DITCHINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

Ditchingham Parish Council is pleased to report that the Council is now at full strength following the co-option of new Councillors Ed Van Dijk and Stephen Young. An Events Organising Working Party has also been established and is busy preparing for the Summer Fete on 14th June.

The Council continues to address local concerns including anti-social behaviour, speeding, vandalism at the skate park and graffiti. Liaison with the police continues and the speed awareness machine remains in regular use.

Following a positive public consultation, plans are progressing for a BMX pump track at the Thwaite Road Play Area, with funding opportunities now being explored.

A number of maintenance projects have also been completed or are underway, including repairs to play equipment, the cemetery lychgate roof and fencing along Cheyne Walk. Bungay Conservation Volunteers continue to provide valuable support at the Community Orchard, where a new bench has recently been installed.

The Council is also continuing to press for improvements to the poorly maintained Amenity Area near The Maltings development.

Wider issues affecting the parish include local government reorganisation, support for a banking hub in Bungay and ongoing planning proposals for housing off Loddon Road and Tunneys Lane.

The Chair thanked all Councillors, staff and volunteers for their continued hard work and commitment to the parish, with particular appreciation expressed to the Clerk for managing the increasingly complex responsibilities of the Council.

Keith Weston