Annual Parish Council Meeting

Our annual Parish Council meeting was held on 26 May in the large committee room.

One of the first items on the agenda was the election of a new Chair, Councillor John Mullan was proposed and accepted the post, Councillor Richard Wrinch remains as Vice Chair. P.C. John Campbell reported on two crimes committed in April, a theft from Orwell View road and Criminal damage in Lloyd Road and it was noted that Garden sheds and garages were becoming the latest targets for thieves, as they are generally poorly protected.

Shotley Parish Council has had a good year, albeit a very busy one with Bathside Bay and the proposed Ganges development featuring heavily in most meetings. Assets have grown, with the acquisition of a new playing field and equipment. We have appointed a dedicated financial officer. The precept this year has been set lower than last year. The council continues to develop the notion of being a 'generous council' maintaining our present approach to Section 137 payments to worthy causes within the Parish. Allotment rents will rise slightly for the first time in many years, to £5.00 for a full size 'patch' with a reduction of 25% for the over 60's.

The Ganges site was again discussed with Councillor Steel informing the meeting that Babergh planning officers had recommended that the application for from Haylink be rejected, and reminding the council of the meeting on June the 8th at 9.30 in the village hall for Babergh Councillors to discuss the application, Councillor Steel will present the Parish Councils views. District Councillor Penny Clarke spoke, saying that she felt the document rejecting the application was thoughtful and carefully reasoned and gave much consideration to all the relevant issues that Shotley Parish Council has had concerns with.

The position of Parish clerk has become vacant and the advert has now been placed locally in the fist instance.