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.
Can you spare an hour or two each month to help keep vehicle speeds down in our village?
National Highways plan to carry out resurfacing work on the A14 eastbound between junctions 55 and 56 for Copdock. Once complete, drivers should benefit from a safer and better-defined road surface.
Suffolk County Council has contacted the Parish Council to advise that Washbrook Footpath 15 has been closed following a review of the bridge by a qualified person on behalf of Suffolk County Council (SCC) organised by their County Farms team in line with SCC being the owners of the land. Notices confirming this closure and the diversion route via the Public Rights of Way network and Footway along London Road will be posted on site as soon as possible. A full structural survey will now be completed for the structure to identify the best means of remedial works.
MESSAGE FROM ANGLIAN WATER
Our thanks to Will Moser and team for doing their usual great job on the Back Lane verges which will hopefully make walks to school/ pub/elsewhere that little bit less hazardous.
The Parish Council has been forced to review the provision of normal and dog waste bins throughout the parish as a result of Babergh District Council increasing their charges by over 30%.
Following on from our facebook post last week, it became apparent that a number of routes had also not been cut. The Parish Council is nevertheless pleased to advise that we have been able to get Suffolk County Council to address this properly and all routes should be clear.
National Grid recently launched a new community grant scheme for parishes along and close to the Bramford to Twinstead pylon run. The window for this grant is now open. Details can be found here:
Residents will know that an upgrade to the Mill Lane play area is a Parish Council priority for this year and we wish to involve as wide a group as possible in its design. As part of this parents and children from Copdock Primary school and pre-school will have the chance today to see the different layouts and equipment proposed by the four companies approached and provide feedback that will help us optimise whatever design and configuration we go with.
Read more on MILL LANE PLAY AREA PRIMARY/PRE-SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT SESSION
The Parish Council is delighted to support this initiative being led by allotment holders within the village. The intent is to encourage and promote locally grown produce, sustainability and the mental health benefits of the great outdoors by transforming our shared spaces into thriving edible landscapes. From organic vegetables, herbs and edible flowers in our public areas, to community-led input on growing and cooking, the aim is to make locally grown food fun, accessible, and inclusive.