|
www.cornard.info |
The Great Cornard Information Website |
|
|
Great Cornard Parish Council Updates |
|
Page updated - 05 March 2008 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Parish Council Offices. The Stevenson Centre, Stevenson Approach, Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk. CO10 0WD. Tel: (01787) 373212. |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
These reports first appeared in the Cornard News Newsletter |
|||||||||||||||
|
February 2008 24 September 2007. At the Recreation & Leisure Committee meeting, the Council Manager informed members that the Play Equipment for the Hedgerows play area should be installed in November. A shortfall of £700 would be provided from County Councillor Peter Beer’s Locality Budget, and Community Services would be organising a group to re-paint the play equipment already there.
The Council Manager also advised Councillors that the BMX site in Sudbury would have to be relocated by April 2008. For several years Great Cornard Parish Council had mooted the idea of creating a leisure facility for young Cornard residents on the disused piece of tarmac opposite KFC fast food outlet. Babergh District Council owns the site and Sudbury Town Council had already voted that this land would be an ideal location to relocate the BMX Park. If Councillors agreed, this would be a three-way project between Babergh District Council, Great Cornard Parish Council and Sudbury Town Council. Councillors resolved to accept the recommendation, adding that the brief should be changed to ‘Shawlands Avenue BMX & Skate Boarding Park’. This was ratified at the Full Parish Council meeting held on 8 October 2007.
12 November 2007. Following a recent resignation, Councillors elected Humphrey Todd as Vice-Chairman of the Council, Frances Jackson as Chairman of Development & Planning and Robert Wade as Vice-Chairman of Development & Planning. David Thomas was elected to fill the vacancy on the Policies & Finance Committee. Following a discussion later in the meeting, Dean Walton was nominated for the position of Council Environmental Champion and was duly elected. It was further agreed that a Country Park Management Committee should be created. Councillors David Thomas, John Millins, Dean Walton and John Sayers would form a new Country Park Working Party and Mr. George Millins would be invited to join them.
14 January 2008. At the meeting, the Chairman welcomed the newly elected Councillor Carol Webb, to the meeting. She would also serve on the Development & Planning Committee. Councillors were asked to consider a proposal to hold a school concert on a field adjacent to the Country Park. A majority of Councillors expressed a wish that they were in favour of this idea, subject to conditions relating to control and supervision of the event.
Councillors were also informed that the enquiry relating to health services in Sudbury had drawn to a close and it would be a month or so before the Secretary of State for Health would make his decision. Councillor Jackson reported that health services continued to be under threat and 8 beds had been closed at Walnuttree Hospital and there had been a shortage of cleaners at the hospital. Attempts had been made to withdraw outpatient hospital transport and there were now staff shortages at the physiotherapy department. It was hoped that the much-awaited decision by the Secretary of State, would ensure that full health services would remain in Sudbury.
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South
|
|||||||||||||||
|
November 2007 10 September 2007 - At the full Council meeting, it was agreed that the St. Andrew’s Church Senior Citizens Lunch Club could use the facilities at the Stevenson Centre free of charge. Councillors were very happy to support the Church in this venture and hoped it would be very successful.
24 September 2007 - The Council Manager reported to councillors at the Policies & Finance Committee that some notice boards in the village were being misused by residents. The boards were for the display of public notices but in some locations these were being removed. Also, some residents were using the boards for private advertising purposes. Councillor Peter Beer confirmed that it had always been Council Policy not to allow political parties, private business or enterprises to us the Council’s notice boards.
10 October 2007 - A recommendation from the Recreation & Leisure Committee presented to the full council meeting was given full support by councillors. It was agreed that the rent of an allotment would rise from £10 to £12 per year and allotment holders would sign new contracts stating that ‘If an Allotment is not used in a three-month period, the holder will have to return the allotment and a part refund be offered’. Also to encourage allotment holders to keep their allotments in good order, the Council will introduce a ‘Best Kept Allotment’ competition – details yet to be announced.
Local Health Services. Councillors were informed that The Independent Re-configuration Panel from London had started their investigations by interviewing the staff at the Sudbury Hospitals. Many people would become involved, including campaigners WATCH! The Panel were due to report back to the Health Secretary by 31 December 2007.
