BARTESTREE WITH LUGWARDINE GROUP PARISH COUNCIL
Lugwardine and Bartestree Parishes are especially blessed by their beautiful rural situation, which is a legacy from previous generations and in spite of its close proximity to the city of Hereford. This proximity enhances the appeal of the parish but is also a threat - that of intruding upon the parish by expanding the urban fringe. The Lugwardine and Bartestree Parishioners' have a clear desire to maintain the distinction between City and countryside, which has been fortuitously supported by the recent Urban Fringe Consultation document (CA207 Jan 2005). The draft Parish Plan seeks to enshrine this protection in future county planning documents.
Additionally there are concerns about the impact of ever increasing traffic upon a road system that was adequate for horse drawn vehicles and has evolved little since. The criteria used by the Highways Authority to prioritise spending take insufficient account of quality of life. The parish plan initiative has exposed this dilemma and government policy must resolve this, with pressure from Herefordshire Council. More can be done locally and more immediately by upgrading public transport and integrating links. Concerns about tidiness in the parish and especially of the roads and adjacent areas, pavements, footpaths, etc. will be addressed in the plan.
Housing needs were fully explored and are not evident as a major concern. However the threat of creeping development was registered strongly.
Leisure needs will eventually be better met by the development of the Bartestree Village Hall leisure area and there is also scope for meeting the needs of the under 18s with this facility. This latter group perceive themselves to be the least well served in the community. The skewed age profile of the parish, towards the elderly, may be responsible for this.
There is considerable potential to revive the footpath and bridleways network and even enhance the latter to encourage tourism. The Open Access status of the North and South Lugg Meadows could also be developed. Conservation issues are integrated throughout the plan.
Finally, there is a sense of community in the parish and a desire to strengthen this further, by drawing together the further flung residents. Lugwardine and Bartestree Parishes Council use this as a fundamental objective behind all their actions and activities and so foster this unifying community spirit.