Hi folks, I’m Martin, and I have the honour of the chair of your Residents’ Association (FHVRA). Our aim is to make the village a friendly, lovely, affordable, and safe place to live in.
We have a Direct Liaison Team (the cornflakes) to work with key organisations such as the Council (Scott handles this), Meadfleet (John), Police (me), and Local Ward (Vicky).
Additionally, committee members include Jennie, Sean, Justyna, and Gill. We are all unpaid volunteers. We meet up at the pub on the first Tuesday of the month, at 7 pm. You’re welcome to pop along, and mine’s a pint of Warrior!
Well, summer is kind of here, so it’s time for an update on what’s happening in and around the village and also to look back over spring. This is my update, my view of what we’ve done so far this year and what’s still to come.
Easter
A huge thanks to Vicky, Jennie, Sean and the Association Events team for putting on a superb Easter Hunt event. Over 100 children chased around the park on a hot day, and I’m sure all came away happy.
MeadFleet
For those under Meadfleet covenant, the second phase was handed over from David Wilson/Barratts to Meadfleet at the start of May. This covers more of the common areas so expect to see Meadfleet contractors in the village more frequently.
On that point, they have finally appointed a local landscape company, Elite Gardening, who are based over in Ovenden. Do say hello to Steve if you see him around the village. He’s a friendly chap.
The downside of more work is more cost, and we’re expecting to see a £25 increase in the annual bill. But, the Association now works directly with the Meadfleet Regional manager to ensure we get the best value possible and recent bills have been at an all-time low.
Further, we have opened a village-wide snagging list, do visit fhvra.org/issues and add anything that you think we can help with.
Speeding & Parking
You cannot fail to have noticed the speed humps installed recently, by pushing hard through our council contacts (Ed: thanks James) we’ve seen a marked reduction of speed in the village. We are aware of Maltings Road still suffering from inappropriate speed, and the police have been in the village recently checking speed. I’m told that they will be back again soon.
Inconsiderate parking has raised its head (yet) again so I thought I’d give it a mention again, especially as council enforcement is on the horizon. Here are the basics: don’t block pavements (leave at least 1 metre), and don’t park on, near or opposite junctions. It’s pretty simple and avoids the risk of a ticket.
The Bat House
Despite being recently torched, it’s still standing – but will need either preventative maintenance or it’s removal. Either option will cost, and the total estimates range from £5-10,000. That’s a charge of up to £35 per household.
The Association favours its removal, and we’ve secured the backing of our local councillor and also Meadfleet. We have a process to step through, and Sean Kelly is heading up this long-term project. We expect to see more progress come the Autumn, and we value your views and feedback.
And, no, we can’t just knock it down ourselves and leave the rubble there – it needs safely and adequately demolishing and the waste removing from the site. It requires a full bat survey, and it needs council involvement to change planning permission. We’ve been working on this for 18 months.
Village Summer Festival
The aptly named “The Fountainhead Village Pothead Festival” runs from July 20th to August 17th. The idea is to design/build/paint plant pots outside your house. It will brighten the village up, and we’ll hold a little closing party on Saturday of August at The Long Can Hall, bring the family along, walk around the village and finish up at the pub – there will be burgers, hotdogs, plus a small selection of craft ales, lagers, vino plus the usual soft drinks. From 2 pm to 6 pm in the garden.
Want some inspiration? Try a few of these links.
LINKS to be added and the above paragraph checking ^^^
More building?
Yup, after completion of a 6-year land survey behind Fountainhead Road, Barratts have told us they will build the remaining 6/10 houses originally planned for Golding Hop. We have no dates yet, besides they will need to flatten and clear the large mound that sits on the site now.
Finally, Christmas
I know summer hasn’t really started, but we’re exploring the possibility of sorting a Christmas tree to act as the village focus over the festive period. This will most likely be on the green area in the centre of the village as it is almost a purpose-built site. We’ll need to relocate the current signpost, too.
We’re looking for some financial help from the villagers as it’s not a cheap undertaking – can you spare a tenner to help out? Scott is the man driving this project, and with plans pretty advanced already and committed sponsors willing to help with costs.
Talk to us
You can email me anytime on martin@dower.co.uk or contact the committee on FHVRAmail@gmail.com. We need and value your input, ideas, suggestions and even the occasional whine.
Martin Dower, for and on behalf of FHVRA