The Chairman of the Council announced the sudden resignation of Councillor Mrs Christina Baker, who was Vice-Chairman of the Council and Chairman of the Planning Committee. He paid tribute to her hard work for the community and said she would be greatly missed by everyone.
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South
GREAT CORNARD CEMETERY Following the Parish Council elections in May I walked the North Cornard area to see things for myself. At my first Council meeting I aired my views, expressing some concerns for the cemetery. It needed tidying to present the right mood for visitors to honour their loved ones. My fellow councillors had reached the same conclusions and discussions moved to the Cemetery Working Party. Over recent weeks their reports have been presented in Council and I followed them with interest.
Recently I dropped my car at a local garage for some repairs and walked home. My route took me past the cemetery. Again I decided to see for myself. And a pleasant surprise it was; vegetation had been cleared away from the entrance, the gates had gone for repair, the storage shelter was attracting attention and the grounds tended. Further improvements are planned; I have every confidence in the Working Party fulfilling them.
Cllr. Robert Wade - Great Cornard North Ward
|
|||||||||||||||
|
August 2007 14 May 2007 - At the Annual Council Meeting, Peter Beer was elected Chairman of the Council and Christina Baker as Vice-Chairman. The Chairman welcomed the new members to the Council that now consisted of fourteen Conservative Councillors. He outlined a number of projects that the Council would be working on over the next four years which included, continuing to monitor the emptying of dog and litter bins, improvements to the Cemetery and the Country Park and involvement with plans for a proposed circular footpath around Great Cornard and the surrounding area.
Committee membership was discussed and appointments made: Planning Committee: Chairman - Christina Baker & Vice-Chairman - Frances Jackson. Recreation and Leisure Committee: Chairman - Mark Newman & Vice-Chairman - David Thomas. Policy & Finance Committee: Chairman - Humphrey Todd & Vice-Chairman - Neville Proctor. Finally, representatives were elected on to the Official Bodies.
The Rev. Jamie Allen addressed the Council. He thanked the Council for their continued support, outlined plans for further improvements at the Church and said that fund-raising activities had raised 50% of the £250,000 target. The Church now had a flourishing Youth Choir with over 35 children attending and the possibility of employing a Youth Outreach Worker was being considered. Also being considered was a lunch club for senior citizens of Great Cornard and the Church would be looking to the Council to work together to get this project up and running.
11 June 2007 - Councillors approved the first phase of grants to local organisations. Suffolk Royals - £540 Sudbury Hockey Club - £200 West Suffolk Association for the Blind - £150 Home-Start Babergh - £300 Sudbury First Responders - £250 Suffolk Accident Rescue - £250 START Community Transport - £100 Relate - £200 Woodland – BATS (Biodiversity Around Towns Scheme) - £150 Sudbury WATCH (Working & Acting Together for a Community Hospital) £200
04 July 2007 - Councillors discussed a request from Cornard United Football Club who had been approached by H3G of Cambridge for permission to erect a mobile telephone antenna on one of the floodlight pylons at Blackhouse Lane. The Council, who are landlords of the Blackhouse Lane premises, refused permission as the antenna would be close to local schools, leisure facilities and residential development.
09 July 2007 - Frances Jackson reported that following a referral of health plans by the Health Scrutiny Committee of Suffolk Council to the Health Secretary the new Secretary of State would be forwarding these plans to an Independent Reconfiguration Panel, who would conduct a review of health care in West Suffolk.
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South
|
|||||||||||||||
|
May 2007 At the Full Council meeting on 12 February 2007, the Chairman reported that the Youth Shelter had been erected on the Recreation Ground and, hopefully this would encourage youngsters to congregate away from the shop and Children’s Play Area.
A member of the public brought to the Council’s attention the bad state of repair of the Great Cornard Cemetery gates and the neglected surrounding area. The Burial Authority subsequently discussed this matter on 12 February 2007. Councillors agreed that this whole area needed attention, were asked to visit the cemetery and note any improvements that could be made. It was agreed that the Community Warden could use the Cemetery Office as a base and the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) could also be offered the use of this building.
