Eckington Parish Council, Worcestershire.

17/08/2026

Fire Safety in Eckington – EPC Update

FAO: All Eckington Residents

Unfortunately the 10 spots of rain we had this morning have done nothing to lessen the potential of a fire in the village and surrounding countryside🙈.

So, following a number of enquiries and requests received by the Parish Clerk, Eckington Parish Council (EPC) would like to provide an update regarding fire risks around the village during this particularly dry period.

Residents have raised concerns about a number of areas, including:

- The Community Fields, where the grass is very dry and close to a number of properties, and whether cutting or a firebreak is required.
- The overgrown hedge along Hackett’s Lane: and the hedges around the School - this would potentially affect many properties, including the School.
- Private hedges adjacent to footpaths, grass verges and properties.
- The dry banks along the railway line, particularly behind or adjacent to properties, as well as alongside the Recreation Ground.
- Dry straw, presumably blown in following the early harvest, accumulating in gutters. This presents a potential fire risk and may also block drains when we eventually get some rain.
- The number of thatched properties within the Conservation Area.
- What action would the PC take in the event of a fire.

EPC’s response😊

The Parish Council can only do so much, particularly given our limited resources, and any work undertaken must be practical and safe. Councillors are volunteers and have no more, or less, responsibility for keeping our village safe than every other resident.
We do have our Lengthsman to help with a few jobs but unfortunately his time is very limited (14 hours per month), so there’s only so much he can do.

There is a lot that residents and landowners can do themselves to help keep the village, their own properties, and neighbouring properties, safe.

We would therefore ask everyone to please:

- Keep hedges trimmed and, where possible, to a manageable size. This reduces the amount of combustible material available should a fire occur.
- Clear dry straw from gutters around your property. If everyone does this, it will make a significant difference across the village.
- Avoid smoking or using naked flames wherever possible, particularly in communal or open areas.
- Please do not use barbecues in communal spaces. If you do choose to use a barbecue or naked flame in your own garden, please be extremely vigilant and consider the risks carefully.
- Never discard cigarette ends in public bins, grassed areas or communal spaces.
- Please avoid parking vehicles on grass verges (As has been highlighted on Facebook recently, a hot vehicle exhaust can potentially ignite very dry grass).
- Community Fields: EPC has already instructed a contractor to cut the fields. Unfortunately, we have been advised that this work cannot be carried out safely until we have had some rain — somewhat ironic, given the current situation!

What if a fire does occur?

In the event of a fire, our Community Emergency Action Plan (approved by our Councillors earlier this year, but unfortunately still awaiting official approval from Wychavon!) might need to be deployed.

A copy of the draft plan can be found on the Eckington PC Website using the following link:

https://eckington-worcs-pc.gov.uk/draft-community-emergency-plan

We would ask everyone to remain vigilant and take sensible precautions, particularly while conditions remain so dry.

Thank you for your cooperation and for doing your part to help keep Eckington safe.

Eckington Parish Council (EPC)

Draft Community / Emergency Plan 17th August 2026 Draft Community / Emergency Plan Categories News Agenda Meeting 14th July 2026

13/08/2026

Eckington Community Fields

Like everywhere else currently the Community Fields are extremely dry and therefore very susceptible to fire.

We would therefore ask that anyone using the Field please refrain from Smoking or having any impromptu BBQs.

It’s not just the field that would be at risk of being destroyed, there are lots of properties adjacent to the site, including a number with Thatched roofs, so your cooperation will be very much appreciated.

Many thanks.

EPC

27/07/2026

Eckington Neighbourhood Plan survey

Just a quick reminder to those of you who have not yet completed the Eckington neighbourhood plan survey, that you only have until this Friday (31st July) to submit it.

In case you’re wondering why it’s important that you complete the form, it is worth remembering the following.

- If the village doesn’t have a neighbourhood plan, there is likely to be less control over new developments in the village.

- The government has recently removed Wychavon’s ability to decide on whether new planning applications of over 10 units should be approved or not… These applications now go straight to a national planning inspector to determine whether they are approved or not, and of course that person is unlikely to have any affiliation with, or understanding of, our local area.

