillors (2 vacancies remain). A number of our team fall into the elderly and vulnerable category which does limit the level of practical support that they can offer. However a number of residents have been directly assisted by RPC Councillors. Beechwood Care Home has informed us that they are currently all fine and have everything they need. All prescriptions from Upton Surgery are being delivered and we thank Jeremy Owenson for doing this. Boots Prescriptions for the over 70’s are also being delivered. Whilst some things are carrying on as normal others are not. Bin collections are continuing but unfortunately the Upton tip is closed. This has led to some fly tipping. If you see evidence of this please contact Malvern Hills District Council, incidents can be logged via their “Report It” facility on the website or let RPC know so that it can be cleared as soon as possible. Grass cutting of public areas is not taking place as it is deemed non-essential under the Covid-19 regulations. Our recently appointed Lengthsman is also currently prevented from carrying out his duties. Bus services too, are suspended. Sadly, the Upton music festivals which help to keep many local businesses financially viable will not be taking place this year. The Sunshine Festival is yet to be cancelled and will rest on Government advice nearer the time. SPEEDWATCH on the Ryall Road has been suspended and whilst there is significantly less traffic passing through it seems that some of it is at increased speeds. As soon as is it is possible Speedwatch will be reinstated. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the co-ordinator: Barbara Wilson (01684 593137 or barbarawilson63@hotmail.com). The most popular responses to our questionnaire about traffic calming measures on the Ryall Road were: Introduction of 20MPH (28), Permanent Speedwatch Signage (26), Chicanes on the straight (23). Once things get back to normal, RPC will take up these as residents’ preferred options with WCC Highways. HIGHWAYS Work is continuing on the detailed design for the roundabout at the A38/A4104 junction and currently ecological surveys are being undertaken. On the A4104 there was some scouring of the banks during the flooding and remedial work will be undertaken to correct this. FLOODING This was a very serious issue in February and sadly some properties in East Waterside Upton, were badly affected but Ripple Parish escaped any flooding. Our thanks go to the Uckinghall Flood Action Group (UFAG) who closely monitored river levels and kept many residents fully informed. During emergency periods like the flooding, and currently with the Coronavirus Pandemic, RPC has to take, and act upon, Gold Command instructions issued and coordinated by Worcestershire County Council or Malvern Hills District Council, in conjunction with other emergency agencies. PLANNING Currently there are no applications for large housing developments within the Parish and no further sites appear to have been included in the review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP). Whilst the timetable for the review of the SWDP is being maintained, the briefings that were scheduled had to be cancelled and the hearings for the Worcestershire Minerals Local Plan have been postponed. The application for mineral extraction by Messrs Cullimore at Bow Lane, Ripple is undergoing further examination. RPC listened closely to the concerns raised by the newly formed REACT (Ripple Extraction Action Community Team) prior to submitting our response to the planning proposal. It is expected that an application will shortly be made by Cemex for extraction at Fish Meadow, which will include the formation of a boating lake. Both applications will be available to view at Worcestershire CC Planning. CORONAVIRUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE If you are self-employed or run a small business, you may be able to get financial assistance. Please look at the following website for this: www.go.uk/financial-support-for-business-during-coronaviruscovid-19 Jeremy Owenson, MHDC District Councillor, is also going to ask MHDC to support planning for businesses and shops once the lockdown ends. Residents who are now on a reduced income may find that they are eligible for assistance with their Council Tax Bill. Please telephone 03004 560 560 or visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk FINALLY We would like to thank all NHS workers, frontline workers, volunteers and the shops in Upton for the invaluable assistance during this time. We also invite you join with around 300 others who follow our RPC Facebook Page @RPC2017. It has proved a quick and effective way of getting information out to you. However, we are conscious of those residents who don’t use social media and would ask those who do to help us by keeping neighbours informed. We will also continue to post information on our website (https://e-services.worcestershire.gov.uk/MyParish/) and the parish noticeboards . COUNCILLOR CONTACT DETAILS Phil Aldridge (Chairman) 07485 330969 philaldridge@rpcworcs.co.uk Robin Jones (Vice Chairman) 01684 592209 robinjones@rpcworcs.co.uk Victoria Portch (Clerk) 07498 076125 clerk@rpcworcs.co.uk Keith Weyman 01684 592750 keithweyman@rpcworcs.co.uk Roger Sutton 01684 593282 rogersutton@rpcworcs.co.uk Marian Baum 01684 594276 marianbaum@rpcworcs.co.uk Maggi Davis 079636 89729 maggidavis@rpcworcs.co.uk Tim Armitt 079662 15775 timarmitt@rpcworcs.co.uk Worcestershire County Councillor Paul Middlebrough 07803 437480 pmiddlebrough@worcestershire.gov.uk Malvern Hills District Councillor Jeremy Owenson 07944 408307 jeremy.owenson@malvernhilldc.net RPC is under strength. There are currently no councillors based in Ripple or Uckinghall. If we are to be more effective on your behalf we urgently need more and younger, councillors. Please contact us if you think you could help

