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Fontmell/Bridle Close access update

While the unresolved problem of the sinkhole, or crown hole, has been less prominent in the news of late, activity has been focused on access for residents of Fontmell Close and Bridle close. It is still a very muddy, but at least residents have been connected to essential utilities. A shuttle service truck is shown alongside.

Access on foot has been improved by the extending the footpath from the children’s play area to the end of Bridle Close, but rain has made vehicular access a real problem.

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Fly-tipping on the Heath

Having recently cleared much of the litter from the Heath, we now have two cases of illegal fly-tipping. This irresponsible practice is not only dangerous and unsightly, but has cost the Council £35,000 in the year 2014 – 2015. You can report cases of fly tipping to the council using the hotline on 01727 819598 or email: a.cleanerdistrict@stalbans.gov.uk

Update 14 March 2016

Another example in Spinney Lane – it was very promptly cleared by Council contractor.  These finds are searched for evidence of source, but nothing was found in this case.

Photos: PC

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Beech Bottom Dyke – Greenspace Action Plan Update

Beech Bottom Dyke is a large ditch up to 33 feet deep running for almost a mile at the northern edge of St Albans. It is of considerable archaeological importance, contains a valuable area of ancient woodland flora, and is an area of green infrastructure which deserves improved public access.

To conserve and improve this area, the Beech Bottom Dyke Greenspace Action Plan (GAP) was produced by The Countryside Management Service (CMS) in collaboration with FoBH in 2013 and you can read it here (pdf).

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FoBH Action Day, Autumn 2015

Our Action Day was positively balmy with warm autumn sun, and it probably helped to bring out a record number of volunteers.  When you hear of the comment ‘couldn’t find any litter’, who could hope for more.

Litter picking was was not the only activity – strimming, cutting back and other general maintenance was also achieved.

Just a few of those who took part with bags..
…and more

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Underage drinking in Bernards Heath

FoBH is collaborating with St Albans District Council (SADC) on a project to reduce underage drinking in Bernards Heath and the associated extreme litter problems that have resulted. The Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) is an organisation, funded by the major retailers, which brings together all the interested parties including SADC, Police, local retailers,

Trading Standards and the Community  to address the problem in a co-ordinated way. They claim to have had very positive results in other parts of the UK and the Bernards Heath CAP  will be a pilot for the whole of St Albans.

Find out more from this CAP presentation document (pdf).

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Ariston Site and Lower Field Update

These gateposts are one of the few reminders of the Ariston tallow works on the Heath, a site that has been under consideration for residential development for some time.

In January 2013 Hertfordshire County Council, HCC, announced its decision to sell the former Ariston site, including the Lower Field of Bernards Heath. HCC subsequently decided to offer the site for sale with planning permission in place for residential development and the relocation of existing community uses. Following discussions between HCC and St Albans District Council, SADC, a public exhibition of the planning proposals was held in December 2013 and January 2014. 

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Autumn Colours

October 20th was one of those few bright sunny days when the trees were their best. This photo shows the the riot of colour that can be seen if you’re lucky.

There are many more autumnal photos of the Heath in our gallery

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Fontmell Close collapse

The dramatic impact of a collapse 66 feet across on the residents of Fontmell and Bridle Close is beginning to emerge. Many have suffered loss of essential services and arrangements for emergency services have been made. 

While it has been known for some time that this area of what was Bernards Heath was prone to collapse, the size of hole is unprecedented. An overlay of the 1898 OS map in this area places old clay pits very close to Fontmell Close, see below, and could well be a contributary cause.

1898 OS map showing old clay pits
Overlay of semi transparent 1898 map onto above map. The site is arrowed in red.

Hertfordshire County Council is arranging for some non-intrusive ground investigation works in the area, commencing this weekend (3rd October): they will be on site for about a week. The company concerned is Geotechnology limited, and will be taking access to the site from Heathlands Drive.  We await the findings with interest.