More of Morgan's musings – on manholes and footpaths

Peter Morgan became a Parish Councillor earlier this year and was also co-opted on to the Council's Editorial Committee. Peter is reflecting via Audlem Online about his new duties. Just as Charles Dickens' work was published in episodes to allow the reader's tension and expectation to increase, so we have broken down his thoughts into bite sized pieces – the first morsel appeared yesterday. Peter's writing experience comes from many years with the NFU and helping clients to fill in NFU Mutual claim forms! So, without more ado – Episode Two of 'Morgan's Miscellany':

"Life on the Parish Council has its moments. Last week proved such when I had arranged to meet the County Footpaths Officer on the Green to try and get some improvements to the Vale path, particularly in regard to its safety. Having notified the Parish Clerk and requesting she email all Council members, I find I'm the only one here. (It later transpires that the Clerk was away and therefore nobody was informed – sorry folks).

Anyway, the Footpaths Officer and I walk the path and look at the problem areas. On returning to the Green, we are having a discussion about possible solutions when who should hove into view but a retired ice-cream maker of considerable repute and a penchant for mathematical equations. He drops anchor within hailing distance. "That footpath is dangerous without a safety rail by that steep drop. It needs something doing" says the new arrival, feeding biscuits to the two dogs ambling placidly by his feet.

"That's what we are discussing", we reply.

"Well, two of those stiles need removing" is the immediate retort.

"Yes, we have covered that issue too, but it can only be done with the landowner's consent", we respond.

"And then there's barbed wire on the other side of the path. That shouldn't be allowed".

"Well, unfortunately we can't do anything about that because it's on the landowner's side of the posts".

A brief pause and then: "Well, while you're here, that manhole cover up the road keeps smelling".

The footpaths man takes his leave. Two ladies are in earnest conversation nearby. They hoover the scene and miss nothing...The footpaths man is going to get back to me once he has obtained further advice on the safety issue.

To be continued

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