75th Anniversary of VE Day (Friday 8th May)

RPC invites all residents to join with those of Upton Upon Severn, to mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day (Friday 8th May). Any instrumentalists able to perform The Last Post (2.55pm). Those who would like to raise a toast (3.00pm). Please observe social distancing rules whilst doing so.

Come Back to Care

Worcestershire County Council would ask anyone to consider assisting with the current shortage of care sector workers. Further details can be found at the following site:- https://comebacktocare.org.uk/

Ripple Parish Council "Virtual" Meeting

A Virtual Meeting of Ripple Parish Council will be held on 20th April 2020 Fixed Response Date by Councillors 20th April 2020 in order to consider the following business: Public Question Time: Residents are invited to give their views and question the Parish Council on issues on this agenda, or raise issues for future consideration at the discretion of the Chairman. In these exceptional circumstances Residents are requested to submit any matters for review to the Clerk via letter, email or social media post no later than Friday, 17th April 2020 for the Chairmans consideration.

Ripple Parish - Local Support

If you need extra assistance over this difficult time there are local volunteers willing to help, for free. Private message RPC via its Facebook page and we will do our best to set up support for you. Alternatively email: clerk@rpcworcs.co.uk or philaldridge@rpcworcs.co.uk. You are all invited to make use of the STAY SAFE support network by calling the Helpline (01684 594991. As of 28th March 2020, the Post Office opening hours will be: Saturday: loam till 2pm Sunday: Closed all day Monday to Friday: lOO0am - 5O0pm

Upton Surgery Medicatio Deliveries

Jeremy Owenson (MHDC)will be delivering to Ripple, Uckinghall, Stratford Bridge and Naunton - Monday and Wednesday. Ryall/ Holly Green/ The Grove, who currently get their prescriptions from Boots, should continue to do so next week. Thereafter it is anticipated that Boots prescriptions will also be delivered via the Stay Connected volunteer system. Please share this with all friends, family and neighbours within social distancing guidelines: From Monday 31/03/2020, during the Corona Virus pandemic, we will now be delivering ALL prescriptions for dispensing patients except for those for 'out of area' patients'. Deliveries will happen twice weekly and will be completed by volunteers organised by Stay Connected in Upton. All acute prescriptions that are required to be started the same day will be delivered from 4.30pm that day (if you have been prescribed an acute item please contact Stay Connected between 10am and 3pm on 01684 594 991). This is to reduce the need for people to leave their houses and reduce social contacts. Out of area patients' will still need to collect their prescriptions in the same way, the dispensary will remain closed for collections from 10am to 3pm.

Covid-19 Update

Covid-19 - update We had been anticipating and planning for the stringent measures that Government announced last night but we hadn’t expected them to come in to force so soon. Nonetheless we are well placed to play our part in assisting the Government’s response. I appreciate that these are very strange and unprecedented times for all of us but the key message now is that we are not in a business as usual situation and our objective is to deliver priority services. We are maintaining our critical functions and we have an eight point plan to help us direct our resources and efforts. Some of our services are now closed but we are currently maintaining our waste and recycling collections and will attempt to continue to do so for the duration of the outbreak. More information on all of the above is available on our website www.malvernhills.gov.uk/coronavirus We have now had guidance overnight about the support for business. This has taken a while to prepare by government. Our teams will be working on this today as we need to apply back to government for the monies. We expect this to be distributed in early April. We are expecting guidance from the Government very soon about how we will deliver essential supplies to people at extreme risk from Coronavirus. As we understand it, councils will not need to oversee the distribution of medicines or basic food parcels to people who do not have help from friends, family or others. That will be organised through Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) in collaboration with community pharmacies and food wholesalers. We may be asked to check data, and will have a role to support people in the case of missed deliveries, and to follow up to check what wider support those individuals may need. We are also aware that although the food deliveries will be free, there will be very little if any flexibility in the short term to tailor food parcels to individual dietary or religious needs, so they will be a limited part of the solution. Work continues to understand and provide support to the group of vulnerable and elderly people below those at extreme risk. Our voluntary sector organisations are currently struggling to keep up with demand. For now, if you have anyone you are concerned about we would advise you to fill in the form on the county council’s Here 2 Help page. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