- Too much new development will put additional pressure on the infrastructure of our village, which in many cases is already under pressure (Severn Trent - Sewerage and flooding; National Grid - Power cuts, etc).

Of course there will be some new development in the village, so the survey also give you opportunity to make suggestions about new community facilities that you would like to see provided alongside any new developments for all villagers to use.

As a reminder, without the current neighbourhood plan, you wouldn’t have access to the community fields and all the facilities in there that can be enjoyed…that area would probably have been used instead for new housing too!); and Eckington School would not have had a new Playing Field.

So come on, please complete the survey, tell us what you’d like to see, or what you wouldn’t like to see, so we can represent the views of as many villagers as possible, in the new Neighbourhood Plan.

And as a bonus for completing the survey, you get entered into a free prize draw (don’t forget to quote your unique reference number) for a ‘meal for two’ at one of our local pubs.

Thanks.
Eckington Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

20/07/2026

ECKINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
CONSULTATION SURVEY

Quick update:

So far we’ve had 177 responses (29%) which is fabulous thank you.

But that still leaves the opportunity for plenty of you to submit your thoughts on the future of the village.

You’ve got until the 31st of July to get your return in to us… it doesn’t take long if you do it online, you just need your unique personal reference number (it was on the Flyer posted through your door a couple of weeks ago), which will get you into a free prize drawer for a meal for two at one of the pubs in the village.

Alternatively you can complete a hard copy and drop it in to the shop, or 7 Hacketts Lane, if you prefer.

It’s important for us to get as many of your views and ideas as possible, to help us improve the village for everyone.

If you don’t know your reference number, just reply to this message, or DM us, and we can let you have the number again.

Thanks.
EPC Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

05/07/2026

Eckington Neighbourhood Plan Survey

Hopefully, by now you've all received your survey information through your door.

We've already had 102 responses, which is a fantastic start—thank you to everyone who has taken the time to complete the survey! 😊👏

A few people have asked on Facebook for a reminder of their unique reference number, which you'll need to be entered into the prize draw 🎁.

If you've already requested your reference number, it should have been sent to you.
If you're still having trouble, simply send us a message on Facebook and we'll be happy to help.

If you're finding it difficult to complete the survey online, or if you'd prefer a paper copy, members of the Steering Group will be holding a drop-in help session this Saturday, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Village Hall.

Please see the attached poster for more details.

There's no need to book—just come along if you need any assistance. 😊

We're keen to hear from as many villagers as possible, so please take this opportunity to have your say on the future of your village.

As a reminder, the survey closes on Friday, 31 July 2026.

Thank you for your support.

Eckington Parish Council

27/06/2026

Eckington Neighbourhood Plan Community & Housing Needs Survey

Complete the survey and enter our FREE prize draw!

This weekend, members of the Eckington Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group will be delivering a newsletter to every household.

The newsletter explains how you can take part in our Community & Housing Needs Survey, which will help shape the revised Eckington Neighbourhood Plan.

How to take part

Your newsletter contains:
* A QR code and web link to complete the survey online.
* A unique reference number. Please enter this when completing the survey to be automatically entered into our FREE prize draw.

Win a meal for two!
Two lucky winners will each receive a meal for two:
* One prize at The Bell
* One prize at The Anchor

Why your response matters

We need as many households as possible to complete the survey. A high response rate will help ensure the revised Neighbourhood Plan reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

If anyone in your household is looking for a home now, or is likely to need housing within the next 5–10 years, please make sure you complete the housing needs section. This information is vital in helping us understand future housing demand in Eckington.

The survey also asks for your views on community facilities and what improvements or developments you would like to see in the village.

Although only one survey can be submitted per household, we encourage you to discuss the questions together so that the views of everyone in your home, across all age groups, are included.

Thank you for taking the time to support this important project.

Eckington Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

23/06/2026

Road closure notification from WCC

Please see attached.

03/06/2026

Found in the community field yesterday… the Lengthsman discovered it😊… it’s in the cycle shelter at the Spitfire end of the site.

02/06/2026

Two Road Closure Notices from WCC

Please be aware that both of these ‘short’ closures may potentially impact the current road diversions in place for Contractors to access the Jarvis Street development.

EPC

20/05/2026

Road Closure Notice - Hollands Road 29/05/2026