by Wickhambrook Parish Clerk
Steps Clearance
The Footpaths Officer, Roger Medley, has to deal with many requests or complaints throughout the year about clearance of footpaths but his action taken upon learning from a resident that the steps up to the recreational field from the Coltsfoot Green footpath was particularly impressive. The steps had been totally covered by a dense growth of grass and weeds. These were cut away and the edges mown to reveal perfectly useable steps. Many thanks indeed.
Parish Councillor Resignation
Mrs Julia Walker resigned from her post in October and the Parish Council was very sad to say goodbye to such an experienced and popular member. Mrs Walker has served on the Parish Council for many years giving freely of her time on both the full Parish Council and the Estates Committee where she held the position of Vice Chairman. It is hoped she will enjoy her ‘retirement’ which will enable her to spend more time with her family. Candidates for the vacancy will be invited to attend the January meeting and it is hoped an appointment can be made.
Remembrance Sunday
A cold wind blew during the service around the War Memorial in the cemetery but many villagers braved the November weather. The photograph shows Cllr Julian Wilson laying a wreath as a representative of the Parish Council. The wreaths are supplied by the Royal British Legion and the Parish Council makes a donation on behalf of the village. We are lucky to have such a striking memorial and I must thank my husband, Hugh, for once again making sure it looked bright and clean on the day.
Litter Pick
Thank you to everyone who turned out on the same chilly November morning to remove unsightly litter from the village, plus a very few pieces of ‘escapee’ litter from the firework display the evening before. There was a more disappointing response to my invitation to write another verse of the litter pick poem but I would like to thank one resident who has come up with the rather catchy ‘Get fitter – pick litter’ slogan, which certainly is an incentive for all to come to the next one in March 2018! The one verse sent in may also inspire you:
Checked the weather, so I put on a hat,
And the orange vis jacket went well with that.
Nearly filled a whole bag with a pot and two pans,
Six empty crisp packets and twenty-two CANS.
‘Ziphambrook’
Zip wire installation update: At the time of going to press this project is due to commence week beginning 4 December. We are all looking forward to seeing (if not trying!) the finished result. The zip wire has been partly financed by a community grant held by St Edmundsbury Borough Council on behalf of the village. The criteria for the grant is quite strict but the Parish Council was able to prove that it would be a welcome addition to the equipment and by getting several quotes has achieved best value. Photos to follow in the next publication of ‘The Scene’.
Memorial Garden
The garden project has now been completed with three benches purchased to site on the areas of hardstanding already in place. These will be given additional coats of teak oil over the winter before being placed outside in early spring ready for use. Tesco Groundworks have been sent photos and an in depth report of the planning and financing of the garden which has resulted in the remaining 25% of the grant being paid. The Parish Council is very pleased with the end result, a large unkempt area has been transformed enhancing the entire cemetery.
Recent Planning Applications:
Recent planning applications considered by the Parish Council over the last six weeks:
DC17/2164/HH Columbine Cottage, Nunnery Green. Single storey rear extension. No objection.
DC. /17/2297/HH Rolfes Farm House, Church Road. Swimming pool and spa. No objection
DC/17/2075/HH 4 Nunnery Green. Relocate Oil Heating storage to front garden. No objection
DC/17/1821/FUL adj to Rowans, Nunnery Green 1 dwelling, 1 carport/shed, associated access. No objection
Decisions made by St Edmundsbury Council over the last eight weeks:
DC/17/1708/FUL Sunset Bungalow, Meeting Green. 1 dwelling. Refuse application .
DC/17/2059/AG1 Black Horse Farm Stables, Ashfield Green. Agricultural storage unit.
Withdrawn/Abandoned
Agreed dates of Parish Council meetings for 2018
Parish Council meetings – Thursday 18 Jan, 22 Feb, 29 March, 26 April, 31 May (Annual Parish Council), 28 June, 26 July, 30 Aug, 27 Sept, 25 Oct and 29 November
Annual Parish meeting Thursday 10 May 2018
Estates Committee meetings – Thursday 8 Feb, 12 April, 14 June, 9 Aug, 11 Oct and Monday 3 December
All at 7.30 p.m. in the pavilion next to the MSC Hall. All meetings are open to the public unless otherwise stated.