Message from Malvern Hills Council

Social distancing while outside Exercise is good for your physical and mental health But, you MUST be responsible to protect all our health

Message from Malvern Hills Council

We know this is a very uncertain and challenging time. We want to reassure you that all levels of government, national and local, are working with the NHS and Public Health to keep people safe and support you to get through this crisis. We have plans in place to maintain our essential services during the outbreak, such as waste and recycling collections. To do this we may have to stop doing certain things over the next few weeks and months depending on the spread of the virus and how it affects our staffing levels. To keep you updated we have created a dedicated coronavirus information page on our website which will have the latest information about disruption to our services and how you can access financial and other support for you and your families.

Change to Boots Chemist in Upton Opening Hours

Please note Boots the Chemist in Upton have changed their opening hours to better manage orders. Mon - Fri lOam - 5.30pm Saturday 10am - 4.30pm

UPDATE FROM UPTON DOCTORS SURGERY

Please let all friends, family and neighbours aware in anyway you can whilst adhering to social distancing guidance. Due to the every-changing situation with corona virus and increasing numbers of cases within the West Midlands, the surgery will no longer be pre-booking any appointments or booking routine follow-ups. ALL upcoming routine appointments will be reviewed and may be cancelled,you will be informed of this before the date. Any patient requiring an appointment should call on the day where you will be added to a triage telephone list and you will be called by a GP or nurse before any appointments are made. Please ensure you are well on the day. Going forward the doors to the surgery will be locked to reduce footfall and protect you and staff. In line with NHS guidance, practices within the local area are working together to develop sites where people with respiratory symptoms or those with suspected Corona virus may be seen. Please note this site may not be within the town itself. You will be informed of where to go if a clinician decides you need to be seen. At this time we are not using this system but this may change in the coming weeks

Cancellation of Ripple Parish Council Meetings

After careful consideration a decision has been made to cancel all Ripple Parish Council Meetings until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Parish Council by email. When the situation with COVID-19 improves we will make arrangements for meetings to recommence.

Flooding Information Service at Upton Library

Anyone wishing to discuss the recent flooding is invited to attend Upton Library between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Worcestershire County Council staff will be happy to offer advice and discuss any matters arising.

EMERGENCY FLOOD ALERT

An emergency Flood Alert has been issued for Uckinghall and the surrounding area. Water levels are anticipated to peak around 2am Tuesday morning. If you wish to evacuate your property Ripple Parish Hall will be open and available as a refuge. Please can we ask that you check on nearby vulnerable people.

Parish Council Meeting 13 January 2020 to be held at Beechwood Residential Care Home, Holly Green

Please note the Parish Council meeting scheduled to take lace on 13 January 2020 at 7.00pm will be held at Beechwood Residential Care Home, Ryall Road, Holly Green.

Residents Questionnaire

Thank you to all those residents who have kindly returned their questionnaires. It would be appreciated if all responses were provided by 31st January 2020, in order that we may collate the comments. Many thanks.

NEW GRAVEL EXTRACTION AND LANDFILL PLANNING APPLICATION

NEW GRAVEL EXTRACTION AND LANDFILL PLANNING APPLICATION POSES 9 MORE YEARS OF UPHEAVEL FOR RIPPLE AND TWYNING PARISH RESIDENTS Time to stand up for your community and environment? M C Cullimore (Gravels) Ltd have submitted a cross border application to both Worcestershire and Gloucestershire County Councils for extraction of 1.5 million tons of gravel from a site in Bow Lane, Ripple, with a processing and distribution site at Puckrup, Twyning. View online at: http://e-planning.worcestershire.gov.uk using planning reference 19/000048/CM You may comment on the application by no later than 14th January 2020. This is the third application in the parish for gravel extraction and related works and it will almost certainly not be the last as the emerging Worcestershire Minerals Local Plan has earmarked land along the lower Severn for potential extraction. Unlike past or current mineral workings within the parish where land restoration has not involved importing landfill by road, this application proposes importing by road 1.4 million tons of inert landfill by lorry as part of the restoration process!! TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE IF THEY WORK TOGETHER Ripple Parish Council will be opposing this application, and at our December Council Meeting we were addressed by a Twyning resident who outlined how an Independent Action Group in Twyning had in the past, successfully fought mineral applications in their parish. Ripple Parish Council would be happy to work with an Independent Ripple Action Group if one is formed, as past experience has shown that two bodies, as well as submissions from individual residents, will invariably have greater impact on the planning decision process. Ripple Parish Council December 2019

