April 2004 Annual Meeting
26/04/04 10:54
PARISH COUNCIL: Annual Parish Meeting, April 2004
The Annual Parish Meeting on 26th April was attended by 49 parishioners.
By invitation Mr Cerand of Anglian Water gave a presentation and answered questions on the ongoing sewerage problems that have afflicted parts of the village for many years. He explained that a number of measures had been and were to be put in place to remedy the problems. The new facility at Bucklesham was in operation, and an outside contractor was to assess the afflicted system with CCTV inspections of the mains and to propose smell filters on certain vent pipes.
The chairman, Mr D Kemp, gave the Annual Report., alluding to the elections held last year he was disappointed that it was uncontested, but reflected this was perhaps more due to apathy rather than satisfaction. He noted in particular the completion of the splendid new pavilion on the Recreation Ground and the tenacious work put in by the two leading member of the RG committee; John Beer and Phil Barker. He outlined the work of the council and the continuing frustrations experienced with the growing load of bureaucracy. Besides considering planning applications, the council had made its views known on the Dockspur Roundabout, have continued to press for the Green to post Office footway. He paid tribute to the Clerk, G Christian who had done so much to promote the village newsletter and especially Mrs J Barrell who after ten years was finally giving up as the village Public Transport Liaison Officer; she will be much missed and difficult to replace.
The Clerk presented draft Parish accounts for the year 2003/4. The accounts for 2002/3 had been successfully audited. A budget of £10 250 had been set for the coming year.
Mrs S Harvey reported on the Nassau Trust and could confirm that all the allotments were let. A portion of their land has been offered for the development of affordable housing by Hastoe Housing Association, though it is unlikely to happen quickly.
Mrs P Adams reported on the Kidd, Roddam and Webb Charity, which had distributed £360 in grants in the past year. Both charities emphasised the help that is available.
Mr J Beer gave an account of the new pavilion venture and its opening by Joe Royle, manager of Ipswich Town FC, on the 5th April. He thanked everyone who had given their support, particularly the Football Foundation whose grant provided a substantial part of the finance.
Mr D Kemp, as School Governor, said it had been a challenging year, through staff changes and cuts in funding. But there had been success; Trimley St Martin Primary school had been judged one of the top three in Suffolk.
In her report County Councillor Mrs P O’Brien referred to the proposed Boundary Commission changes to the division, and her work in various fields, social and fire services, trading standards and transport issues. Of her £17,713 locality budget, Kirton had received £1,750. She confirmed that SCC tax had risen by 3.8%.
District Councillors mesdames Dixon and Green gave reports. The former outlined the executive changes that had taken place as a result of the efficiency review, and the success in recycling initiatives and her work in Crime and Disorder Reduction. As a result of the ward boundary changes, 3 District Councillors now represented Kirton, Falkenham and the Trimleys, to which she pledged her support. The latter alluded to her work on Policy Review and Licensing and Health for which she is vice-chair.
The Local History Recorders, Mrs J Shaw (Falkenham) and Len Lanigan (Kirton) gave comprehensive reports of events and recording in the two parishes. Falkenham had seen benefits from the fete, and had faithfully recorded changes to Fishers Cottage and local agriculture. Through the Methodists of Kirton, a book of old photographs of the Parish had been produced and crucially over 100 "new" old pictures had emerged. Mr Lanigan recorded numerous villagers who had been in the news.
Pc P Stewart provided crime statistics for the parish, although crimes had occurred they seemed primarily to relate to motor cars and Kirton & Falkenham remain safe places to live, though they could be safer. The current trend he said were thefts of garden ornaments.
There being no further business, the Chairman thanked all for attending and particularly those who had given reports; the evening then concluded in convivial fashion with drinks and nibbles.
Colin Shaw Clerk
The Annual Parish Meeting on 26th April was attended by 49 parishioners.
By invitation Mr Cerand of Anglian Water gave a presentation and answered questions on the ongoing sewerage problems that have afflicted parts of the village for many years. He explained that a number of measures had been and were to be put in place to remedy the problems. The new facility at Bucklesham was in operation, and an outside contractor was to assess the afflicted system with CCTV inspections of the mains and to propose smell filters on certain vent pipes.
The chairman, Mr D Kemp, gave the Annual Report., alluding to the elections held last year he was disappointed that it was uncontested, but reflected this was perhaps more due to apathy rather than satisfaction. He noted in particular the completion of the splendid new pavilion on the Recreation Ground and the tenacious work put in by the two leading member of the RG committee; John Beer and Phil Barker. He outlined the work of the council and the continuing frustrations experienced with the growing load of bureaucracy. Besides considering planning applications, the council had made its views known on the Dockspur Roundabout, have continued to press for the Green to post Office footway. He paid tribute to the Clerk, G Christian who had done so much to promote the village newsletter and especially Mrs J Barrell who after ten years was finally giving up as the village Public Transport Liaison Officer; she will be much missed and difficult to replace.
The Clerk presented draft Parish accounts for the year 2003/4. The accounts for 2002/3 had been successfully audited. A budget of £10 250 had been set for the coming year.
Mrs S Harvey reported on the Nassau Trust and could confirm that all the allotments were let. A portion of their land has been offered for the development of affordable housing by Hastoe Housing Association, though it is unlikely to happen quickly.
Mrs P Adams reported on the Kidd, Roddam and Webb Charity, which had distributed £360 in grants in the past year. Both charities emphasised the help that is available.
Mr J Beer gave an account of the new pavilion venture and its opening by Joe Royle, manager of Ipswich Town FC, on the 5th April. He thanked everyone who had given their support, particularly the Football Foundation whose grant provided a substantial part of the finance.
Mr D Kemp, as School Governor, said it had been a challenging year, through staff changes and cuts in funding. But there had been success; Trimley St Martin Primary school had been judged one of the top three in Suffolk.
In her report County Councillor Mrs P O’Brien referred to the proposed Boundary Commission changes to the division, and her work in various fields, social and fire services, trading standards and transport issues. Of her £17,713 locality budget, Kirton had received £1,750. She confirmed that SCC tax had risen by 3.8%.
District Councillors mesdames Dixon and Green gave reports. The former outlined the executive changes that had taken place as a result of the efficiency review, and the success in recycling initiatives and her work in Crime and Disorder Reduction. As a result of the ward boundary changes, 3 District Councillors now represented Kirton, Falkenham and the Trimleys, to which she pledged her support. The latter alluded to her work on Policy Review and Licensing and Health for which she is vice-chair.
The Local History Recorders, Mrs J Shaw (Falkenham) and Len Lanigan (Kirton) gave comprehensive reports of events and recording in the two parishes. Falkenham had seen benefits from the fete, and had faithfully recorded changes to Fishers Cottage and local agriculture. Through the Methodists of Kirton, a book of old photographs of the Parish had been produced and crucially over 100 "new" old pictures had emerged. Mr Lanigan recorded numerous villagers who had been in the news.
Pc P Stewart provided crime statistics for the parish, although crimes had occurred they seemed primarily to relate to motor cars and Kirton & Falkenham remain safe places to live, though they could be safer. The current trend he said were thefts of garden ornaments.
There being no further business, the Chairman thanked all for attending and particularly those who had given reports; the evening then concluded in convivial fashion with drinks and nibbles.
Colin Shaw Clerk