Utilities
Gas, water, electricity, telephone and sewage pipes criss-cross the estate and generally cause no problems. However, you may need to access these services at some point. Please note that the HRA keeps a plan of the estate showing the drainage network.
Important: If you have need to access services that are buried under the communal road or verges, you must notify the HRA. You will be liable for any resultant reparation to the road and verge surfaces.
4.2 Access to the common
Access to the common
There are three exit points to the common in addition to the cattle grid approach:
- Via the waste ground at the bottom of The Hithe and the Private Road gate
- Via the footpath running alongside the electricity substation
- Via the footpath that runs between Angelzarke and Summer House
4.3 Bonfires
Bonfires
The majority of residents on The Hithe favour discouraging the use of bonfires.
Garden bonfires have been a traditional way of disposing of garden rubbish but they often cause a nuisance to neighbours from smoke, smell or dirt. They also contribute to air pollution. As a means of disposal, bonfires are becoming less and less acceptable.
The problems
- Bonfires can be very annoying to neighbours — usually from smoke or smell. This can stop them from enjoying their garden, prevent them from opening their windows, or hanging out washing. This is especially a problem if your neighbour or their children are asthmatic or have a chest condition.
- Bonfires cause air pollution. They can produce irritating and even poisonous compounds that contribute to poor air quality, which everyone nearby then has to breathe in.
- Bonfire smoke can also cause a hazard to road users by reducing visibility.
- Bonfires can cause a fire hazard if they are close to trees or fences, and especially if left unattended.
Legal position
There are no specific laws that prohibit garden bonfires, nor any which restrict them to certain hours of the day, days of the week or number per year.
The Hithe Residents' Association respectfully requests that you use common sense.
4.4 Rubbish & recycling
Rubbish & recycling
Rubbish is collected every Thursday (recyclable waste every other Thursday). Since the binmen tend to come early, it is advisable to put your rubbish out the night before.
Beware of foxes, dogs and cats — it is a good idea to place plastic bin bags in a dustbin or wheelie bin. Please retrieve your bins at the earliest opportunity.
The Council also operates an efficient recycling scheme where glass, paper, tins, cans and plastics are collected every fortnight. There is a very good dump/recycling centre outside Horsley.
Details are available from Stroud District Council recycling team on 01453 754424, or visit www.stroud.gov.uk.
4.5 Local tradesmen
Local tradesmen
Over the years most residents have had good and bad experiences with local tradesmen. If you are new to The Hithe, it's worth chatting to your neighbours before you take pot luck.
4.6 Newspapers
Newspapers
The following newsagent is known to deliver newspapers and magazines to The Hithe:
Baileys News Ltd
Nailsworth · 01453 832655
4.7 Markets, post offices & services
Markets, post offices & local services
Markets
- Stroud — Farmers' market every Saturday
- Nailsworth — Twice a month
- Cirencester — Every Friday and Saturday
Post offices
Minchinhampton, Woodchester, Nailsworth and Stroud.
Doctors and dentists
There is considerable choice in the area — it's probably best to discuss this with neighbours.
Other useful services
Milkman: T Clarke Dairy Ltd, Amberley · 01453 872368
Fish/frozen food: Sue Jones Fine Foods (mobile shop) · 01285 658224 or 07979 470715
Organic vegetable box scheme: Slipstream Organic · 01242 227273
4.8 Walks
Walks
There are many interesting walks in the area and several keen walkers on The Hithe! If you are interested in finding out more, ask a committee member for further details.