Parish Council Update on A508 – 5th Sept’26
Parish Council Update on A508
Parish Councillors Tom Paybody and Penny Munro had an online meeting with Stuart Andrew MP
on 3rd September to review progress following on from his attendance at two meetings at the
Loder Hall in the spring.
On our behalf Mr Andrew has asked the leader of WNC, Mark Arnull, to review the county wide
policy of turning o speed enforcement cameras. Mr Andrew is also aware of the recent
planning application submitted on behalf of Maidwell Hall school and the concerns that
residents have about the impact on traic. He has a follow up meeting in approximately two
weeks and will follow up both these issues.
Mr Andrew has also raised our concerns directly with Danielle Stone, the Northamptonshire
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC). Regarding the impact of ongoing A14 closures
and diversions, this is not something the PFCC are able to advise on as there are no HGV
restrictions on the A508 through Maidwell and routes of diversions are not something that the
PFCC can influence.
The PFCC acknowledges a high level of non compliance with the 30mph limit believing that this
is largely due to no amendments having been made to the road to support this limit. The PFCC
noted there are zero recorded injury collisions in the location in the last 5 years.
Our representative on WNC, Cecilie Irving-Swift has followed up with Sam Simons and Helen
Howard from WNC Highways who also attended two meetings in the spring. Cecile has
reported back to the Parish Council that as the A508 is designated as a strategic A road, the
legislation is directive as to what can be done. Unfortunately their conclusion is that under the
current legislation they are unable to identify any scheme possible for the A508 through
Maidwell.
The A508 is already a priority road in terms of maintenance, Cllr Irving-Swift encourages us all to
keep reporting defects on the road surface but has been assured by WNC highways that
according to regulations it is currently legal.
National Highways were not permitted to attend our meetings in the spring due to a period of
purdah for the local elections, however the Parish Council and a number of residents have been
in correspondence with them regarding the overnight A14 closures. Diversion routes are agreed
with WNC with the approved routes using the most suitable A road available. The concerns
raised by the parish council and residents directly are acknowledged.
WNC are currently exploring interest from parish councils in joining a Parish Highways
Representative scheme – this would aim to provide a structured link between the council, the
community and WNC Highways. Representatives could be a councillor or community
volunteer. We will keep you posted on what happens with this.
We are disappointed with the lack of progress in this matter and will continue, with the help of
Mr Andrews, to push WNC and Highways for action which could help the current situation.