MOULTON PARISH COUNCIL

News from the Parish Council and other matters.

MOULTON PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT – YEAR ENDING 31/3/2008

At Council elections last May Dale Burch, Ed Chambers, Peter Collin, Bev Culloden, Douglas James, John Mills, Bill Rampling, Ron Wallwork and Julian Webb were elected, following the retirement of Jennie Franks, Brian Gray and Albert Shipton on 30th April 2007. Bill Ramping was appointed Chairman of the new Council, supported by Ron Wallwork as Vice Chairman.

VILLAGE MAINTENANCE – thanks to Packhorse Fencing, the village continues to be maintained to an exceptionally high standard. A load of road planings is to be purchased, so that potholes on footpaths and in the Village Hall car park can be filled. The River Bank – as previously agreed with the Environment Agency, alternate river banks were cut last year in May, July and November, with a 30cm margin left at the water’s edge; inchannel weed cutting was also undertaken in late summer. Packhorse Bridge – work to the masonry, steps and surface was completed by English Heritage, and a new information board installed. Wayside Seat – a new bench was erected on the riverbank between the bridge and the ford in Church Road, in recognition of Jennie Franks’s 29 years contribution to village life. Dog Fouling – continues to be a concern, and an additional dog bin has been installed opposite the Packhorse Bridge. Dog walkers are urged to clear up after their dogs – poop bags are available free of charge from the Post Office Stores. The Parish Council is urging the District Council to re-introduce Dog Wardens. Bus Shelter – this is maintained by the Council, and cleaned regularly. Spring Clean 2008 – litter-picking and tidying was undertaken by over 30 volunteers on 8th March, and this and other village clearance work throughout the year is very much appreciated. Allotments – enquiries were being made regarding the possibility of acquiring a site for the re-establishment of allotments in the village – approximately one acre of suitable land would be needed to provide 12 allotments.

THE PLAYING FIELD – the rubber cradle swing seats were replaced, and the main timber supports to the climbing frame. All play equipment is inspected weekly by the District Council’s engineer when minor repairs are dealt with. The play area is also subject to an annual safety inspection. The gaps in the safety surfacing are filled on a regular basis. The football club licence for practice and matches was renewed for another season; the Panthers have used the pitch for weekly training sessions and weekend league games. The goal posts will be taken down at the end of the playing season and stored securely until September. The grass (recreation ground & village green) was cut regularly throughout the year. The playing field has been hired on several occasions for private events (exclusive use cannot be sanctioned): the village hall must be hired at the same time, so that a full range of facilities is available. Proof of adequate insurance is also required.

VILLAGE WEBSITE – www.moultonsuffolk.co.uk – this provides local information and links to other village sites.

MOULTON NEWS – this excellent village newsletter is now published four times a year by the Editor Jennie Wallis – 07768 043135, email moultonnews@aol.com. Contact Jennie for further details and information on adverting.

VILLAGE HALL – following representations by the Council, the Developer of Kennett Park reconsidered the terms of the legal agreement, which formed part of the planning consent, and this now includes a payment of L100,000 towards the new Village Hall for Moulton.

HIGHWAY MATTERS – in School Road a coloured anti-skid surface to highlight the access to the school gates from the car park pedestrian exit has been installed, together with a marked bus bay opposite the vehicle access to the car park. White lines have now been painted at the Lark Hill/Newmarket Road junction, and other worn road markings renewed, and numerous potholes and sunken roadside edges repaired. The policy of not salting the Suffolk section of the C653 ( Newmarket Road) at the onset of sub zero temperatures, is to be reviewed this summer.

PLANNING MATTERS – over 25 planning applications have been scrutinised, and comments passed to the District Council where necessary. The Council had asked the Forward Planning Manager to give assurances that despite the expiration of the Local Plan and the absence of an adopted Local Development Framework, Forest Heath area will be protected by all the necessary key planning policies not covered by government legislation.

CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL – the Council had reviewed the architectural historian’s draft report prior to submission to Forest Heath District Council.

DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCIL MATTERS – following confirmation that plans were being made to re-furbish the offices in Mildenhall at an estimated cost of L3.2 million, the Council had written to the Strategic Director to complain that Parish Councils and council tax payers should have been consulted on the range of options for refurbishment and/or the relocation of the offices, prior to a decision being taken.

STRUCTURAL REVIEW OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NORFOLK & SUFFOLK – the Government has called for this review to consider whether the current 2 tier system should be replaced with one or more single, all purpose, authorities, based on the existing boundaries or using new or a combination of existing and new boundaries. It is anticipated that the consultation period will last until the end of 2008. Details will be available in the local press or on the website www.boundarycommittee.org.uk

FOOTPATHS - Plans were being considered regarding the possibility of making a walkable route along the Newmarket Road verge to connect with Footpath No 1, and a scheme to improve the habitat for kingfishers on the river adjacent to Footpath 4, from the Packhorse Bridge to the water meadow on the Kentford Road.

BUS SERVICES – the Council had made a complaint to the County Council regarding the failure of some bus drivers to make non-designated stops, which had been previously agreed, so that the elderly did not have to walk to and from the approved bus stops. It had been confirmed that the Newmarket Road was designated as a ‘hail and ride’ route.

FINANCE - the annual precept for 2008/209 has been set at £26,864, based on known, recurring and estimated costs for the next year. The Parish Council was mindful of the fact that more than 50 street lighting units will need replacing in the foreseeable future, and a contingency fund was required to be built up to cover this eventuality. Also, in view of the impending works to redevelop the village hall, the Parish Council may well be asked to consider further financial assistance towards this project. The following grants were made in 2007/2008:- Churchyard Maintenance L900, Village Hall Maintenance £900, Newmarket Day Centre £200, Magpas £100, Village Archivist £100, Moulton Newsletter L100, Royal British Legion £25, School Prize for Citizenship £25.

Parish Council website

| www.moultonpc.ukonline.co.uk

Suffolk County Council

COUNTY COUNILLOR SURGERY AT RED LODGE MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Cllr. Mrs. Lisa Chambers 38b Heatherset Way, Red Lodge, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 8JR

Telephone: 01638 554314 (answer phone available - please leave a message and I will call you back)

Email: lisa.chambers@suffolkcc.gov.uk

COUNTY COUNCILLOR SURGERY AT RED LODGE MILLENNIUM CENTRE

12pm – 2pm on the following dates:

SATURDAY 15th March 2008

SATURDAY 10th May 2008

SATURDAY 12th July 2008

SATURDAY 13th September 2008

SATURDAY 15th November 2008

If you are unable to make this date but would still like to discuss a local issue, please contact me on the details below.

Cllr. Mrs. Lisa Chambers

38b Heatherset Way

Red Lodge

Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk IP28 8JR

Telephone: 01638 554314

(answerphone available - please leave a message and I will call you back)