Widecombe Needs Heroes! Are You One?
Parish Councillor Sue Raynor is looking for volunteers to join the elite group of road engineers and supporters in the 'Widecombe Pothole Commando'
Ever wondered what it would be like to drive on a bit of smooth tarmac more than three feet in length? To glide along in a straight line without slaloming around craters or crashing into puddles with hidden depths to them?
As we know, the entire nation has been inflicted with an epidemic of pockmarked roads which local councils have been unable to deal with adequately. Pothole avoidance has become a national sport.
Devon is no exception. Even our parish of Widecombe would field a competent team to send to the Olympics, should they recognise the sport internationally.
The hard truth of the matter is that our pothole problem has become endemic and too much for the council to tackle effectively, all by themselves. So the council is calling for local heroes to assist them in smoothing out our roads once more.
The road warden scheme is run by the county council, and led by parish councils. A Road Warden is appointed and he/she recruits a team of parishioners (ie local heroes) who will mend potholes themselves.
The county council will supply:
two training days for up to three particularly enthusiastic heroes
full public liability insurance
the black stuff to put in the holes
the equipment to put it in with
hi-viz gilets.
What it does not supply is:
remuneration
lycra suits with capes and the letters RW written in large spangly letters across the chests
sandwiches
So far, we know of several parishes that already run this scheme – Modbury and Lustleigh being two of them. We have spoken to one of Lustleigh’s Heroes, who has offered to help and advise on setting up and how the scheme works. We have a nominal Road Warden and a small nucleus of potential helpers (heroes) but we would like more. The more we recruit, the smaller the workload – and the more locally you’ll be filling potholes.
Imagine the satisfaction of annihilating that perennial wheel crusher just down your lane! Sweet revenge can be yours! And the unending gratitude of your friends and neighbours who have at last realised what a jolly magnificent person you are. You might even get a Christmas card from them.
We already have a small group of people who have signed up to do the training, along with supporters who are expert at making builders’ tea etc. If you can help in either role please get in touch …