The Recreation & Leisure Committee met on 26 February 2007, and the Chairman reported that a recent meeting between councillors and representatives of Cornard Dynamos had been constructive and an agreement had been reached regarding the lease of the Blackhouse Lane Pavilion. Councillors therefore recommended this draft agreement to the full Council.
At the Council meeting on 12 March 2007, the Chairman welcomed PCSO Hannah Bitten. She advised the Council that she would be joined on the 27 April 2007 by a second PCSO, Peter Thompson, who will also be assigned to Great Cornard. As part of the new ‘Safer Neighbourhood’ scheme, it is envisaged that each Great Cornard PCSO will be assigned a specific area of responsibility within the Parish.
The Council accepted the recommendation of the Development & Planning Meeting to respond positively to a resident of Eldred Drive for a request for a footpath in Wells Hall Road at the school area and the matter to be referred to Suffolk Council. Councillor Mrs Baker also reported that, on a busy day, she had met with the resident concerned as well as a representative from Suffolk Council and PCSO Bitten. A number of solutions were discussed and it was agreed that Suffolk Council would look into these options in more detail.
At the last meeting of the present Council on 23 April 2007, Chairman Peter Beer announced that Councillors Derek Allen and Martin Fryer were both standing down. He thanked them for their contribution and commitment to the Parish Council.
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South
|
|||||||||||||||
|
February 2007 On 13 October 2006 Councillors accepted the recommendation of the Recreation and Leisure Committee that a Trojan Youth Shelter should be ordered and erected on the Recreation Ground at the Stevenson Centre. Although primarily intended for young people, Councillors hope that residents of all ages will make use of this amenity. Grants to cover the cost of the shelter have been awarded by Babergh District Council and also from the locality budget of Suffolk Councillor Peter Beer. It is hoped that the shelter will be installed by early spring.
The Christmas party held for the over 60’s in December was very successful with over 100 residents attending. The choir of St. Andrew’s Church, made up of local school children and led by the Reverend Jamie Allen, together with pupils from Great Cornard Middle School, who waited at tables, made this a real community event. Council Chairman, Peter Beer, acknowledged the hard work put in by all the councillors who organised and helped at the party.
At the precept meeting on 8 January 2007, Councillors agreed that £500 should be allocated from council funds for a further over 60’s Christmas party. More funds were also put aside for play equipment at the Hedgerows Estate. This equipment is very expensive so the Council would also need to apply for grants. It was noted that the new entrance doors at the Stevenson Centre had been installed and work for the ramp leading to the entrance would be completed shortly and this would provide better disabled-access to the Centre. This year, £3,000 was also needed for the May election expenses. Councillors agreed to an increase of 2.75% and in real terms this would mean a rise in the Parish rate for a Band D house of £1.83 per year, from £67.75 to £69.58
On 22 January, Councillors were informed of an invitation from the Suffolk PCT to take part in healthcare commissioning workshops, one of which will be held at Sudbury in February. This follows on from the PCT withdrawing the health proposals that led to the judicial review and referral to the Health Secretary being withdrawn. A further set of health proposals would go before the Scrutiny Committee at the end of March. There could then be a further opportunity for referral or request for a full consultation, if the plans did not safeguard health services for all in the Sudbury area.
Peter Beer also gave details of organisations in Great Cornard who have benefited from Suffolk County Council’s locality budget:
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South
|
|||||||||||||||
|
November 2006 Development and Planning News. On 11th September 2006, Councillors received a report, considered out of committee, which recommended refusal of a planning application for 72 residential dwellings on Phase 2, of the Cornard Mills development. Amongst the many objections, it was felt that the proposed four storey dwellings would result in a loss of amenity for some properties on Bures Road. There are further concerns regarding the potentially dangerous access to this site as the only access crosses an unmanned level crossing and the possible problems for emergency vehicles using the single entrance to the estate. Also at this meeting, Councillors recommended refusal of the application to build 23 dwellings on the former Clibbon House site in Butt Road on the grounds of over-development, poor design, lack of privacy for nearby residents and parking issues.
However, despite Local Councillors’ objections, Babergh District Council planning committee approved both planning applications.
