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During the course of the year the Parish Council produce and distribute to every household newsletters. Below you will find the most recently produced newsletter that was distributed in July 2010.
From the Parish Council Chairman
At our recent meeting there were a number of issues that may be of interest to parishioners.
County Councillor Peter Bellfield and District Councillor Steven Hudson spoke of the ways in which our local authorities are seeking to reduce expenditure to meet the financial targets being imposed by the new coalition government. No final details were given but the areas being considered will no doubt have an effect on the services that we have had in recent years.
Changes are also being made as a result of the abolition of the East of England Development Agency. The decisions on Local Development Frameworks for the Ipswich BC and Suffolk Coastal DC are in abeyance until further guidance is given by the Secretary of State. The Parish Council has been active in consultation on these documents and while it is unlikely any changes to the SCDC document will affect Westerfield the impact on the need for so much extra housing for Ipswich and the future use of the ‘northern fringe’ is now likely to be decided locally rather than by direction by the Secretary of State. What difference this is likely to make is not yet known but this is an area where the Parish Council will keep involved to ensure that the opinions of the village continue to be known.
Community Speedwatch
During 3 days in early June the team recorded 54 instances of speeding in the village. These details are now being followed up by Suffolk Constabulary. The current team of volunteers were stretched to maintain full use over thus period and if further members are not found it may be necessary to restrict the number of sessions that we operate. During times of operation traffic speeds generally reduce so it is beneficial to maintain as many sessions as possible. Further details without obligation.
Community Police Involvement
Our Police Community Support Officer visited in May when safety and security aids were demonstrated and acquired by local residents. They have also been checking speeds and 5 fixed penalty notices were issued in the last month. The most alarming trend in that period is that 4 crimes were recorded. Three of these crimes were preventable as they were for items that were taken from unsecured properties and sheds. We can all learn a lesson from this information.
Traffic Calming
Suffolk CC have been instructed to implement the first phase of these proposals in Lower Road and Church Lane. Edge lines are to be painted giving an apparent decrease in road width to drivers. Further works are expected over the next three months subject to getting final approval from the Highway Authority.
Emergency Planning
The Parish Council are concerned that in the event of an emergency there are sufficient avenues of help to local residents. While the village relies on outside agencies for most of its services there may be occurrences where assistance needs to be mobilised locally.
If anyone has resources that they think could be beneficial if needed then please let us know so that we can be prepared for the unexpected.
Finally, thanks to the Events Group for a great music afternoon in the Paddock. Not only did we enjoy it but also £500.00 was raised towards the Church Room windows, £100.00 to East Anglian Childrens Hospice and the bucket collection was over £200.00 for ‘Help the Heroes’
The Village Grocer
Thanks for the support given to Damien since the mobile shop started in May, in order to enable more villages to be served visits will only occur on Tuesdays.
1.00pm till 1.40pm at the Village Hall Car Park
1.45pm till 2.00pm at Westerfield Swan Car Park.
Late News
The Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon is to be run on Sunday 29th August. Part of the route is along Lower Road and Church Lane. The race starts at 9.00am at Northgate Sports Centre and will be complete by 11.30am. The police will temporarily close these roads while the runners are passing – this is unlikely to be before 9.30am and most will have passed by 10.30am.
Peter Miller(Chairman)
Longways, Main Road,
Westerfield. IP6 9AJ.
Tel 01473 212316.
Pmiller357@aol.com
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