Latest news with #ErnieClark
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Much-loved Essex animal sanctuary closes to visitors amid urgent repairs
A POPULAR animal sanctuary in Brentwood has announced that it will be closing to visitors after decades of welcoming the public. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary and Visitor Centre has made the decision to close after staff found repairs and maintenance works that need attention to ensure the health and safety of visitors. The much-loved animal sanctuary is home to more than 100 species of animals and plans to reopen to visitors once the maintenance issues are resolved. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. In a statement, Hopefield Animal Sanctuary said: 'Due to urgent and unavoidable repair and maintenance works that need addressing immediately, we have had to take the regrettable decision to close the sanctuary to visitors until further notice. 'We apologise for any upset or disappointment this may cause, but health and safety are our priority for visitors and residents alike. 'As soon as we are able to do so we will, of course, welcome you all back.' Hopefield Animal Sanctuary was founded 30 years ago by Paula and Ernie Clark. Read more Passengers frustrated after Southend flights re-scheduled to different airports Autistic teen left in boiling Southend school minibus for hours outside driver's home Calls for safety measures on 70mph blackspot in south Essex after 15 crashes The sanctuary provides space for rescued farm animals and pets that have found themselves without a home as well as some wild animals. Due to the maintenance issues, the sanctuary has also confirmed the cancellation of the upcoming Hopefield Hoedown. 'This decision has not been taken lightly, and we're devastated to have to do this but we also have to cancel our upcoming Hopefield Hoedown. A full refund will be given to those who have booked,' the statement read.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Councillor urges parking change on a ‘tricky' stretch of road
A Wiltshire councillor has spoken about a 'tricky' stretch of a road in Hilperton Marsh as the council is set to decide on change. A stretch of Marsh Road in Hilperton, near the Nursery garden centre, has come under scrutiny, with residents, councillors, and a local business requesting the council paint double yellow lines along the stretch of road near the garden centre. Cllr Ernie Clark explained that while he was not aware of any incidents along the stretch of road, the lack of visibility was 'tricky', and made navigation of the area awkward for drivers. READ MORE: Cllr Clark said: 'What the parish council and I put in for was some double yellow lines 20m either side of the garden centre. 'Wiltshire Council consulted on the traffic regulation order (TRO), and we're waiting now for the outcome, and what decision the council come to.' Cllr Clark added: 'The residents don't like the situation as it is. I would hope that nobody has objected strongly enough that the council won't go ahead with a straightforward decision.' Matthew Webb, who owns the Nursery, on Marsh Road, said that the garden centre was also backing the change, 'so people park in the right places, and there's more responsible parking. If people park responsibly in the road, it'll all run smoothly.' However, while he backs change, Cllr Clark was also keen to highlight that a high volume of parked cars is not an unmitigated negative for certain areas. He said: 'Parking is an issue throughout Hilperton. Whilst it is an inconvenience, the spin off from parked vehicles is that they act as a natural calming. The flipside is that parked vehicle is a very effective form of traffic calming. 'Though it's inconvenient, they do serve some kind of purpose in stopping people driving silly speeds.' SEE ALSO: Wiltshire Council has said the consultation finished at the end of February, and will now be presented ahead of a decision. Parvis Khansari, Wiltshire Council corporate director, Place, said: 'We have recently advertised parking restriction proposals for Marsh Road in Hilperton, following a request made to the Trowbridge Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group. 'The proposal was for double yellow lines on both sides of the road to protect both the access to the Nursery Garden Centre and other private accesses along Marsh Road. 'The consultation closed on February 24 and as a number of objections were received a report will now be presented to the Cabinet Member for Highways for a decision.'
