The NP post code debate (General)

by slowhands , proud of his ancient Dean Forest roots, Sunday, February 15, 2009, 09:51 (5833 days ago) @ wyerunner

Tidenham Parish is situated in the South-West Corner of Gloucestershire, within the Royal Forest of Dean District Council Area. Tidenham is the fifth largest settlement in the District, (after the four towns of Lydney, Coleford, Cinderford and Newent). The Parish is bordered by the River Wye to the West, which is also the Welsh border. There are four bridges across the Wye in or near the Parish; the Old Bridge and the New Bridge (A48) connect Tutshill to the town of Chepstow, the M48 Wye Bridge is not accessible from the parish even though it passes over the parish! The fourth is a footbridge (former railway bridge) just outside the Parish across to Tintern. Tidenham is bordered by the River Severn in the East the only bridge on this side is the M48 Old Severn Bridge

Tidenham Parish includes a number of distinct settlements, Beachley, Sedbury, Tutshill, Woodcroft, Tidenham, Boughspring, Stroat (including Wibdon) and Tidenham Chase. The Parish has a total area of 34km² of which 5km² are estuary. The highest point is in Clayton Woods on Tidenham Chase, 237m above sea level. The parish is 12km from North (Beech Knoll, 51° 43.5’N) to South (Confluence of Severn and Wye streams, 51° 36’N) and 6.5km from West (River Wye at Lancaut, 2° 40’W) to East (Beacon Sands in the River Severn, 2° 35’W).

All but a handful of properties in the parish fall within the NP (Newport) Royal Mail postcode area and receive postal deliveries from Chepstow sorting office. Parts of some other parishes along the Wye Valley also have NP postcodes. The remainder of the Parish falls within the GL (Gloucester) postcode area. A number of examples of confusion arising from government and commercial organisations interpreting an NP postcode and Chepstow address as inferring that people live in Wales have arisen over the years.

In 2002 the Parish held a Poll, requesting Royal Mail to act to change the postcode. Royal Mail has done nothing since the Poll was concluded.

All properties in the Parish have Chepstow exchange telephone numbers. A number of complaints result from this in particular with regard to the speed of response to emergency 999/911 calls, which have to be diverted from Cwmbran to Gloucester, in particular for Police. The police are aware of the issue but believe that it does not impact upon their ability to respond.

Policing is provided by the Gloucestershire Constabulary, the police station in Tutshill is not used on a regular basis. The Forest Bobby bus does make regular visits to a number of locations within the parish.

Fire and rescue services are provided by the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, which has a base in Lydney, additional assistance is also provided by the Monmouthshire service which has a base in Chepstow.

Ambulance services are more usually provided by the Wales Ambulance Trust although both the Gloucestershire and Avon Trusts can also provide services, depending upon the hospital being attended.

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Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster & Hereford Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>