November 2021
G’day One and All,
Many off you will know me from Broome village hall events and also Broome Parish Council and now I find myself Chair of your parish council here in Ditchingham, I must be crazy!
I am very lucky to have such a wealth of council experience around me and together we have a strong team to take us into the future.
Councillor Bernard, ex councillor Mully and myself laid a poppy wreath at the foot of the Ditchingham Village sign in Hollow Hill to mark Armistice day on the 11th day of November. Two minute silence was observed.
We do this not only to remember the Fallen but also to mark the time “When the guns fell silent”, what a pity that they were not silent for very long.
The council is working to resolve the issues regarding Chicken Roundabout and keep it under our control; I will keep you informed as things progress.
I am sure that you will be aware that there is a nationwide plan to plant a million trees, wether they be in private gardens or public places. We are keen to take part in this programme and will be working with our newly appointed Tree Warden Beryl and County Councillor Barry Stone. Hopefully we will have more success than last time when drought was against us.
The Queens Platinum Anniversary celebration plans are moving along nicely and it looks like we will have a really good day for all the family.
By the time that the Parishioner drops through your letter box I expect Christmas will not be too far out of your minds, so I wish you all A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
Fred
Chair
September 2021
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PLAN
It has been a very difficult time for all of us, not entirely attributable to the effects of COVID-19.
As with many challenging environments it seems to bring out the best in people and we have seen much support and help from our local businesses and the Bungay volunteers.
Many of our friends and neighbours were badly affected in the Xmas floods and the Parish Council is to set up a working group to create a Community Resilience Plan for our Village.
The plan will cover all possible emergencies whether due to severe weather or man made disasters. As a parish councillor I have agreed to put the plan together with help from the South Norfolk Emergency Planning Team and local volunteers if you would like to be involved please get in touch.
During lockdown we were able to meet by Zoom keeping essential business going. We have four vacancies on the Parish Council following the resignation of three councillors and there seems to be a general apathy among residents and unwillingness to take an active role in village affairs. Do please get in touch if you would like to know more about what we do or come along to our meetings and meet us you will receive a very warm welcome.
Looking forward the Parish Council is soon to start its programme of replacing the streetlight lanterns with special LED’s suitable for a rural parish not only to save money but also to be more environmentally friendly. All the lights will be retained and will dim by 50% from midnight.
The recent NCC road works in and around the village which have caused so much disruption are winding down now. Details of planned and emergency works are as far as we can keep up are posted in the notice board opposite the village shop and on the website. Full details can also be found in the EDP every Friday.
TREE WARDEN
Ditchingham is looking for a volunteer Tree Warden. We are fortunate to have many lovely trees and we need someone to be the eyes , ears and voice for the trees in the Parish. We still have room for more.
We also hope to take part in the 1 Million Trees for Norfolk project (more than 1 tree per resident) over the next 4 years.
We really want this to be a community effort, perhaps planting one or 2 trees in private gardens or hedges and copses in wider areas.
Chair
June 2021
Streetlight Update
In June 2019, Ditchingham Parish Council adopted 88 streetlights from South Norfolk Council, with the aim of preserving these assets for the benefit of the community. Included within the transfer from South Norfolk Council, was a sum of money, which after recent repairs totals £77,800 remains. This money was given to Ditchingham Parish Council for the maintenance and repair of these lights going forward. These funds are held in a reserve in the Parish Council budget.
Previously, the Council had considered decommissioning a proportion of these streetlights, but having now consulted street lighting contractors, the cost for decommissioning these parish assets would be the same as keeping them in operation. As DPC has established that there would be limited financial benefits to the village, but considerable social disadvantages with the loss of these streetlights, it has been agreed to use the reserves to improve them for the benefit of the residents of Ditchingham.
The Council agreed at the March 2021 meeting to use approximately £12,000 (15%) of the reserved funds, to change the streetlights to LED lanterns. These low lumen LED lights are more energy efficient, and the light will be projected on to the footway only, therefore reducing light pollution. The lights will also dim to 50% between the hours of midnight and 5.30am to keep the community safe throughout the night but limit light pollution. In addition, there will be an estimated savings of up to 80% on the current annual electricity supply costs (approx. £2,700 p.a). Coupled with the reduced energy consumption, there are other environmental benefits of LED lighting.
The Parish Council has received three competitive quotes (for small LED lanterns that are suitable for a rural parish) from local competent and reputable streetlighting contractors, to achieve best value for the village. It is expected that the LED lantern replacement scheme will take place later this year. Should you have any questions about the replacement lamps, please feel free to contact Ms Sally Chapman, DPC Clerk.
Ditchingham Parish Council