Councillors at the committee meeting of 25th September, 2006, received a consultation report from Suffolk County Council regarding a proposed mineral site at Chilton Quarry. It was agreed that the Council did not support the Chilton site for potential sand and gravel extraction as: (a) it would increase traffic along the already busy B1115 (b) access by lorries on to the A134 from the quarry would cause further traffic problems on the A134, a known accident ‘black spot,’ (c) Cornard Council does not want to see Sheepshead Hill used as a ‘rat run’ with traffic avoiding the lorries.
Health Chairman Peter Beer, a member of Suffolk County Council Health Scrutiny Committee, reported to the Full Council Meeting of 9th October 2006, that he had attended a further meeting at Ipswich and had proposed that health matters concerning the Sudbury Hospitals should be referred to the Health Secretary. This proposal received overwhelming support from Suffolk Councillors. Frances Jackson represented and put the case for patients, Walnuttree Hospital Action Committee (WHAC) and the local community. We now await the result of this referral.
Christmas Party for the over 60’s Once again Cornard residents over 60 are invited to a free Christmas Party at the Stevenson Centre on Tuesday 12th December at 2pm. Transport will be available. For further details, please contact the Parish Council Offices on 01787 373212.
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South
|
|||||||||||||||
|
August 2006 At the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on 8 May 2006, Councillor Peter Beer was re-elected as Chairman and Councillor Christina Baker as Vice-Chairman. Other councillors were proposed and accepted for membership of the three committees, Development & Planning, Recreation & Leisure and Policies & Finance. Individual Councillors also agreed to represent the Parish Council on fourteen official bodies that include the North Cornard Regeneration Group, Citizens Advice Bureau, the Riverside Advisory Group, Police Forum and the Great Cornard Sports Centre Management Committee.
A consultation request from Suffolk County Council regarding the Suffolk Schools Organisation Review was also presented to the Council at this meeting and it was hoped that councillors and local residents would respond individually to this important document.
Also at the May council meeting, Peter Beer referred to Walnuttree Hospital and the threatened closure and reported to members that, as a member of the Suffolk County Council Health Scrutiny Committee, he had voted for referral to the Health Secretary but this motion was lost by one vote. In June, Martin Fryer reported that a judicial review was being considered. Also, the previous ruling by the Scrutiny Committee had been quashed and a further meeting on 12 September was arranged to reconsider whether to refer to the Health Secretary.
A grant from Babergh District Council has, at last, been received to improve access to the entrance of the Stevenson Centre. These improvements include an automatic door and improved ramp. Building regulations have now been applied for, as the new ramp is for disabled access, but everything is in place to commence this work as soon as approval has been given.
The Parish Council has recently awarded the following grants:
The Parish Council also sponsors D.A.S.H. and The Lunch Club for the use of a room and facilities at the Stevenson Centre.
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South
|
|||||||||||||||
|
May 2006 Despite a 2227 signature petition and 562 completed objection forms being received, the Strategy Committee at Babergh District Council recommended that land by Carson’s Drive should be included in the Local Plan for building development and on April 11th at the Full Council meeting of Babergh District Council, the Local Plan, including this land, was adopted. Several local District Councillors were barred from voting because they had previously signed a petition regarding the Carson’s Drive land. Many Parish Councillors were unhappy, as the views of local residents were not fully represented in that crucial debate.
The Sudbury and Great Cornard Cinema Group ‘Scool Screen’ project [Details on Page 5 – Ed.] was made possible thanks to £5,000 from the ‘Locality Budgets’ of three Suffolk County Councillors. Great Cornard Parish Councillors wish this venture every success.
On 11 April 2006, Councillors invited the vicar of Great Cornard, Reverend Jamie Allen, to speak at the full Council Meeting. He said he had received a very warm welcome to the village and looked forward to working with everyone. There is much to do. Urgent repairs are needed to the church roof and Councillors were shown plans for other work needed inside the church. Revd. Allen spoke enthusiastically about the spiritual needs of our village, the newly formed church choir and the contacts he had made with local schools, children and parents.
Councillor Wil Gibson, representing the North Ward of Great Cornard, resigned from the Parish Council in March. A notice was circulated in the village asking for names to be put forward for a by-election but to no avail. The matter was placed on the agenda of the April Parish Council meeting for Councillors to consider co-opting someone. At the meeting names were put forward, a vote was taken and Mr. Neville Proctor was duly co-opted onto the Parish Council.
