The Parish Council met on Thursday 30th June 2016.
Our County Councillor, Jenny Antill reported that Suffolk County Council has voted by a majority to support the proposal for devolution and an elected mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk. A process of consultation within the two counties will commence immediately.
In answer to a question from the Parish Council she confirmed that verge cutting is carried out once per year.
Our District Councillor, Clive Arthey, confirmed that Babergh District Council also supports the devolution proposal.
He reported that the Chief Executive of Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils will be leaving her post and recruitment of a replacement is in hand
The Clerk to the Council reported that we have now received the grant from Sport England for the refurbishment of the Pavilion and we are able to make the final payment to the contractor.
He also reported that the internal audit of the Council’s accounts for 2015/6 has been completed satisfactorily.
The Greens Committee reported further actions
- The picnic table on Great Green has been repaired thanks to the efforts of a resident. The bench opposite Green Lane will also be repaired
- Three loads of chipped bark have been delivered to the children’s play area and have been spread around the area
- Bushes have been made up for the see-saw and will be fitted in the immediate future
- The shed has now been painted
- The bandstand will be painted in the near future
- Funds have been agreed to improve the condition of the laybys on Great Green
The Chairman of the Greens’ Committee thanked everyone who has helped with the above and noted that the village sign on Parsonage Green is in need of repainting and that he would investigate further.
Whilst there are no immediate concerns it was noted that, with the recent weather, increased growth in the grass and hedges will require additional cuts this year.
It was noted that various footpaths are becoming overgrown. Reference to Suffolk County Council indicated that it is unlikely that there will be action to resolve this before August.
Work to improve the southbound bus stop at Mill Corner will now commence on 25th July. This will last for 2 weeks, during at least the first week of which Howe Lane will be closed during the working day. Traffic on the A1141 will be controlled by temporary traffic lights. Alternative routes will be identified by yellow diversion signs. [Post meeting note: this work has been postponed]
The County Council and landowners will be contacted regarding the incursion of undergrowth and hedging onto the footpaths alongside the A1141 between Mill Corner and the Horseshoes Inn.
The annual RoSPA safety inspection of the play equipment will take place in September.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Thursday 28th July at 7.30 pm.
The Parish Council may be contacted through the Clerk, Doug Reed, on 01359 241009 or by e-mail at parish.council@cockfield.org.uk.
