NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD NOTES FROM THE CASE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON I have been away charging my batteries and now that I have been back for a few days I feel like I’ve never been away. Council has appointed a new chief executive. I’m not sure when he officially starts, information is difficult to extract sometimes, but having introduced myself to him as the ‘chief troublemaker’ I think he will be a breath of fresh air. Having worked with joined councils (Waveny and Suffolk Coastal) he knows the challenges. Moves are afoot to introduce a cabinet model system to council. This will leave the majority with little to do unless information dissemination improves. There are some glaring holes in the initial information and I am seeking clarification. I am a firm believer in involving as many people in the process as possible – after all, we represent you, the electorate, not some party, personal interest or ego. The challenges to the Brexit vote show that the electorate matter not a jot to some, as long as their own interests are protected. Planning continues to be a nightmare. What should have clarified development in Neighbourhood Plan villages seems to have created more confusion for some at Babergh. Emails are already flying around and hopefully the will of the people in East Bergholt will prevail. 144 Moores Lane is back in the frame after the parish solicitors pointed out some case law to Babergh who effectively said ‘oh yes’. The committee will again look at the application and deliberate taking proper account of all the policies. Other applications continue to rumble on. Babergh’s own monitoring report indicates that of the target for new homes agreed in their core strategy, the villages have completed 75% of the total with only five out of 15 years gone. It’s the ‘towns’ that are holding back the development of new homes, not the ‘villages’ as often intimated. By the time you read this, the devolution debate will have been held again and some will hope that it is at long last dead. It appears to be a cross between a chimera and Lazarus. I will update you next month. Highways England are talking of upgrades to the A12. Having promised two years ago to resurface and repair the slip-roads within a year, I for one will not be holding my breath. Anyone trying to access the route in either direction at any of the junctions from the Essex border to Capel will know it’s getting hairier by the day. If we get the harsh winter some are forecasting, Lord help us! Looking at last months comments, it appears not much has changed. Conference season did not help, so let’s see what the spring brings in the shape of county council elections. They certainly need a shake-up if the papers are to be believed. Enjoy the dark autumn nights and keep safe when out and about. I wish you a Happy Christmas and a healthy and safe New Year. Councillor John Hinton John.hinton@babergh.gov.uk
Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub! As the temperature drops we’re starting to think about Christmas, and where better to get into the mood than the Case with its cosy atmosphere and wood-burning stove. See the website for opening hours over the festive season. Our festive menu is available from December 7 – bookings are filling up so don’t delay. See the website for menu details. Our Senior Citizens’ Lunch will be held on Wednesday, December 14. The pub will open from noon, with food served from 12.30pm. On offer is a main course from the festive menu, followed by a mince pie and coffee or tea for £9.95. This will be accompanied by carol singing from Bentley schoolchildren. Booking is essential. If you would like to come but have difficulty with transport, please contact Yolande on 01473 805575 or casepub@outlook.com and we will arrange a lift. If you’re still not feeling properly Christmassy, come and sing carols at the pub on December 18 from 4-6pm. Guaranteed to get you in the mood. There isnt a quiz in December, but our regular programme will recommence on January 28. Come and pit your wits against our guest quiz-setter and win drinks tokens. Food served till 8pm, quiz starts at 9pm. Volunteers Still thinking about volunteering? Some of our current volunteers have recorded their experiences for you to read at www.thecasepubbentley. co.uk/volunteering. We’d love to welcome you to the team. Pop into the pub and have a chat to Yolande or one of the volunteers. And finally, many congratulations to the Save The Duke team, who have just agreed the purchase of The Duke of Marlborough at Somersham. This will be Suffolk’s second co-operative pub, and we are pleased and proud to have provided advice and assistance to the team over the past year. Well done to all involved. All at the Case wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk
All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour.
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