Chairmans Report
Chairman : Dudley White Clerk : John Theobald
Parish Newsletter – issue 27
Year ending 31 st March 2025
The year has been the year of change, from start to finish on July
4 th we had a new government put in place after many years of
Conservative control. The new Labour government came in with the
theme of change, particularly around local government. This has
already unsettled many of those involved at District and County
level and it will be interesting down to Parish level how these
changes might be affected.
Running through the items that we discuss , planning has been
very quiet in the past year,with again conversions or extensions
being the busiest areas , it is noticeable that where new builds have
been agreed there has been little building going on with developers
holding onto the plots for the future perhaps uncertain of the future
market potential . Unlike most villages around us where new builds
are popping up everywhere, a concern for many as they are often
not being supported by the services required.
Highways always on the agenda ,this year has again seen potholes
being mentioned but it must be pointed out that the majority in the
Parish have now been filled and it is not the problem it was BUT
you cannot mention highways without being concerned with
Anglian Water , who seem to be ,not just around Woodditton ,but
everywhere you go digging up the roads with leakages and repairs
, which is becoming a major concern .Our play areas have all been
recently updated and repaired where needed, and we thank Hannah
and Terry for the work and attention that they put in to keeping
them clean and tidy. The Saxon Street play area is still under
review, waiting for the work to the entrance to be done. We have
replaced the bench in Ditton Green and tided up around the bus
stop area just before the corner. As requested, a new waste/dog bin
has been put on the corner of Maypole Lane. We thank Pavel for the
work done on the biodiversity project in the Jubilee play area,
which is really starting to take shape, most of the trees taking, and
the whole plan is now visibly eye catching. We have supported The
Granary Barns, part funding the placement of another defibrillator
making a total of five now within the Parish, that is approx. one per
400 residents. Thanks also go to Terry Webb who does such a
good job updating the Parish website, a vital link of communication
these days.
The Woodditton Community group continued the good work being
done around the village featuring litter picking , quiz nights , Xmas
party but the highlight of 2024 was the Ditton Fest Music festival
held at the Granary which was a great success .The Kiosk/Libraries
continue to be well used ,and we thank Terry Webb ( Saxon Street )
and Jules Armour ( Ditton Green ) for the work in each . We are
aware that repairs are needed and again we are waiting for the
work, that has been agreed is, completed. Finally, we are delighted
to report that we have not needed to increase our precept from the
County Council, for the FIFTH year running, thanks mainly to the
support given by the Parish Councillors for any issues raised. WE
thank Alan Sharp and James Lay for their continued support at
both District and County level.
Parish Council meetings take place on the third Thursday of every
month (except December) in the Methodist Hall in Saxon Street, all
members of the press and public are welcome to attend to view
their concerns and thoughts. There are several vacancies on the
council which we are looking to fill, so anyone wishing to be
considered should contact the Parish Clerk or a local Councillor.
And lastly, this year's report would not be complete without
mentioning the sad loss through ill health of our long serving Clerk,
Mr John Theobald. He served the Parish for 23 three years as clerk,
bringing an always honest and fair opinion to his role. He will be
missed by everyone who knew him, A GENTLEMAN.
Promoting democracy & citizenship
1 The Council encourages public participation at its meetings,by a standing order of 18/10/07 there is a Public Forum (max 15 minutes ) at each meeting. This is included in the Agendas ,publicised on 6 noticeboards and in the Minutes.
2 .The Council seeks out the views of all parishioners. Examples are :
The Parish Plan Questionnaire in2006 delivered to 775 households ,followed up by personal visits so 46% were completed ,and formed a basis for the Parish Plan.
A flyer similarly delivered asking for the preferences of young people for the uses of the new Amenity Field.
A flyer similarly distributed about the Opening Event of the Amenity Field on 22/5/10.
An Annual newsletter to all households giving a report of the achievements of the year, the accounts and Councillor contact details.
3 Councillors have contacts with local residents and discuss local issues.Also with a Residents Association ,local school and a large landowner and employer, DARLEY STUDS, whose activities have a big impact on the area.
4 The Council advertises the services and activities of the District and County Councils.
5 The Council seeks out new members to replace retiring ones.
All vacancies ,elections, nominations and contacts are advertised throughout the parish.
6 The Parish is split into 3 separate geographical parts, and the Council tries to achieve fair and equal representation for each part.
7 The Council supports local active groups (see list in Communication), and makes grants to organisations which
provide services to residents, eg Ellesmere Community Centre, Newmarket Day Centre, Dial-a Ride, Citizens Advice Bureau.
2 .The Council seeks out the views of all parishioners. Examples are :
The Parish Plan Questionnaire in2006 delivered to 775 households ,followed up by personal visits so 46% were completed ,and formed a basis for the Parish Plan.
A flyer similarly delivered asking for the preferences of young people for the uses of the new Amenity Field.
A flyer similarly distributed about the Opening Event of the Amenity Field on 22/5/10.
An Annual newsletter to all households giving a report of the achievements of the year, the accounts and Councillor contact details.
3 Councillors have contacts with local residents and discuss local issues.Also with a Residents Association ,local school and a large landowner and employer, DARLEY STUDS, whose activities have a big impact on the area.
4 The Council advertises the services and activities of the District and County Councils.
5 The Council seeks out new members to replace retiring ones.
All vacancies ,elections, nominations and contacts are advertised throughout the parish.
6 The Parish is split into 3 separate geographical parts, and the Council tries to achieve fair and equal representation for each part.
7 The Council supports local active groups (see list in Communication), and makes grants to organisations which
provide services to residents, eg Ellesmere Community Centre, Newmarket Day Centre, Dial-a Ride, Citizens Advice Bureau.