The Lengthsman

The modern “Lengthsman” scheme is the re-incarnation of an old concept – a locally employed person to carry out highway maintenance tasks identified by the local community as important. It enables an enhanced local service with local priorities.

The Lengthsman is employed by the Parish Council but funded by Worcestershire County Council. That means that there are certain limits to tasks he can do.

Drainage: Clear gully grates; dig out blocked gullies; clear verge grips; clear head-walls, outfalls; rod blocked drains if practical; advise landowners and frontagers when their ditches need cleaning.

Vegetation Clearance: 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; side out foot-ways to normal width and spread arisings on verge where possible; negotiate with frontagers for them to cut back overhanging vegetation.

Miscellaneous: Rotation and charging of mobile Vehicular Activated Signs (VAS) following site specific approval and authorisation; clean dirty signs and/or re tighten brackets, re-position signs which have been knocked out of place where no excavation is required (except illuminated signs); snow clearance and gritting / salting by hand; removal of illegal fly posting; maintenance and repainting of highways approved visibility fencing.

If you spot any work that fits within the Lengthsman Scheme Work Schedule please report it to the Parish Clerk and we will investigate and where appropriate instruct the Lengthsman.