Parish Enhancement Gangs- Making their Mark
My name is Trevor and I work for MGWSP, the Highways Service provider, for Northamptonshire County Council. Last year it was decided it would be a great idea to set up parish enhancement gangs for the county, to undertake minor improvement and safety works that would be agreed between MGWSP and parish representatives.
I work as part of the North team along with Peter Lane, Chris Cheney and Andy Pettis look after the South of the county. Being part of the gang is a round the year job and, it is hoped that this service will continue to be provided with even bigger gangs. We are always busy with the summer and winter bringing in various types of requests from painting or clearing fallen leaves and this work continues on a rota throughout the year, ensuring all parishes get the maintenance they deserve.
I am up early and on my way to the Brixworth depot for 7.30 where Peter and I check our vehicle to make sure we are all set for the day. Our primary concern is to make sure that we have all the tools we need to provide the best service to the parishes.
Over the last few months we have been working our way around the county carrying out jobs that parishes feel add that little bit extra. Work that may not normally be carried during routine routine maintenance is done by us to enhance the look of villages, something we take great pride in.
First thing, whilst having a cup of tea, I check my emails to see what sort of work needs to be done and then we head out. We are getting specific requests from parishes all the time but, if there is a day where this does not happen, we are out on the road in any case spotting anything that may need doing ensuring that signs are cleans and obstructing vegetation is cleared.
The most popular types of work carried out are ensuring village signs are cleaned and in good condition and clearing weeds. There isn’t really a typical day as the work is varied and depends on the requests.
The key to this scheme working is co-ordination and we rely on the Area Managers to keep us up to date on what needs to be done and where. We like to dedicate one day in each parish so that the work we carry out really makes a visible difference.
Lunch is normally taken in the van and often in beautiful countryside settings.
Although we go out with a list of jobs to do the day can change depending on who we see. Sometimes parish clerks will come and see us and, often, parishioners may have requests which, if we have the equipment and time, we will do. I can see a great pride in the parishes and it is great the local residents are pro active in reporting issues to their parish representative and we are able to respond.
At 4 we are ready to go home and head back to the depot. It can be hard work and the weather, as always, can be hit and miss and can make or break how we feel during the the day!
At the end of the week we are ready for the weekend and that well deserved drink….
The Area Manager will be happy to discuss this scheme with nominated representatives of the parish council on 01604 883400.
Leo Plant. Area Manager for South Northants and Wellingborough Borough Districts.
Ian Smith. Area Manager for Daventry and Kettering Districts.
Richard Woodhouse. Area Manager for East Northants and Corby Districts
Carl Evans. Area Manager for parishes within Northampton Borough.
All representatives are based at M.G.W.S.P. Northamptonshire Highways, Highways Depot, Harborough Rd., Brixworth, Northamptonshire. NN6 9BX.
