For the first time in many years, the Council has its full complement of nine members. A list of their names can be seen on the PC noticeboard opposite the village shop. Amongst the items on the January agenda are the following:

A Working Party, of Councillors and other volunteers, is being set up to arrange village events. We are pleased to tell you that there will be a Village Fete this year. If any readers would like to be involved in planning events please get in touch.

Following last year’s consultation the Council has decided to refurbish, and improve, the BMX track at the end of the Thwaite Road Play Area. Planning, fund-raising and carrying out the work is expected to take a considerable amount of time.

Councillors were aware of some concerns about work being carried out, by a contractor, on Broome Heath. They had also seen coverage in the press and knew about the petition that had been raised. The Council had not received any messages from the opponents of the work but, had received a communication, from the Land Agent for Ditchingham Farms, explaining the reasons for the work. During the discussion that followed a number of points were made.

Councillors said they agree with most parishioners who are very grateful, to Ditchingham Farms, for the freedom to use such a beautiful area which is right on the doorstep. Despite there being only two footpaths across the Heath, the public can currently walk on all of it; Councillors hope this remains the case. Members noted that the land owners, and their Licensor, are within their rights to manage the area in the way they see fit. The work being done follows Environment Agency guidelines and Council believes it will be to long-term benefit of the Heath habitat. Councillors condemned the actions of a minority, of the critics of the work, who have, allegedly, subjected the Licensor to abuse and other anti-social behaviour. Ditchingham Parish Council hopes that we can all continue to enjoy sharing the Heath for many years to come.

From Keith Weston
Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council