SWDP Roadshow

SWDP preferred options exhibition for this area will be at Upton Memorial Hall, on Tuesday 19th November, between 2.00pm - 8.00pm.

Local Flooding Issues

As a result of the recent severe weather conditions if you have a requirement for sandbags or wish to raise concerns regarding localised flooding of drainage issues please visit the Malvern Hills District Council website home page.

New Bus Timetables

Astons coaches are taking over the majority of the local services from First buses. It will initially be until August next year and will reply on people using the services. Worcester - Kempsey - Kinnersley - Upton-upon-Severn - Hanley Castle 332 Service Worcester - Kempsey - Upton-upon-Severn 333 Service Pershore - Eckington - Defford - Worcester 54 Service No Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday service Timetables are posted on the noticeboards or can be accessed via the Astons website.

Beechwood Residential Care Home - Vacancies

Beechwood Residential Care Home have the following vacancies:- Domestic Assistant, part time – 24 hours per week Senior Care Assistant – Bank, nights, part-time, full-time Care Assistant - Bank, days and nights , part-time, full-time Catering Assistant - Bank and part time. For further information please contact:- Olly Tomkinson Administrator Beechwood Care Home Upton Upon Severn Worcs WR8 0RR Tel: 01684 595959

Ryall Road - Break In

We would like to alert residents of a break in on Ryall Road. Please be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the local police team.

Musical Evening at St Marys Church Ripple on Saturday 14 September 2019

Trillium Sheilagh Armitt – Soprano Sue Edmonds – Flute Mary Westley – Piano St. Mary’s Church, Ripple 7pm Saturday 14th September Tickets £8 from 01684 593972 or at the door Proceeds to repair funds of St. Mary’s, Ripple & St. Nicholas, Earls Croome

Parish Footpaths

Please use the link below to access the interactive website detailing the local parish footpaths. https://gis.worcestershire.gov.uk/website/Countryside

Ripple Annual Parish Meeting

Ripple Annual Parish Meeting Friday, 17th May 2019 at Ripple Parish Hall Commencing at 7.00pm The Annual Review by Ripple Parish Council and Community Groups including an Update on Planning and Other Local Issues, Open Public Question Time West Mercia Local Police Team will be available for private consultation from 6.30pm (Please contact the Clerk in advance to book an appointment) Followed by: Wine and light refreshments provided by Ripple WI Donations to the St Mary’s Ripple Church Upkeep will be greatly appreciated All residents of Ripple Parish Welcome

Malvern Hills District Council Contact Details

Did you know you can access Malvern Hills District Council services online 24/7 www.malvernhills.gov.uk If you need to call Malvern Hills District Council here are the key contact numbers:- Planning applications and other planning queries: 01684 862221 Waste and recycling collections: 01684 862490 Council Tax and Housing Benefit payments: 0300 456 0560 Building control: 01684 862223 Conservation, heritage and tree queries: 01684 862221 Elections and voter registration: 01684 862200 Environmental issues (e.g. dog fouling, fly-tipping, littering): 01684 862250 Housing: 01386 565020 Regulatory Services (e.g. pollution, animal welfare, trading standards): 01905 822799 If you need more support with any of these services then from 1st April 2019 you can visit the new reception building at The Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern.

