Michaelchurch Escley, Newton, St. Margaret’s, Turnastone & Vowchurch.
Our parishes lie in the Golden Valley and in the foothills of the Black Mountains in Herefordshire. The Escley Brook and the River Dore run through our parishes to the west and east respectively.
The land to the west rises in a series of ridges and valleys towards the Black Mountains, whilst in the east the land is flatter before rising again on the east side of the Golden Valley. The whole is characterised by great natural beauty.
The population of the parishes is approximately 600 within an area that measures very roughly 5 miles east to west and 4 miles north to south.
The city of Hereford lies about 10 miles due east, whilst the Welsh border town of Hay-on-Wye lies a similar distance to the north-west.
Our parishes are served by the Vowchurch & District Group Parish Council.
Chairs Report 2025-2026
After last year commenting on a full number of Councillors, this year two councillors stepped back as new circumstances limited the time they could give to the Parish Council. We are very grateful to both John Andrews and Graeme Deas for their contribution and support in the past. Indeed when Graeme first came to a council meeting it was to offer his services as a volunteer footpath officer, but by the end of the meeting he had been encouraged to stand as a councillor as well. We are very grateful that he continues in his role as volunteer Public Footpath Officer for Turnastone and Vowchurch where he has a good working knowledge of the footpaths and bridleways.
It was heartening that several people showed interest in stepping forward to join the Council when these vacancies came up and we were pleased to co-opt Tania Smith for St Margarets and Kelly Price for Vowchurch. They both bring enthusiasm and different skills to the council which is now once again complete. Matthew Engel remains as Ward Councillor, and keeps us updated on Herefordshire Council matters.
Last year I reported on the issue of the speed limit through Vowchurch and Turnastone which could not be implemented as after analysis of traffic speeds we did not reach the criterion. However some road calming measures which were suggested have yet to be agreed, and with a new Highways contractor this is something we shall be reviewing with them.
On the matter of potholes, which plagued all of our 53kms of road through the parishes I am pleased that these have now been attended to. With the apparent change to periods of intense rainfall in the winter the issue of ditches, drains and culvert clearance is important. Our regular lengthsman contracted activities continue but we need to apply for the drainage grant (match funded) to address the most pressing issues. Although much of the ground in the parishes is high there were flash floods at Gilfach and Turnastone. With regular costs rising, a sub-group of Councillors worked diligently to review all aspects of our Lengthsman Contract, and to then interview interested parties for the coming year. We were pleased to appoint Jamie Probert to continue this vital role while Matt Cobb continues to address the installation of structures on footpaths. In addition to applying for the Drainage Grant we were successful in applying for the Public Rights of Way grant which enabled us to replace some stiles with gates to improve accessibility, and to replace some stiles. The original scheme for landowners to apply for replacement stiles and insert them still applies.
We were also successful in being awarded a grant from Herefordshire Community Foundation to allow the refurbishment of our telephone box at Newton Crossroads adjacent to the new noticeboard. Councillor Kernahan is taking a lead on this to repaint the box and fit it out as a ‘Book Box’, book swap
There was no change in our instructions for verge cutting, it remained as last year.
There has been further clarity from Herefordshire County Council on the refreshing of NDPs and we will be forming a subgroup to review our current NDP. Neighbouring parishes have already embarked on this process and I hope we may be able to learn from them.
I pay full tribute to our Clerk, Linda Cowles who has continued to give guidance, professional care of all aspects of running our Parish Council, and whose knowledge of the processes by which we must abide is invaluable. Our membership of the Herefordshire Association of Local Councils is also a good source of training opportunities for Councillors and additional advice when requested.
Vowchurch & District Group Parish Council – June Newsletter
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council took place on Thursday 7th May 2026. Elizabeth May was re-elected as Chair for the coming year.
The Parish Council has recently made donations to Dore Community Transport to help maintain this vital service for rural communities, along with a donation to Michaelchurch Escley Primary School towards the purchase of additional iPads for classroom use.
Jamie Probert has been offered a two-year contract for the Lengthsman vacancy. He will be working within the parishes for one day per month during the summer months and two days per month during the winter.
The next ordinary Parish Council meeting will take place on Thursday 18th June at 7.30pm at Escley Sports Pavilion, Michaelchurch Escley.
All residents are welcome. Time is always set aside on the agenda for open discussion, giving residents the opportunity to raise any concerns or ideas with the Council.
Stay Connected
Did you know we have a Facebook page? Stay updated with Parish Council news, local events, and important notices.
🔎 Search: Vowchurch group parish council
Please like, follow, and help spread the word.
