Wapley footbridge update

A quick progress report on Network Rail's work to raise the footbridge in connection with the electrification of the Great Western main line.

On the Wapley side of the bridge they have now laid stone along the green lane to the point where the temporary footbridge will be positioned. On the Shire Way side contractors Murphys have been removing excess soil prior to constructing the temporary bridge. If the track to or from the "ash track" is blocked for lorry movements, they will let you through if you ask - the track isn't closed.

The temporary bridge will go up in the fairly near future, and they will then start work on the accesses to the new bridge. Subject to the weather it is planned to crane the old bridge out and crane the new bridge in over a VERY long day on Boxing Day.

Triple celebration at Wapley Work Morning

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group have celebrated three major successes this year. We've retained the Green Flag Community Award - awarded for high quality public open space - and gained two awards in South West in Bloom, forming part of Yate and Dodington in Bloom's Gold Pennant winning entry.

Presenting the awards to the Group at the 15 November work morning, Dodington Parish Council Chairman Cllr Christine Howard said "This is all down to the volunteers. Without their enthusiasm none of this would have been possible"

Conservation Group volunteer and parish councillor Paul Hulbert said "We were particularly pleased that our very new project on Wapley Common, the Orchard for the Future, gained the highest possible Neighbourhood In Bloom Award"

"We've already started preparing for next year - since the judges visited, Dodington Parish Council and the Conservation Group have relaid the main path round Wapley Woods so that local people will be able to use it despite wet weather over the winter"

But it wasn't all celebrations - after the presentation we got stuck in and cleared back vegetation on both sides of the pathway from the kissing gate to the Western Wood, plus a "deep clean" of the litter on the Reserve.