Road Closure - Naunton & Ripple

PUBLIC NOTICE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 (AS AMENDED) WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL NOTICE OF THE CLOSURE OF C2107 NAUNTON, RIPPLE , WORCESTERSHIRE ("THE HIGHWAY") Reason for restriction: Drainage Work / Flood Alleviation. There is a need to close the highway in the following terms:- 1. The effect of this Notice is that no vehicle shall proceed along that part of the highway from its junction with Tewkesbury Road to its junction with U60405 Naunton. 2. This provision shall continue in force for a maximum of 5 days, however, it is anticipated that it will remain in force for 5 days commencing 29 April 2019. 3. Alternative routes: - A38 Tewkesbury Road, C2107 Ryall Grove, C2107 Strensham Road, C2107 Naunton and vice versa. Nothing in this Notice shall prevent at any time access for pedestrians to any premises situated on or adjacent to the highway, or to any other premises accessible for pedestrians from and only from the highway. SIMON MALLINSON Head of Legal and Democratic Services Date 25 March 2019

Lengthsman Vacancy

Ripple Parish Council is seeking to appoint a fully qualified Lengthsman for 15 hours per month, commencing April 2019. This is a contract for services position therefore the successful applicant will need to demonstrate that they maintain public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of £5,000,000 (5 Million Pounds) and will need to provide their own equipment (including PPE). Payment will be by settlement of invoice (accompanied by a detailed time-sheet) which must be submitted electronically to the parish council on a monthly basis. Duties include:- Clear gully grates. ? Dig out blocked gullies. Wash and Clear headwalls and outfalls. ? Clear leaves from footpaths. Rod blocked drains if practical. ? Notify when unsuccessful. Remove vegetation obstructing signs. ? Remove vegetation at junction visibility splays Removal of basal tree growth from Highway trees ? Pulling/cutting of noxious weeds following site specific approval from the Manager.? Negotiate with frontagers for them to cut back overhanging vegetation. Rotation and charging of mobile Vehicular Activated Signs (VAS) following site specific approval and authorisation. ? Painting of heritage cast iron direction signs. Snow clearance and gritting/salting by hand. ? Removal or illegal fly postings. Maintenance and repainting of highways approved visibility fencing. ? Strimming of areas to ensure maximum visibility at road junctions etc. Digging Channels to allow rain water drainage from highways ? Clean dirty signs (except illuminated signs). Please submit a Curriculum Vitae to the Clerk to Ripple Parish Council via email at rippleparishclerk@btinternet.com - please include a day time telephone number.

Public Exhibition in respect of the proposed sand and gravel working of land at Bow Farm, Ripple

The event is to be held on Thursday 28th February at Ripple Parish Hall. The exhibition will be open to the public between 14:30 - 20:30 hrs. Representatives from M C Cullimore (Gravels) Ltd and their appointed technical consultants will be on hand to discuss the proposed working and restoration scheme with all attendees.

A4104 Upton Night Closures

As part of the final phase of the flood alleviation works in Upton-Upon-Severn, a series of night closures on the A1404 will be taking place later next month. The closures will take place from 8pm to 6am for a maximum of 4 nights from Monday 18 March to Thursday 21 March. A diversion route will be in place for vehicles which takes them over Carrington Bridge, Worcester and motorists will be given advanced notice of the work via variable message signs, the County Council website and via Social Media Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be able to use a temporary footway, which has be built next to the current highway, and this will also have lighting. The road will be fully closed in both directions from the turning to the Marina up to the start of the Ryall turn. Access to properties between these fixed positions will be unaffected. Signage on site will be in place from 04 March to inform motorists and the public During these essential night closures, structural work will be undertaken and the part of the road affected will be fully resurfaced and white lined. Traffic lights will continue to be used during the day with the peaks of traffic being manually managed to help with traffic flow. These works, once completed, will move us closer to the overall completion of the scheme. Regards, Mark Mills Contracts Project Manager Worcestershire County Council Directorate of Economy and Infrastructure County Hall Spetchley Road Worcester WR5 2NP Mob: 07565552847 mmills@worcestershire.gov.uk

A4104 Upton Night Closures

RYALL ROAD CLOSURE - UPDATE FROM THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR

RYALL ROAD CLOSURE – UPDATE FROM THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR Footway resurfacing, also some Severn Trent works have been combined into the same closure. Closure necessary due to the width of road and need for compliance with Health & Safety regulations. This work is scheduled to be completed by the end of next week. Earlier than the advertised date of 1st March. Ryall Road is covered by an 'Access Only' Order so should only be used by traffic accessing local property. WCC appreciate that it's close to the flood works but scheduled to be out of the way before Upton Festival season commences. Supplied by Cllr Paul Middlebrough on behalf of Worcestershire County Council 12th February 2019

