The original plan for this project was to remove the existing fencing once the lambs had gone to pastures new in a few weeks time; we could even have coordinated the work to happen whilst Main Street/Wath Lane is temporarily closed to traffic for roadworks. The fence removal work was to be undertaken by Stuart Barton, who owns the field, supported by volunteers from the village. Clearly we can’t currently ask for volunteers to help with this activity at this time and so we will need to put the project on hold, possibly until this time next year.
Due to the field being in regular use for grazing, the only likely clear time before then would be when the sheep are indoors and quite frankly there is an obvious reason for them being under shelter and we wouldn’t like to try and battle the weather.
One positive is that the Allerton Park Landscape & Cultural Heritage Fund, who granted us 75% of the requisite funds, have agreed the local blacksmith (who also made the new Pinfold gate for us) can make the fencing and receive some payment even though it cannot be installed. This will ensure he has an income during these difficult times.
To those of you who made donations towards the balance of the project funding, please be assured that the sum raised has been ring-fenced and is being held in the Parish Council reserves for this project alone.
We will have to wait a while longer to see how the new fence will compliment the beautiful avenue of trees, also given a face lift as part of the project, and look forward to meeting up with some of you to get the job done at some time in the not too distant future.
