Copdock and Washbrook
Parish Council
Parish Council
Parish Council
We are delighted to read and hear that so many residents are enjoying easier walks around the village due to new gates being in place!
The stockproof gates replace stiles mainly on the Washbrook side of the village as this is where the majority of stiles were; the map shows the new gates marked on it.
By way of a reminder, residents can still sponsor /donate a gate and have an inscribed plaque with wording of their choice fixed to it in memory of family members or loved ones. Any residents wishing to explore this further should contact Sue Frankis at clerk@copdockandwashbrook.org or on 07859 055699.
We remain grateful to the relevant landowners for their support and cooperation on this, the PRoW team at Suffolk County Council who have made a contribution to the cost, and, of course, Matt Green who has done another wonderful job on behalf of us all.
We will continue to look for further opportunities to improve the ability of residents to access and enjoy the beautiful countryside surrounding our village and, again, know that everyone will respect the land they cross, maintain livestock security and keep their dogs firmly under control at all times.
Message to Town and Parish clerks sent on behalf of Chief Executive Arthur Charvonia
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MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL HIGHWAYS: We are writing to tell you that we plan to carry out maintenance work on the A14 eastbound between junction 52 and 55. This maintenance work includes resurfacing, bridge joint repairs, patching works and technology works. When we’ve finished this work, you’ll have a safer, smoother road with clearer markings. A well‑maintained bridge that stays safe and reliable, and technology that helps us manage traffic and keep journeys moving.
The Parish Council is aware of one or two incidents in the local area where burglars have targeted sheds or outbuildings. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and review their own home security arrangements, particularly in relation to valuable items stored in outbuildings.
The Parish Council is aware of one or two recent posts on village social media regarding sightings of Brockley Wood (BW) HGV's where they shouldn't be. As previously communicated via this website and our Facebook page, residents are encouraged to report any suspected HGV violations via the Vehicle Report Form on the front page of the BW site - https://brockleywood.co.uk. The form is very simple to complete and submit - registration numbers are not mandatory but obviously helpful together with dates, times, locations and photos. These reports will automatically be copied to the Parish Council so that we can follow through with BW management and ensure that they are resolved satisfactorily and repetitions avoided.
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The Parish Council is pleased to advise residents that for the third consecutive year, we gave agreed to freeze the parish element of the council tax, meaning there will be a 0% increase in your Parish Council tax bill for the coming year.
The Parish Council represented the community at the inaugural meeting of the Brockley Wood Venture Community Liaison Group on 18th December 2025. In general, the meeting was conducted in an open manner with all parties committing themselves to building constructive and transparent working relationships. With regards to the site, the priority continues to be the construction of internal access and haul roads. The site will not be fully operational until at least late 2026 which means that HGV movements have been relatively light and will only increase gradually over the coming months until the site becomes fully operational. Any suspected HGV violations on the Old London Road / Swan Hill should be reported via the Brockley Wood Venture (BWV) website - www.brockleywood.co.uk These reports will automatically be copied to the Parish Council so that we can ensure they are resolved satisfactorily. BWV's own fleet consists of either Ipswich Grab Hire or TARS HGV's but they also engage other independent contractors. Whilst these will not be specifically marked, they will be very similar quarry type vehicles and BMV are encouraging all to report suspected transgressions if in doubt so that they can manage and regulate their own Lorry Route Management commitments accordingly.
Message sent on behalf of Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council leader, and Cllr John Ward, Babergh District Council leader
Message sent on behalf of Cllr Matthew Hicks and Nicola Beach
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