New posts to restore verges

A PROJECT to restore the verges on the Hardwick Road in Whitchurch started on Monday.

The first phase to surface two passing places at the entrance to the village was completed in February 2015.

Ten years on, the verges along the whole length are being restored and protected from the gradual erosion caused by vehicles, which has increased, resulting in the loss of abundant wildflowers and different grasses.

Butler and Proctor, the contractor based in Checkendon, will install wooden posts in pairs, which will delineate each of the permitted passing places, following guidelines from Oxfordshire County Council’s highways department.

The posts will be fitted with reflectors so they are clearly visible in the dark. Soil will be banked up on the worn verges beyond the posts and re-seeded next spring with locally sourced wildflower and grass seed.

The project is part of the village plan and is supported by Whitchurch Parish Council and the Whitchurch-on-Thames Habitat Study group. It received a grant of £15,000 from Mend the Gap, which was awarded last year.

The work is expected to finish on Monday.