Kidderminster gets its own Lengthsman
A scheme aimed at helping to spruce up Kidderminster's roads and
highways has been introduced in the town.
Wyre Forest District Council, working with Worcestershire County
Council, has appointed a Lengthsman.
The origins of the Lengthsman date back to the 19th
century when a local person was employed to maintain a stretch or
'length' of the highways and byways.
There are already schemes in place in other Parish and Town
Councils in the district, but Kidderminster did not have one as
there is not a Town Council.
The Lengthsman's typical rounds include clearing leaves and
debris from drains, cleaning obscured traffic signs, trimming
verges and minor repairs to benches and fences. He works with
the Council's Street Scene Team who coordinate his work, but he is
self employed, using his own distinctive vehicle equipped with his
own tools. The County and District Council's have put in place a
budget for the scheme to be in place for a year.
Main "A" roads remain the responsibility of the County Highways
Team.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet
Member for Housing and Environmental Services said,
"The Lengthsman Scheme has been very popular and successful in
our other towns and parishes. It means they can prioritise
minor maintenance work on local highways and residents can see
their concerns being dealt with effectively. The Council
recognises these benefits and made provision for a scheme in
Kidderminster in its budget. "
Photograph shows Councillor Marcus Hart with John Woodhouse,
Kidderminster's new Lengthsman.
Date of issue - 30th July 2010
