Parish council - A meeting of the Ashby, Somerleyton and Herringfleet Parish Council was held on July 2.Crime: Sue Kershaw, police community support officer, stated that criminal damage in Somerleyton and the theft of a wheelie bin in Herringfleet had been reported in May.

Parish council - A meeting of the Ashby, Somerleyton and Herringfleet Parish Council was held on July 2.

Crime: Sue Kershaw, police community support officer, stated that criminal damage in Somerleyton and the theft of a wheelie bin in Herringfleet had been reported in May. No crimes were recorded in the area for June. Extra police cones had been placed along The Street for the Somerleyton school fete. This encouraged more vehicles to pay the �1 fee for the official car park. Traffic congestion in the village was therefore reduced this year. Unfortunately CPSO Kershaw had to replace some of the cones which someone had used during the early hours of Saturday morning to block off the entrance to The Street from the B1074. The Post Office apparently felt that the restrictions had been put in place too early. This was resolved when they were allowed to move them for their convenience. The damage to Station Road now seems resolved. A letter to Network Rail has been acknowledged but no reply had been received. The road is wide enough for a car to drive down. It was felt that the Highways Department were unlikely to do anything further.

The parish council had complained about the muddy condition left by an agricultural contactor in Green Lane. This has been cleared. No response had been received regarding the condition of Sandy Lane and Waddling Way.

Damage: The Somerleyton Estate considered that Network Rail should repair damage caused by their vehicles. However, the estate volunteered to level the surface and dig out the ditches. A letter is to be sent to say thank you for this work and to request that the Parish Council be alerted if further damage occurs so action can be taken earlier.

Volunteer group: A group of volunteers is to cut away some of the vegetation from the walls of the second brick kiln, making it possible to assess what further conservation work is needed. The memorial seat remains covered in moss and algae due to its shaded position. An expert recommended various cleaning compounds. However, the real solution would seem to be to move the seat to a more suitable location. Suggestions are being sought from residents.

Fly tipping: Fly tipping at The Jam continues to be a problem. It is now thought that a notice would prove unsightly. CPSO Kershaw offered to keep an eye on the area.

Funds raised: Sufficient funds have now been raised to purchase the stone for the hovercraft celebratory column. Hopefully this will be ordered soon and construction work begun.

Speed signs: The Somerleyton Estate sent a letter to the Highways Department voicing concern that the 30mph limit signs have not been moved. They are reluctant to repair the hole in the perimeter wall if it is likely to be knocked down again. The parish council is to request that the sign on the Herringfleet side of the village be moved back beyond White House Farm. As an interim measure a request is to be made for larger chevrons to be displayed on the corner before the wall. A letter is to be sent to the Estate expressing concern at the state and safety of the rest of the wall, especially where it has collapsed in the centre of the village.

Litter: The litter pick-up in April was well supported. The village barn dance in May proved successful. Money raised will go to parish council funds and will be used for further events and projects within the village. The open gardens event in June also went very well with 243 people attending. The proceeds are to go to the Ashby, Somerleyton and Herringfleet Church funds. The minutes for the meeting can be found on www.onesuffolk.gco.uk/parishcouncils The next meeting will take place on November 4, at 7.15pm, in the village hall.

Club Uniquity - This takes place this evening in the Duke's Head barn with music from 8pm. Guests include Harvest, Sam and Daisy, Peter Applegate, Foster Kids and Alan Bates. Admission is free.

Somerleyton Hall - Will be hosting Art in the Gardens on Sunday with exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations and an exhibition by the members of the Lowestoft Arts Centre. Standard admission rates apply.

Jazz music - The Water Rats Jazz Band makes a welcome return to the Duke's Head starting at 7pm on Sunday.

Church services - On Sunday a service of holy communion will be held at 9.30am, in St Margaret's Church, Herringfleet and a family baptism service will be held at 11am, in St Mary's Church, Somerleyton.