The blocked culvert at Howe End has been a bone of local contention, the permanently flooded road posing a risk to travellers prior to their descent down Howe Bank.

The Highways Department has performed heroically in appalling weather, clearing and rebuilding it double quick time. Dating to circa 1848 in its current and modernised form, it is believed that the culvert suffered accidental damage when services along the road were updated and improved. Over time the blockages worsened leading to the present failure. This section of road above Howe Bank is renowned as an accident black spot. Approaching the steep bank with a blind summit and matching turn, the risk of ice and resultant out of control vehicles is all too real.

The historic Midden served by this culvert has been further exposed by the works undertaken by the Highways Department. Fully flagged to the base there is an open ended cattle trough measuring some 32’ long by 6’ wide and having a dipped base. Remains of stone hinges from an earlier sluice have been mooted as dating to the medieval period. It is hoped that the clearance work on the Midden will continue in the summer of 2009 through volunteer work and it will be brought back to an agricultural use.