On 11 April 2006 the Primary Care Trust (PCT) board meeting at Bury St. Edmunds, which decided the fate of the Walnuttree and St. Leonard’s hospitals. The proposed recommendations, all unanimously adopted, are that wards at Walnuttree Hospital would close within six months and be replaced by six beds in local nursing homes. St. Leonard’s Hospital would close and services would operate from Walnuttree Hospital until the latter part of 2007, when it was hoped that the new health facility would be ready.
At the Annual Meeting of Sudbury Town Council, the PCT Chief Executive, Mike Stonard, said he could give no firm guarantee about future health services. Local Councillors, tried hard to get a referral to the Health Secretary but they were defeated. The reaction locally has been one of deep disappointment and disbelief that Suffolk West and Suffolk East could be treated so differently, particularly as it was felt that the case for referral was even stronger in West Suffolk.
So another Parish Council year ends. It has been a very disappointing time recently for all of us in Great Cornard. Councillors and residents have tried in vain to put across local opinions on planning and health matters. Many of us have marched, attended public meetings, signed petitions and written letters in an effort to make our voice heard. On behalf of Parish Council I would like to thank the residents of Great Cornard for all their efforts and support in these very difficult times.
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South ___________________________________________________________________
THOSE DAMN MOTORBIKES.... Or... that fantastic Suzuki trail bike...depending on your point of view. There can’t be anyone in the village that hasn’t heard them, they may have assumed it was somebody using a chain saw, but no, it is motorbikes on the land above Shawlands Avenue.
First of all let’s make it perfectly clear. The Parish Council owns a strip of land along Shawlands Avenue, and the woods at the end towards the roundabout, and has passed a Bye-Law banning motorbikes from its land. Incidentally this law also applies to the Country Park and the Football Ground. Removing the signs, which the Council puts up, does not alter the fact that bikes are not allowed, and offenders are likely not only to be prosecuted by the Police but also pursued by the Council for compensation. The bikes make a lot of noise, damage the paths, trample down the plants and make it dangerous for other users of the land. Also many bikes are un-roadworthy & uninsured.
On the other hand..... A constructive hobby keeps one out of mischief and should be encouraged. Anyone learning about bikes and engine maintenance is acquiring extra skills, which can only be a benefit. So, maybe the problem is ensuring that youthful exuberance is channelled in the right direction by, for instance, joining an organised motorcycle club, or having some instruction in how to ride safely and legally. Come on then, Great Cornard, is there someone out there who would be willing and able to take on the task. Give me a ring at the Council Office on (01787) 373212.
Michael Fitt – Council Manager
|
|||||||||||||||
|
February 2006 27 Jan 2006. Planning issues have once again hit the headlines at Great Cornard. Parish Councillors were extremely upset to learn that land, originally designated as a Special Landscape Area in the Local Plan, had received the planning Inspector’s approval to build 170 homes east of Carsons Drive on the outskirts of Great Cornard. Local residents were therefore out in force at the Parish Council Meeting of 12th December. In the adjournment period, they made their feelings known to the councillors present. When the council meeting resumed, the following resolution was passed.
“This Parish Council objects most vigorously to the latest addition to the Local Plan of ‘Carsons Drive Field’ being used for housing at any density and to protect and maintain the S.L.A. around Great Cornard.”
A public meeting attended by officers from Babergh District Council and Parish Council members took place on 18th January 2006. Around 250 people packed the Stevenson Centre to hear Mike Hammond, Corporate Director and Rich Cooke, Acting Head of Planning Policy & Economic Development, give details of issues surrounding this land and details of the consultation process. Residents expressed their concern regarding inadequate infrastructure such as local roads, possible hospital closures and other medical facilities, and the loss of amenity, wild life and national heritage views. The officials were left in no doubt of the strong feelings within our community. A vote was taken at the end of the meeting and there was unanimous support for fighting these proposals. This was also the inaugural meeting of the Save Gainsborough Country Action Group and many people signed forms registering their support for this group.
The consultation period will run from Wednesday 18th January to Wednesday 1st March inclusive. If you wish to respond to this document, consultation forms are obtainable from the Parish Council Offices at the Stevenson Centre, Great Cornard or can be downloaded from the Babergh District Council website.