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION EXHIBITION

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF SAND AND GRAVEL WORKINGS ON LAND KNOWN AS BOW FARM, NEAR RIPPLE, WORCESTERSHIRE. This exhibition is being held by M C Cullimore (Gravels) Ltd in support of its proposals to seek planning permission for a new sand and gravel quarry, close to the M50 motorway. Restoration would enhance biodiversity, provide additional flood storage capacity and maintain high quality agricultural land. Representatives from Cullimore’s and some of the company’s specialist consultants will be on hand to discuss the proposed development. PUBLIC EXHIBITION Thursday 28th February 2019 2.30pm - 8.30 pm Ripple Parish Hall School Lane, Ripple Tewkesbury Gloucestershire, GL20 6EU

Consultation - Sand and Gravel Quarry Bow Lane Farm at Ripple

GLOUCESTERSHIRE COMPANY STARTS A PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROGRAMME ON ITS PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP A SAND AND GRAVEL QUARRY AT BOW FARM, NEAR RIPPLE, CLOSE TO THE M50 Local mineral operator M C Cullimore (Gravels) Ltd is seeking planning permission for a new sand and gravel quarry on land known as Bow Farm, near Ripple, Worcestershire. The proposed application site is on the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire border. Almost all the mineral extraction would be within Worcestershire, while the processing plant site – and access onto the A38 – would be in Gloucestershire. Joint planning applications will be submitted to both Worcestershire and Gloucestershire County Councils in Spring 2019. Some of the key facts about the proposed development include: •working the proposed site over approximately 7-8 years in small, short phases • providing an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of sand and gravel, much needed to support planned infrastructure and development within Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Improving the local economy while using locally sourced building materials will deliver long term benefits • restoring the site will significantly enhance biodiversity, provide additional flood storage capacity and maintain high quality agricultural land • accessing the proposed site directly from a new junction on the A38 • using the A38 and direct access to the M50 motorways to efficiently and effectively deliver building materials to where they are needed • making sure mineral workings will be very well screened from residential properties and local businesses • extracting the mineral will take place over 1.5km west of Church End and over 2km west of Twyning • making sure quarry traffic will not use Bow Lane. The planning application(s) will be supported by detailed site investigations and assessments, carried out by independent specialist consultants. A comprehensive, well publicised consultation event will be held during the last week in February 2019. For further information, please email: consultations@davidjarvis.biz

Local Road Works

Please note the following road works are being undertaken within the Parish WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (C2213 School Lane, Ripple)(Temporary Closure) Order 2019 Proposed Order: to close that part of C2213 School Lane, Ripple from its junction with C2213 Station Road to its junction with Uckinghall Road in order to facilitate Severn Trent works. Exemptions: to permit access to any land or premises fronting the highway affected where there is no other form of access; and to allow the works to be undertaken. Alternative route: Stratford Lane, A38 Stratford Bridge (Gloucestershire County), C2213 Rectory Lane, C2213 The Cross and vice versa. Maximum duration: 18 Months. Anticipated duration: 3 days Commencing: 20 February 2019. Simon Mallinson Head of Legal and Democratic Services County Hall Spetchley Road Worcester 25 January 2019 www.worcestershire.gov.uk WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (Stratford Lane, Ripple)(Temporary Closure) Order 2019 Proposed Order: to close that part of Stratford Lane, Ripple from its junction with A38 Tewkesbury Road to its junction with C2213 School Lane in order to facilitate Severn Trent works. Exemptions: to permit access to any land or premises fronting the highway affected where there is no other form of access; and to allow the works to be undertaken. Alternative route: A38 Tewkesbury, C2213 School Lane and vice versa. Maximum duration: 18 Months. Anticipated duration: 3 days Commencing: 25 February 2019. Simon Mallinson Head of Legal and Democratic Services County Hall Spetchley Road Worcester 1 February 2019 www.worcestershire.gov.uk

Venue Change for Parish Council Meeting on 14 January 2019

Please note that the Parish Council Meeting scheduled to take place on 14 January 2019 will be held at Beechwood Residential Care Home, Holly Green commencing at 7.00pm.

Flicks in the Sticks presents - CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

Christopher Robin - Cert: PG - 104 mins At Ripple Parish Hall on Saturday 5th January 2019 at 7.30pm Enquiries: 01684 592781 Tickets: £3.50 /£1.00

LITTER PICK

Please come and join other local residents on a Litter Pick on Saturday, 24th Nove3mber at 2.00pm. We shall be meeting at the Recreation Ground on The Beeches and look forward to seeing you there. Litter pickers and high-vis vests will be provided.

