Along with the routine matters for the Council most of the time at this meeting was spent on two items.

Cycle Track at the Thwaite Road Play Area
Following a consultation it is clear that there is merit in restoring and improving this feature of the Play Area which has been neglected and,
therefore not used. A site meeting with a local surfacing contractor indicated that a project would be feasible. Councillors’ discussions were about whether or not to increase the size of the track (currently it is a 40m figure of 8); what surface should be put down; and how the project would be funded. The Council made the following decisions: Our grounds maintenance contractor will be tasked with clearing the track, and a surrounding area, of brambles. A national company specialising in cycle tracks will be commissioned to visit the site and draw up some options. Their proposals will enable the Council to – share ideas with the community; to decide on the size of the track and its surface; to apply for grants; to draw up a specification to invite tenders Etc. We will keep you posted.

Proposed Development of 27 dwellings on land bordered by Loddon Rd & Tunneys Lane
Readers will recall that, at the pre-planning application stage, DPC supported the proposal in principle. The Council and some of the nearby
residents made several suggestions for the developers (Beauly Homes and Ditchingham Estates) to consider: reduce the speed limit to 30mph; join the internal footway to the one at the Waveney Road junction; provide a street lamp at the entrance to the site; provide a bus stop and mitigate against light pollution as far as possible. The revised plan, the one being used for planning permission, was considered at the September DPC meeting. All the above items have been adopted. SNC is the planning authority; DPC is a consultee. Your Councillors voted, unanimously, to “recommend for approval” the planning application.

Remembrance Day
A short Remembrance Service will be held on 9th November at 11:00am at the new war memorial outside Ditchingham Village Hall.
A poppy wreath has already been ordered for the occasion. A small number of veterans will attend and then march to a ceremony in Bungay.

From Keith Weston (Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council)