Frances Jackson – Councillor for Great Cornard South ___________________________________________________________________
27 Jan 2006. FACT, FICTION OR DAYLIGHT ROBBERY? To the ratepayers in the Parish of Great Cornard. This is the first year that I have had to prepare the village precept – or financial budget – for 2006/7. I have found it very interesting and some of the sums of money that we have to pay, quite frightening. There were some figures from the budget that I thought you may be interested in – or even shocked by. How much do you think we have to pay for the following items? (Only one price is correct).
1. A fitted street light? £500, £1,000, £1,100 2. A fitted dog waste bin? £50, £75, £100 3. A contract to empty the waste bins and dog bins per year? £1,000, £1,100, £1,500 4. Rates payable on the cemetery? £50, £100, £110 5. Water rates on the Allotments? £240, £290, £350 6. Children’s play area, 2 rung ladder, not fitted? £350, £400, £500 7. Children’s play area, bouncy turtle, not fitted? £500, £1,200, £2,000
The correct answers are: 1. £1,100 - 2. £100 - 3. £1,100 - 4. £110 - 5. £290 - 6. £400 - 7. £1,200 - Total £4,300
You will see just how quickly we can use our budget! This money is given to us by Babergh District Council but The Councils Audit, a national body who audits our accounts, is now recommending a general reserve of 25% to 40% (£40,000!) of our budget, which is a large amount of money to have on standby. So this year we have had to put our reserve up to £10,000.
Mrs Christina Baker - Vice-Chairman, Great Cornard Parish Council
|
|||||||||||||||
|
November 2005 25 Oct 2005. The protest march held in Sudbury on 10th September and organised by the Walnuttree Hospital Action Committee, was attended by most of our parish councillors. They joined MP Tim Yeo, Lord Phillips, the Mayor of Sudbury, other councillors, health workers, townspeople and many others from the surrounding areas. Councillors also attended a road show, organised by the Primary Care Trust and held at St. Peter’s Church, Sudbury, which enabled the public to answer questions about the proposed changes in health care.
The Primary Care Trust has produced a consultation document entitled ‘Modernising Healthcare in West Suffolk’ and the closing date of the consultation period has been extended to December 12th. It is vitally important for Great Cornard residents to respond to this document so that local views are known and there is still time to do so. A consultation pack, which includes advice sheet and s.a.e., can be obtained from Sudbury Town Hall. Members of the hospital action group will also be giving these packs out on Saturday mornings outside the Town Hall. The aims of the campaign, in which the Parish Council is involved, are to preserve existing and future health care in this area and not about preserving the bricks and mortar of the old Sudbury hospital buildings.
Turning to other matters, at the end of September the Parish Council completed the purchase of land in Great Cornard, known as Danes Hole. This land is between two areas of the Country Park that the Parish Council already own. The aim of this purchase is to increase the range of facilities and habitats for the benefit of local people and wildlife, thus enhancing the environmental value of this area. The Parish Council has set up a working party to re-assess the whole of the Country Park.
Two sports clubs in Great Cornard have benefited from grants from the personal locality budget of Suffolk Councillor and Parish Council Chairman, Peter Beer. Cornard Cricket Club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, is to put the award of £1,500 towards a new lawn mower and Cornard United FC Juniors have purchased a new set of goals with the £800 awarded to them. Mr. Beer has said he wishes to spend his locality budget on good causes that will benefit the people of Great Cornard.
At the September meeting of the Parish Council, it was formally agreed to the setting up of a Parish Council Benevolent Fund. Various fund-raising activities, such as car boot sales have taken place at the Stevenson Centre during the past year and formal arrangements were needed for the distribution of funds. Any funds held or distributed, however, do not form part of the Parish Council’s grants to the community.
Senior citizens of Great Cornard will benefit from this Benevolent Fund. The Parish Council is pleased to announce that there will be a Christmas Tea for all residents of Great Cornard who are over 60. It will be held at the Stevenson Centre on 6th December 2005 from 2pm to 4pm. Although it is not possible to provide transport for everyone, if there is a person with a particular difficulty of getting to the centre, help may be available. If you are a Great Cornard resident who would like to attend the Christmas Tea, please contact the Council Office, (Tel. 373212) so that your name can be added to the list.
