Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all residents from all the Councillors and Staff of Melton Parish Council.
I am sure 2025 will bring about many challenges but I know that with the support of the residents and the great team we have at Melton Parish Council, we will meet each one with professionalism and determination. I hope you have a peaceful start to the New Year, and I hope I get a chance to meet many more of you as we meet up to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan and other issues. My thanks to all of you who have stopped me in the street, written to me or been in touch in some other way to give your views. Everyone’s view is valid, whether it is a common concept or not. From those who have a diverse view, we learn alternatives. So do make your points known.
November is the month for remembrance, of all those lost in the many wars since 1914. I was proud to represent the Village at the Memorial Service held at St Andrews. With Cllr Chas Taylor, we laid a wreath on behalf of the Council.
I always find these services moving. The daughter of a veteran from the Second World War, I can’t help but reflect on the difficulties my Dad and his comrades faced during those difficult times. Dad was in the RAF, having escaped as a POW from Romania via Beirut and France, whilst serving for the Polish Air Force. He was engaged in both the Battle of Britain and in the D Day Landings. Those dark days left its mark on his mental health, as it did for many. But as was his way, he worked stoically with many of his compatriots on building power stations in the UK as part of the countries rebuilding programme. They were long hours and very dangerous work in those days. Working 7 days a week, I rarely got to see him when I was small, but I’m honoured to say that as he got older, and worked less, I got to know the man behind the face a little better.
East Suffolk Council are looking for volunteer members for the new Youth Council. There will be at least two representatives from every secondary school, plus they are looking for representatives for those who are home schooled. Members will be able to represent both their school and their local community. If you know a teenager who might be interested, please point this out to them. More information is available from emailing the civic.secretary@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or by looking at the East Suffolk Website.
Congratulations to the residents of Melton Park near St Audreys Golf Course who have been successful in having the Asset Community Value status extended for the Bowling Green. This doesn’t mean the land won’t be developed but it does make it more problematic. This green space was originally the bowling club for St Audrys Hospital. Unfortunately, it hasn’t operated as a bowling green for several years, but it has become a haven for wildlife in the area. As we face the challenge of updating the Neighbourhood Plan, we hope to be able to protect some of these village gems from the developers’ spades. This includes St Audrys Sports and Social Club, which is also up for sale.
A recent accident on the A12 saw the Police diverting traffic down Saddlemakers Lane, blocking access for many users, including those trying to access their homes, the Deben Community Farm and other premises. Quite frankly the situation rapidly became dangerous and chaotic. Saddlemakers Lane is unsuitable for heavy traffic. The narrowness of the road and the bends make it dangerous for those who routinely walk or cycle along that road. A few years ago we were able to get the roads leading off Saddlemakers Lane designated as ‘Quiet lanes’, so all users know that the road is shared with pedestrians, bikes and horses. However, without a step change to the layout of Saddlemakers Lane, trying to get it designated as a Quiet Lane seemed to be adding fuel to an already glowing fire. Representatives from the Parish Council, County Council and Highways met recently to discuss the problems being experienced and what might be done to improve safety for users. One suggestion would be making Saddlemakers Lane a ‘No Through Road’. This would probably make the road safer for pedestrians and mean cyclists wanting to access the new cycle lanes on the A12 would have a safer route to use rather than Woods Lane, but we expect some would find this suggestion unpalatable. Certainly, no change will be contemplated until local residents and, in particular the people who live there, have been consulted.
If you have a view, do let me know. You can contact me either through the office or on my councillor email, cllr.gradwell@melton-suffolk-pc.gov.uk
On the 5th November, it was my great honour to officiate over a brief memorial service for Keith Stebbings, our former Groundsmen. Keith, a long-term resident of Melton, retired several years ago. He was the traditional ‘Park Keeper’, locking the gates to the grounds daily and making sure children playing on the roof of the old Pavilion were ‘escorted to safety’. Thank you, Keith for your service to the village. It was very much appreciated.
