What’s Going On April 23

24th April 2023 | Community

Grade II listed cob wall to be demolished

The Heritage England, Grade II listed cob wall at 70 High Street, Kibworth is likely to be demolished to be replaced by a brick wall of the same height following an application to HDC.

To compensate for the loss of this landmark asset the brick wall is to be constructed using narrow reclaimed (2.5 inches deep rather than the normal 4 inch thick) bricks and will be of the Flemish bond  pattern as can be seen at 68 High Street.

Can this be repaired?

The application to demolish the wall includes an assessment that it cannot be repaired. One wonders if HDC’s planning department accept this conclusion at face value or are they able to seek a second opinion as to whether or not it can be repaired. It was refaced as recently as October 2016.

Disappearing Kibworth 2

The brick footbridge on footpath B1 (i.e.by the Grammar School) Headmasters House) is to be demolished and rebuilt by Network Rail as part of the electrification of the Midland Main Line.

This work will take up to six months to complete and will necessitate pedestrians to use either Station Street, Church Hill or the ‘Tin Bridge’ to cross the railway line in the centre of the village. Pushchair and disability vehicle users should be aware of this.

Can we have a temporary bridge?

Perhaps Network Rail can provide a temporary footbridge while this reconstruction takes place.

The bridge was originally built in approximately 1856 when the railway first came to Kibworth as part of the Leicester to Hitchin line being constructed by Great Northern Railway at that time.

After hours street lights!

It is noted that pathway B1 (over the brick bridge to Hillcrest Avenue and onto the A6 is very well illuminated after midnight when other footpaths are not. After hours street lighting along the route from footpath B1 towards Longbreach Road would now be very desirable.

Covid 19 Memorial

On a recent visit to Great Glen Cementry it was noted that there is now a memorial placed near the entrance to remember and recognise those lives and efforts of all affected by the Covid 19 Pandemic.