Update from District Councillor & SWDP Extention Consultation

District Councillors Report from Jeremy Owenson SWDP Extension: The SWDP Extension is now open to consultation with numerous sites within the Ripple Ward. I would encourage residents to make their comments on the web site, and if they don’t have access to the internet, to attend the open session in Upton on the 20th at the Memorial hall, between 2pm and 8pm. I will be there between 2pm and 3pm. The purpose of the consultation is to establish the criteria on which sites are selected. The document can be found here: http://swjcs.limehouse.co.uk/portal/swdpr_i_and_o/swdp_review_io?pointId=s15294084535961#section-s15294084535961 Some questions ask specific questions like number 5 ask where new employment sites should be. You could answer, for example, that they should be in the towns, or on Main Roads, etc. The other questions around the Options 1, to 5, should we retain the current strategy or review boundaries of towns, etc. merit your comments if you prefer development to be nearer urban areas rather than in the open countryside. This feedback to these options will be the key driver to where development occurs and where it does not. For example, the reference to the A46 could equally apply to the A38. The key issues you need to comment on are the appropriateness of development. It helps to say where development is more acceptable (e.g. good road access, access to shops and schools), and where development is not appropriate (for example, are you are building in villages that have no infrastructure, or say no bus services), or comment on what infrastructure should be provided to make proposed developments work (such as cycle paths, new bridges, roads, roundabouts, etc.). It is also important to suggest what you want, houses, commercial properties, bungalows, social housing and live work units. You can also comment on the style of houses (to ensure appropriate with surroundings) and the requirement for Social Housing. It is important to comment now. It is easier to influence earlier in the process, than fight a rear guard action when the sites have already been approved. Christmas Refuse collections: At Christmas, it is worth remembering that recycling will also be collected if it is left in a recyclable container beside your normal green bin collection. The Christmas refuse collections can be found at the Malvern Hills Web site. Collections will be normal up to Christmas Eve, but your collection day is Christmas day, collection will be early on the Saturday 22nd. Thereafter, collections will be the day after your normal collection day up until Sat 5th January. Given we all know that we generate more waste at Christmas, as a one off, the lorries will collect up to an additional 2 black sacks of rubbish on the refuse collection week, between Sat 22nd and Friday 11th January, to help

Protect Your Farm, Protect Yourself - Free Event

The rural community from across South Worcestershire is invited to a free event to learn more about protecting their property and improving their health, well-being and safety. The ‘Protect Your Farm, Protect Yourself’ event will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 22 November at Three Counties Showground. Organised by Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council, the event will provide information to the rural community- including farmers and businesses- from across South Worcestershire and surrounding areas on how they can protect their property, look after their well-being and access financial advice.

Protect Your Farm, Protect Yourself - Free Event

Poppies to Raise Funds for Royal British Legion

Knitted poppies needed for WW1 centenary Knitters across Malvern are being asked to create poppies to mark the centenary of the end of World War One. People can get involved and make knitted or crocheted poppies of any size which will then be sold at Malvern Tourist Information Centre (TIC) to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. Malvern Hills District Council is asking for as many as possible to be handed in to The Council House on Avenue Road by the end of October. This year, Remembrance Sunday (11 November) marks one hundred years since the end of the First World War and is a time for people to come together and reflect on the millions of lives lost between 1914 and 1918. Rachel Vann, Physical Activity and Well-being Officer for Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Knitting and crocheting improves mental well-being because not only is it a great way to de-stress but it is said to help combat depression and distract from chronic pain. “We hope the Malvern community will come together and get creative to help us mark the centenary of the end of World War One.” To get involved, email getactive@malvernhills.gov.uk for more information and to request a poppy design template

Change of Meeting Date

Please note, the Parish Council Meeting will now take place on 15th October 2018 at 7.00pm at Beechwood Residential Care Home, Ryall.

Ripple & Uckinghall Village Fete

Saturday, 14 July from 2.00pm - 5.30pm At the field next to the Railway Inn Ripple.

Ripple & Uckinghall Village Fete

Saturday, 14 July from 2.00pm - 5.30pm At the field next to the Railway Inn Ripple.

Calor Rural Community Fund

We would be most grateful if residents could take a moment to visit the Calor website and consider providing support by voting for our project. Details can be found here:- www.calor.co.uk/communityfund Thank you.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual Parish Meeting. We appreciate your attendance and comments. We are also most grateful to everyone who has responded to our GDPR document and provided comments to the consultation as to use of the recreation ground.

