Gunton

Residents Association - The lack of any movement over the Wissett Way pond project was a major issue at Tuesday's Gunton Estate Tenants and Residents Association meeting. Held at the estate's Community Hall in Hollingsworth Road, concern grew over the fact that little had happened since its clearance last year. The water level has returned, but not as much as had been expected. No-one as yet has been able to take on the mantel of John Ellerby, whose input was greatly missed; the volunteer group and the newsletter have all but disappeared. Indeed, the Wissett Road notice board has had no new posters on it for some time. Only one volunteer remained, Trevor Rix, who is a keen and dedicated supporter of the pond becoming an essential part of the local community. Things were not helped on Tuesday evening with the absence of Ben Ablett from Waveney District Council's Community Development team, who was unable to make the meeting; however he had sent a report which was read out by the secretary. Ben confirmed that �3,500 still remained from the Lowestoft Together grant which was now looked after by Suffolk County Council, and which had been earmarked for landscaping or fencing. Plants were also needed to re-oxygenate the water. But the problem remained the lack of volunteers. Despite this, the Council had as yet not contacted Trevor, who also complained that the Lowestoft Together-funded bins had not been emptied for some time. Finally, it was suggested that, as it was a community project, the Gunton Community Partnership should arrange a meeting of interested parties possibly at the Community Hall.

A report was then given on the Hollingsworth Road roadworks and maintenance; apart from the junction with Montgomery Avenue and Harris Avenue, there had not been too many problems with the repairs so far. As there were only two weeks to go before resurfacing starts, Councillor Malcolm Cherry raised worries whether they might not be finished on time. There had been notable repair to the old road - a hole had been found in front of the shop forecourt, but apart from this and one or two minor repairs, it was admitted the sixty-year-old concrete road had fared well over the years. Following a query by a resident from Peddars Way, the community was reminded that other than a dedicated cycle-track, riding on the pavement was still an offence. Dreamworx was now organising youth work from St Benedict's church every Thursday night. Members of the project were invited to the recent Hay Rake on the Community Park. Support for the new Dreamworx project was voiced by Councillor Cherry, saying that he supported anything in favour of helping the community's young people.

No report was forthcoming from the Friends of Gunton Community Park, however Councillor John Fryers gave a report on the Park's Woodland project's Hay Rake in August which was very successful and an enjoyable day out. Ian Robb thanked Councillor Cherry who in return said he was pleased to be involved. Long may the Park continue, he concluded. Some 200 bluebells had been ordered for the new year, it was reported, and Ashley School will be looking after them for the present. Councillor Widdowson agreed with Councillor Cherry in his encouragement of youngsters to get involved with the Community Park.

The next Tenants and Residents Association meeting will be at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 8 December at the estate's Community Hall; contact 01502 564601 for more details. Ben Ablett, Waveney District Council Community Development support officer can be contacted on 01502 523184. Wissett Way pond volunteer Trevor Rix can be contacted on 01502 587166 after 5 pm.

Give and Takeaway Day - Members of the Gunton Community Partnership are holding a 'Make a Difference' Give and Takeaway Day tomorrow, Saturday, 17 October, at the Gunton Community Hall and at Signpost Gunton Baptist Church opposite on the corner of Montgomery Avenue and Hollingsworth Road, from 10 am to 1 pm. A chance to get rid of things you do not want or to pick up something you do - and all for free. Items include household and garden, books, videos, cassettes, tools, kitchenware, toys, plants and furniture - anything that is reusable. Sorry, no electrical items nor paint or chemicals. For more details, or if you need a large item collected, contact Signpost Gunton on 01502 537798.