Please also note that the minutes of Great Cornard Parish Council meetings are available at The Stevenson Centre, Stevenson Approach, Great Cornard or on an independently run website www.cornard.info
Frances Jackson - Councillor for Great Cornard South.
|
|||||||||||||||
|
August 2005 17 May 2005. A meeting was held to discuss the problems caused by vehicles parked by visitors to the Rugby Club and to find an acceptable way forward, pending the club's move to new premises. Several Parish Councillors, Rugby Club representatives, Suffolk Constabulary, Great Cornard Sports Centre and residents of Rugby Road attended the meeting. There was a full and frank exchange of views, during which all parties had the opportunity to speak and to state their point of view. The following action points were agreed:
Hopefully, these measures will bring about a satisfactory conclusion to a local issue that has troubled residents for many years.
10 July 2005. On a bright, sunny morning, councillors attended a service of thanksgiving in St. Andrews Church to commemorate VE/VJ Day. The salute was taken by Peter Beer, Chairman of Great Cornard Parish Council, as the Royal British Legion and the 1st Great Cornard Scouts paraded back to the Stevenson Centre where refreshments were then served to invited guests.
29 June 2005. Parish Councillors attended a meeting in St. Peter's Church, Sudbury, called by MP Tim Yeo, to discuss the proposed closures of inpatient/outpatient services at Walnut Tree and St. Leonard's Hospitals, Sudbury. The church was packed with people from all over the Sudbury area. Feelings were high as the audience heckled and jeered the executives from the Suffolkwest Primary Care Trust and the West Suffolk Hospital Trust. The executives said that the Walnut Tree wards would close and all outpatient services in Sudbury would be centralised at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds. There was anger and disbelief at these decisions as they came only seven months after Walnut Tree Hospital had been reprieved last year. However, the audience were told that no final decision had yet been made and there would be a twelve week consultation period. The audience were given forms to send to Patricia Hewitt, the Health Secretary, and many signed a petition.
11 July 2005. The hospital closures were again discussed at the Parish Council Meeting. Councillors expressed great concern about the proposed closure of all community beds and outpatient services in Sudbury. It was felt that Great Cornard should be represented on the Hospital Action Group and Councillors Frances Jackson and Martin Fryer were nominated to represent the Parish Council. It is hoped that residents will help the campaign in whatever way they can in order to keep essential health services in the Sudbury area.
Frances Jackson - Councillor for Great Cornard South.
|
|||||||||||||||
|
May 2005 Great Cornard Parish Council consists of 14 councillors, 7 for the South Ward - Peter Beer(C), Humphrey Todd(C), John Sayers(C), Tina Baker(C), Frances Jackson(C), David Thomas(C), Robert Sims(C) and 7 for the North Ward - Carol Beer(C), Martin Fryer(C), Tony Bavington(L), Wil Gibson(L), Neil MacMaster(L), Pam White(L), Derek Allen(UKIP). The Parish Councillors are unpaid and come from a variety of backgrounds and hold different beliefs. The one thing that unites them is their wish to serve the community. They hold office for four years and then have to stand for re-election. [ Click here to view the List of Parish Councillors ]
There are usually two council meetings per month; the second week of each month is for the full council meeting plus a planning meeting, and the fourth week of each month is for committee meetings. [ Click here to view the Calendar of Meetings ] The three committees are Development and Planning, Recreation and Leisure and Policies and Finance. Residents from Great Cornard can attend these meetings at the Stevenson Centre. There is a fifteen-minute adjournment for the public to ask questions at the full council meeting. [ Click here to view the Parish Council Minutes ]
The Parish Council Manager is Michael Fitt and the Clerical Assistant is Nadine Tamlyn. Both are based at The Stevenson Centre, Stevenson Approach, Great Cornard and can be contacted on (01787) 373212. If a resident has a concern that needs to be raised at a meeting, a letter needs to be sent to the council at least 7 days before the meeting.
The Parish Council hopes that this column will become a regular feature in the Cornard News, as it is a way to keep residents better informed of events in our village. I have been asked to write the reports and hope that residents will find them informative.
Frances Jackson - Councillor for Great Cornard South.
|
|||||||||||||||