Public Exhibition

Public Exhibition Proposed Restoration of Ryall North Quarry to Facilitate a Water Sports Lake Upton Upon Severn Public Exhibition to be held at Memorial Hall on Thursday 24th May 2018 Between 2pm - 8pm

A4104 Roadworks Update

Updated and confirmed night closures of the A4104 at Upton, these replace the dates originally sent out by mail on 28/03/18 As part of the flood alleviation works in Upton, a series of night closures on the A1404 will be taking place in April and May. This is to facilitate the resurfacing of carriageway and must be done at night to allow time for the running surface to have cooled and to provide minimum disruption to traffic and businesses. It is also essential to have the road re-opened without lights before the RHS Spring Festival on 10th May 2018. This will also substantially complete Phase 2 of the scheme. The closures will take place from 8pm to 6am for a maximum of 9 nights during the following period: 28/04 to 12/05 inclusive Works will complete 06.00 on 13/05/18 We have informed the organisers of the Malvern Showground and Upton Folk Festival and continue to work with them A diversion route will be in place for vehicles which takes them over the Carrington Bridge. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be able to use a temporary footway, which will be built next to the current footway. The road will be closed from approx. 100m after the Marina entrance to the layby before Ryall Road – highlighted as Phase 2 on the below map – and signage will be in place on site from 15 April. Access to existing properties will be maintained at all times and affected properties will be letter dropped the week before works starts During these essential night closures, raising of the road will take place and the part of the road affected by the night closure will be fully resurfaced and white lined Traffic lights will continue to be used during the day with the peaks of traffic being manually managed to help with traffic flow.

Adverse Weather

Heavy snow is expected to hit the Malvern Hills District in the next 24 to 48 hours. The Met Office is forecasting it will start snowing from midday on Thursday with up to 1 to 2 inches expected to fall during the day. The heaviest of the snow is predicted to fall Thursday night into the early hours of Friday morning with up to 4 inches predicted. This will be further complicated by temperatures dropping well below freezing overnight. There may be further snow flurries on Saturday but it is expected to turn to rain and sleet by Sunday. This will cause some disruption to services and make for hazardous driving conditions. Worcestershire County Council’s highways team is already out gritting and will continue to do so over the next few days. They will also be ploughing to deal with places where snow falls heaviest. Despite these measures, if the snow falls as expected, then the advice remains only to travel if it is essential to do so. If you must travel then be prepared. West Mercia Police has issued advice on driving in wintry weather here. Bin collections are also likely to be disrupted on Friday. If you are due a collection on Friday then initially put your bin out for collection in the usual place by 7am and look out for live updates on our website here or sign up for our waste and recycling electronic newsletter. As well as causing disruption to travel and services, spells of severe cold weather pose a serious risk to the health of vulnerable people. Public Health England is warning people to prepare for the cold snap, particularly those with heart and lung conditions, younger children and older people who are more at risk during cold weather. During cold weather you should: • look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately • try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over • stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance, have deliveries or ask a friend to help • take weather into account when planning your activity over the following days • seek entitlements and benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, which are available to some • avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls. • discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby Power and utility companies have schemes which make at-risk groups a priority for reconnection following power cuts. Find out if you meet the criteria and if so, sign up. Visit ofgem.gov.uk for more information. A short video explaining the impact cold weather has on health is available to view here. More advice is available from the Stay Well This Winter website here. ________________________________________

2018 Parish Council Meeting Dates

8th January 12th February 12th March 10th April 14th May – Annual General Meeting 18th May – Annual Parish Meeting 11th June 9th July 10th September 8th October 12th November 10th December Meetings will be held at Ripple Parish Hall commencing at 7.00pmunless advised otherwise

TurnBac - Campaign for the reinstatement of the Local Bus Service

TURNbac Twyning, Uckinghall, Ripple & Naunton Bus Action Collective We urge First Bus Group to reinstate the village stops on the bus services between Upton Upon Severn and Tewkesbury, including Naunton, Uckinghall, Ripple and Twyning Green. Please indicate your support by contacting District Councillor Jeremy Owenson via email jeremy.owenson@malvernhillsdc.net Thank you.

Latest News

For all the Latest News go to Ripple Parish Council Website (click on link above)