Carlton Colville

Parish council - The main meeting for July was held on Wednesday, July 29 at 6.45 pm at the Methodist Church Hall at Shaw Avenue. Present were Parish Councillors Terry Fleet, (Chairman), Julie Hall, Derek Fletcher, Jose Bamonde, Maureen Duckworth and Andy Lawer, and in attendance were County Cllr Kathy Gosling, Sandra Ward from the Transport Museum and residents from Carlton Colville. There were no declarations of interest. The following reports were received:

Crime report: The police sent a written report for July. Crime figures were as follows: five domestic incidents, five incidents of criminal damage, three incidents of burglary, one of driving with excess alcohol, one of possession of class A drug, three of theft, one of minor wound without intent, one of section five public order, one of assault. There was a total of 21 crimes, this being a reduction on 34 for the same period last year. There have been two Police Street Meets during July, one on Chaulkers Crescent and one in Rounces Lane both of which were attended by the chief constable. Both meetings were well received by members of the public.

Dementia Centre: County councillor Kathy Gosling reported that she currently serves on three committees which include vulnerable adults and older persons, and children's services involving family carers and social carers. Councillor Gosling went on to say that there will be a new dementia centre opening at Carlton Court, and that this will be for the study of what appear to be early stages of dementia. The centre will cost in the region of 1.8 million pounds.

East Anglia Transport Museum: Sandra Ward gave the following report from the museum: The museum is having a busy season. This is possibly due to more people taking holidays, short breaks or days out nearer home. The Bus Day was well supported and as the weather improved during the day the flow of visitors increased. Season tickets are being well used, especially by families. There seems to be a growing number of local visitors walking or cycling to the museum. Many schools and other organisations were given vouchers to be used as raffle prizes at their summer fetes. Articles and photographs on 'Tar, Sweat and Steam' were in the EDP on July 3 and in both the Lowestoft Journal and the Waveney Advertiser on July 10. The SOLD workforce has visited the museum to see the living van. Work progresses in vehicle restoration projects, improvements and ongoing maintenance. The last event of 2009 is Trolleybus Weekend on September 12 and 13.

Primary School: Residents in the neighbourhood of Carlton Colville Primary School reported concerns about the use of one of the wooden buildings in the playground which is being used as a gathering place for young people out of school hours.

Standards Committee: Councillor Bamonde reported that the Standards Committee was looking to improve standards for all councillors at different levels of local government.

Correspondence: Correspondence received included the following: Confirmation had been received from Suffolk County Council that there would not be a new road built between Gisleham School and Secrets Corner. The widening of the footpath within the adjoining field was being considered. Notification of Badger Building's appeal against refusal of planning permission at Chapel Road had been received. Further correspondence had been received from the residents of Ullswater about site meetings that had been held there about heavy construction traffic. Suggestions had been received that, due to length of legal requirements, the bus shelter planned for The Street to be located at The Mardle should be placed beside the current bus stop. Loose branches at Chapel Road had been reported. Overgrown bushes at Castleton Avenue had been reported and had been subsequently attended to. A request had been received from residents at Grove Road for a traffic warning sign at the entrance to footpath 9a. Deacon Ian had enquired about whether the parish council would need a room at the proposed community centre. Members considered that the parish council would like to hold surgeries there but that as the parish council has an opportunity to have a dedicated room it would continue with its original plans this at the community centre at Hall Road. Notices had been received from Age Concern requesting good quality clothing, books, and bric-a-brac, and also clothing and textiles for recycling. Contact 01473 359911 for details and anybody interested in fundraising for Age Concern can contact the same number.

Other matters: Other matters discussed were as follows: It was proposed to combine a Christmas Carol Service with a craft market. Dates being considered were November 28 or December 5. The idea of a summer fete was discussed. A working team would be set up. Ideas included a show case for local businesses, bouncy castle, stalls and fete and live music and demonstrations. It was reported that signs indicating speed reduction to 30 mph at the approach to Chapel Road roundabout at Beccles road were still not in place and the speed of traffic was creating a dangerous situation. A notice indicating a concealed entrance was suggested for vehicles needing to turn off onto the lay by that had been the main road previous to the roundabout being built. Residents described the dangerous situation that had arisen when a car had recently crashed into a gas pipe there. Police had requested suggestions for use of funds. It was proposed that funding should be requested for an outreach youth worker for Carlton Colville. The meeting closed at 10pm and the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 30 at 6.45 pm again at the Methodist Church Hall.