Contact Us
Linda Cowles – Parish Clerk
📞 Tel: 01544 321906
📧 Email: clerk@vowchurchgroup-pc.gov.uk
🌐 Website: www.vowchurchgpc.org.uk
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The PROW Lengthsman has been out and about in the area making improvements to our Public Rights of Way
B4348 & C1206 Speed limit – Latest update – February 2026
The Parish Council continues to seek further clarification regarding the timescale for improvements to road markings and signage through Vowchurch village and Turnastone. Herefordshire Council has recently advised that Balfour Beatty will be unable to complete the works before the end of their current contract period. Since then, alternative routes for commissioning the works have been explored. Unfortunately, it now appears that the scheme is unlikely to progress through the framework until at least May 2026. The Parish Council has been assured that every effort will be made to deliver the scheme at the earliest opportunity.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
After a thorough review in accordance with the Department for Transport (DfT) Circular 01/13 on setting local speed limits, the decision has been made not to reduce the speed limit from the national speed limit along the B4348 from Potson Mill to the C1222 junction. This decision is based on several key considerations:
Road Environment and Geometry: The overall environment along the B4348 is characterised by relatively sparse development, with isolated hazards such as junctions appropriately managed through signage and road markings in line with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). The road’s geometry and surrounding environment do not meet the criteria for a 40 mph limit, as indicated by DfT Circular 01/13, which requires speed limits to reflect the character of the road and surrounding conditions. It’s a common and understandable thought that lowering a speed limit can only be a move for the better but speed limits that are set at inappropriate levels and / or over inappropriate lengths do have drawbacks such as increased incidents of overtaking, tailgating etc.
Collision History: When conducting a speed limit review, one of the primary criteria is the evaluation of recorded collision history for the section of highway under consideration. This analysis is crucial as collision data often reveals the locations and causes of accidents, enabling the determination of whether these incidents can be mitigated through the implementation of speed limits and/or engineering interventions. This review is limited to the use of evidence from the Herefordshire Council accident database to ensure consistency in assessments conducted across the County. A review of the collision history for this stretch of road shows three recorded collisions in the past five years which resulted in personal injury. While I understand the concern, the causative factors behind these accidents are not attributed to excessive vehicle speeds. Furthermore, these incidents are unlikely to have been prevented by the implementation of a lower speed limit suggesting that the existing national speed limit does not present a significant safety concern requiring intervention. This data indicates that the current speed limit and associated traffic management measures are sufficient for maintaining road safety.
Consideration of a 50 mph Limit: A 50 mph limit was also evaluated for this section of the B4348; however, the recorded 85th percentile speeds range from approximately 45 to 48 mph, indicating that drivers are already traveling at speeds they deem safe within the national speed limit. Introducing a 50 mph limit could inadvertently suggest it is safe to travel faster than what motorists currently assessing without a speed restriction, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. As a result, a 50 mph limit has been ruled out to avoid negatively impacting the current safety record. Speed limits tend not to influence the behaviour of those that wilfully drive at inappropriate speeds, often the effects of putting a speed limit in place can be disappointing insofar as the actions of the irresponsible motorists are often still evident.
Assessment of C1206 for a 30 mph Limit: The C1206 was also considered for a reduction to a 30 mph limit. While this location meets the criteria for a ‘village environment’ as defined by DfT Circular 01/13 on two stretches throughout the extent, and existing speed data suggests good compliance with a 30 mph limit due to the road’s geometry and environment, the collision history does not indicate a need for intervention. The recorded speed data from July 2024 further suggests that implementing a 30 mph restriction would not significantly alter motorist behaviour. Given the limited budgets and resources available, Herefordshire Council must prioritise interventions where significant safety improvements can be achieved. The evidence does not support a change to the speed limits along these roads, as there is no indication of a substantial safety benefit.
Future Engineering Measures: While a speed limit is not currently supported for the C1206 through Turnastone, several engineering measures can be implemented to address concerns regarding specific features, such as the bridge and blind bends. These measures would enhance the safety of these particular hazards and are likely to offer greater benefits than the introduction of a blanket speed limit. Indeed, this approach aligns with the Department for Transport’s recommendations for managing isolated hazards.
The following engineering measures are provisionally proposed:
- ‘SLOW’ markings at existing warning sign locations
- Edge of carriageway markings through the two blind bends
- Vegetation removal on the visibility fence adjacent to the bridge (see attached image)
A review of possible engineering solutions will be conducted in the near future, with design drawings to be submitted to the Parish Council for approval. The implementation of these measures will provide a quicker and more effective solution to influencing driver behaviour than the introduction of a speed limit.
In conclusion, the decision to maintain the national speed limit along the B4348 from Potson Mill to the C1222 junction and not reduce the speed limit on the C1206 is supported by the road environment, collision history, and speed data. Maintaining the existing speed limits aligns with DfT Circular 01/13 and ensures that resources are focused on locations where they can provide the most significant safety improvements.
Our Parishes
Michaelchurch Escley, Newton, St. Margaret’s, Turnastone & Vowchurch.
