April 2009 Annual Parish Meeting
05/06/09 16:30
PARISH COUNCIL: The Annual Meeting in April was attended by 30 parishioners and Councillors and opened with a review of the Kirton & Falkenham Youth Club (KAFY), which had been formed early in 2008. Mrs Janice Hine had been its first chair, but following her move from the village her position had been assumed by Mrs Jo Shaw. Freyer Marsh outlined the indoor and outdoor activities of the members, and their fund raising efforts, as funding was urgently needed. A presentation by Mr Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs - Hutchinson Ports, followed. With the aid of visual displays he gave a background to Hutchinson Ports, its core businesses and its place in the world port economy. A history of the port, led to an explanation of the needs for current redevelopment to accommodate the bigger ships, and the reuse of the redundant Languard area. A lengthy period of questions and discussion followed, particularly highlighting traffic growth, modal split options, and improvements to infra structure. Pc M Crisp sent in a police report, identifying some 22 offences which had occurred in the villages over the year, with a 41% detection rate. Councillors attend regular Neighbourhood Tasking meetings. Councillors Cade and Jacobs gave a resume of the responses the Council had made to the Local Development Framework (LDF) and the Local Government Review (LGR) consultations. Chairman M Paul presented the Parish Council report, and particularly referred to the changes to Council personnel in the past year. Mrs Susan Harvey had retired from the Council after some 30 years, having made invaluable contributions over that time. Four other Councillors had had to stand down, largely through moves from the Parish. After some effort these vacancies had been filled. After reference to various developments in Kirton, he paid tribute to the police, county and district councillors, vice-chairman, clerk and councillors for their support during the year. The Clerk presented draft accounts for the year, the 2007/8 accounts had had a successful audit, a precept of £17,534 had been set and moneys continue to be put aside for reserves. Reports from the Nassau, and the Kidd Roddam & Webb Charities were received. Mrs Harvey for the former explained the background to this 200 year old charity, and the successful completion of the Durilda Close development on former trust land, which was followed by a celebration barbecue. It had donated £2000 during the year. For the latter, Mrs Adams said it had been a contradictory year for the charity, due to the economic downturn and their reliance on investment income, but 4 households had benefited from Christmas grants of £100. Both charities emphasised the wide use to which their funds can be used. Mr Kemp, Chairman of Governors, forwarded a report on Trimley St Martin School, which alluded to the representation of the governors, and a number of staff changes. Of particular concern was the continuing diminishing budget and the funding of the nursery, but they continue to ensure that the maximum is spent on actual education. Mr O’Brien (CC) also submitted a written report; it had been a challenging year because of the LGR. She outlined the actions on Schools Reorganisation and future building, child care in Suffolk, and £1m to be given to fund capital transport schemes that address local priorities. The District Councillors gave reports which concentrated on the LDF and LGR, which has a major impact on the peninsular. Mrs Green spoke on the Crime and Safety Partnership, Mr Harding on planning and transport issues and Mr Kerry on recycling, economy and housing. Reports were received from the two Local History Recorders. Mr Lanigan, for Kirton, submitted a paper, prepared to recount the village’s 2 Living History events, which presented re-enactments of historical periods and crafts, with support from Museums and societies. Copies of Kirton & Falkenham Review, dating back to 1972, had been received from a parishioner, and he appealed for help in filling the gaps. Mrs J Shaw, for Falkenham, reflected on changes in that village over the year. The meeting concluded in convivial manner with a glass of wine/fruit juice and nibbles. Colin Shaw, Clerk