- There were no police officers present, but it was noted that PCSO Trisha Gibson had been seen more frequently in the area and this was welcomed;
- The Clerk reported that representatives from the Safer Neighbourhood Team, Cllr Penny Clarke and Shotley Parish Councillors had held a collaboration meeting recently regarding anti-social behaviour in the village. Various measures were discussed and some of these would be followed up shortly.
- The skatepark event in August was a huge success and another has been arranged for the half term – 24 October – watch out for the posters and info on Myshotley.com.
- Speed campaign – contact had been made with Suffolk County Council (Environment and Transport) and they will be carrying out “covert” speed surveys in and around problems areas of Shotley.
- The long awaited solid oak noticeboards had arrived and would be installed within the next 2-3 weeks, weather permitting! One will replace the vandalised one on the top of Bristol Hill and the second will be placed outside the Post Office in Kingsland. They both have an open section for event notices etc and a second, lockable section for Parish notices. Commercial advertisements will not be allowed as there are ample mediums available ie Shotley Noticeboard, Business Directory, etc.
- Beachwatch - Cllr Armes reported on the good turnout of volunteers to help collate a survey of the litter dumped/washed up on a section of Shotley beach. 22 bags of rubbish was collected. Unusual items included a saw, toilet seat (with lid), screwdriver and a pair of waders!
- Yet more vandalism of the play areas was reported to the Council and arrangements are in hand to progress repairs. Parishioners are urged to report any incidents immediately to the police, the clerk or complete an Anti-social Behaviour form (available at Post Offices, Village Hall, Clerk and Councillors). All reports are in complete confidence.
- Former HMS Ganges –
- The Owners are holding a second weekend exhibition at HMS Ganges on Friday 5 Oct 3-8pm and Sat 6 Oct 12 noon to 4pm.
- Ganges News #5 has been issued by Babergh
- A Reserved Matters application re the retirement community had been received – a Special Planning Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 30 October, 7.30pm at the Village Hall
- The Council were objecting to the application for a spine road to be built through the HMS Ganges site. It was noted that similar objections had been lodged by Woolverstone and Freston. <more>.
- Future of Rural Post Office – this will be discussed in detail at next month's meeting. For more info see www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange
- The Parish Council had no objections to planning applications for Red House Farm and Hill House Farm. Objections were raised regarding roadside screening at the Bristol Arms. Refusals had been received for 4 and 8 Lower Harlings; the Shotley Lodge application had been withdrawn and the aerial at 22 Orwell View Rd had been removed.
- A £600 grant was made to the Royal British Legion in recognition of the excellent support they provide to many parishioners in Shotley. Funding to go towards the cost of the “laying up” of their old standard.
- Concerns were raised regarding vehicles illegally using the footpath between Baker Road and Lower Harlings as a “rat-run”. Parish is to contact Suffolk Highways to seek a solution.
- The Council were disappointed to learn that there was no progress to report with regard to the breached Stour river path.
- The footpath along King Edward VII Drive would be closed from 1 October to 28 February for reasons of safety during development works. An alternative route would be signed. Vehicular traffic to use Caledonia Road for access to Marina .
- The RFO reported that the accounts have been internally audited and we had received a favourable report.
- Something for nothing! The Council is to take delivery, free from Babergh, of a graffiti removal kit for use on private and public property. More details to follow.
- High quality flooring had been laid in the Large Committee and Billiard Rooms at the village hall.
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