Here is what people have been saying:

Hanley Castle Parish, Clerk Ann Canham, 2003

“Our lengthsman has dealt with all the jobs mentioned by residents other than those outside his remit. He has been a good PR man for both the Parish and County Councils."

Martley Parish, Clerk Tom Pearsall, 2003

“Councillors and residents have expressed their thanks for clearing small floods and  footpaths and having clean signs. They say it is nice to see problems sorted out quickly. The scheme has proved popular with residents who want it to continue. The Parish Council considers it to be successful with one benefit being that residents can now talk directly to a Parish Council representative whom they see most days. Recent heavy rains have brought Martley in sharp contrast with adjacent parishes with respect to the amount of flooding; other parishes had considerable problems.”

Chaddesley Corbett Parish, Yvonne Scriven, 2011

"A very successful scheme."

 Ripple Parish, Lorna Gower, 2011

"Thank you very much for organising this scheme, it is a huge asset to the Parish Council."

Grimley Parish, Susan Hughes, 2012

"Grimley Parish are absolutely delighted with the mechanics and administration of the Lengthsman Scheme.  The Lengthsman, appointed on an annual contrast, is a super young man, very personable, capable, interested and polite to one and all.  Following initial contact from the Parish Council, he is happy to liaise with parishioners, respond quickly to local emergencies – flash flooding, drain damage from HGVs etc and be adaptable.

The Council are now fairly flexible with the Scheme providing that the Lengthsman has undertaken relevant training, e.g. Parish Councils are now allowed to mow visibility splays on highway land more frequently, in appropriate circumstances hire and claim costs for a skip for removal of verge and drainage debris and the Lengthsman can move around and record traffic numbers from the Vehicle Activated Signs. These are all additions to the Scheme over recent years.

The administrations works well; provided that the Lengthsman monthly timesheet has been checked and submitted to the Council by the 16th of the month, costs are repaid by bank transfer at the end of that month. Perhaps we are particularly fortunate, here is a win, win, win situation."

Rushock Parish, Pauline Trimble, 2012

"We are aware that our allocation has now been reduced, it does seem reasonable that smaller parishes have somewhat less grant than larger parishes and we certainly expect to be able to do all our work within this new limit.

The Scheme has been extremely successful in Rushock and all the residents appreciate the benefits which the Lengthsman Scheme has brought about. Thank you also for the positive way in which you manage it."

Norton-Juxta- Kempsey Parish, Jane Greenway, 2012

"The Scheme has proved very successful in our Parish and the work completed by our Lengthsman has had a positive impact."

Wythall Parish, Kerie Harris, 2012

"We think the lengthsman scheme is excellent. The relationship works well, we email our lengthsman with issues in the local area that we notice or residents make a complaint to us about and he goes along and carries out the work for us which keeps our residents happy. The way in which we claim reimbursement works efficiently too."

Stoke Bliss, Kyre and Bockleton Parish, Louise Gibbs, 2012

"We signed up to the scheme in July 2010 and since then have received many complimentary comments from parishioners who have noticed the improved appearance of certain areas in our group of three parishes.  It's great to know that we have someone 'on call' to attend to blocked drains and gullies, problems with signage and rights of way etc. The scheme itself is very straightforward to administer and is a great way to devolve responsibility from the Council with the minimum of fuss."