Shires Farm Shop Update July 2025
The following update has been received from Eames Engineering:
Apologies for our late newsletter, we were hoping to have this distributed last week however thought it necessary to await news from our Archaeologists. June has seen timely progress on site thanks to the favourable weather our recent activities are bullet pointed below.
Archaeology
Our archaeologists have attended to excavate a field ditch/boundary to the Southwest corner of site. The ditch was identified during the initial strip trench investigation and warranted further watching brief excavation to realise its size and orientation, this has been conducted and the ditch found to contain animal bone and snail shell fragments. These samples have been sent for Radiocarbon Dating which will hopefully date the structure and provide a historical record of times past. Hopefully, we will be able to update everyone in our next newsletter.
Tree Protection
A condition of the planning application required that all existing hedges and trees shall be protected and also that any areas earmarked for future planting of trees be protected from compaction. Tree and ground protection is now in place.
Geology
To provide information for our structural engineers we have been performing Incremental Bearing Tests not only to the building plot but also the estate road areas. These have been fruitful and provided evidence of the ground bearing capabilities of the areas which are exceptionally good. The estate roads and foundations can now be designed to suit site conditions.
Main Drainage Connection
We have been working off site in the adjacent field to the east to make connection to the main sewer system, this has been carried out successfully and has been inspected and approved by Yorkshire Water. Our welfare facilities can now be connected to the system and later in the construction phase the building will be connected to the main.
Wildlife
A pair of Oyster Catchers have paid regular visits to site through June, foraging for worms and grubs. They seem to be nesting in a location behind the DVLA Testing Station and can be seen daily taking to the air to ward off the Red Kites who no doubt are looking for a chick dinner.
A large flock of House Martins made an appearance over the last two weeks in June/July and were observed collecting limestone, sand and mud. We encouraged this by spraying the dusty ground with water to suppress dust.
Security
We had a breach of our security arrangements on Sunday the 6th July. Our security company reported an intruder to site around 12 noon, the police responded to site and found someone metal detecting. He had apparently managed to squeeze through a gap in the hedge line to make access, this has now been secured.
Within the short period he had been on site he had discovered a Roman broach, although he had no malicious intent an artefact of historical events had been brought to light. We are endeavouring to recover the item. Please be reminded that construction sites are dangerous places and no unauthorised access can be allowed.
Going Forward (July)
We hope to complete the connection of the foul sewer to our welfare facilities and make connection in the verge of Smiddy Hill for a temporary water supply. This should pose no obstruction the traffic on Smiddy Hill.
Public Support
It has been very welcoming that so many of the local residents and members of the wider public have called by to say hello, introduce themselves and ask questions regarding the introduce themselves and ask questions regarding the project. To answer some your questions we intend to hold an open session either on site or at the village hall where the plans for the project can be viewed.
Common Questions
When will it be open?
What will it look like?
What will it sell?
Is there a café?
Could our cycling club attend on route?
Is it child friendly?
Could you supply our local business events?
What are the opening hours?
Will you be selling local farm produce?
Would our team be able to meet here?
Common Statements/Quotes
“Can’t wait, somewhere at last my friends and I can meet for coffee”
“Will be brilliant, it’s what the area needs”
“Will be so handy for me, I live on the new estate across the road”
“Save me getting the bus to Wetherby for a pint of milk”
“Will be lovely in the summer, kids can have a run in the gardens whilst we have lunch”
Goes without saying.
We intend to keep the public updated as to our planned program of works throughout the project and will do this monthly via the Parish Council.
Eames Engineering Ltd have been appointed principal contractor and will consult with our client at weekly progress meetings whereupon we will discuss issues that are brought to light via this channel of communication.
We have appointed a security contractor who will monitor the site via live CCTV monitoring, could we ask that members of the public and the local community be vigilant whilst the site is unattended and that should they notice suspicious activity in or around the site they contact Golden Crown Security Services on 01132 401415 or the police on 999. We thank you in advance for your help.