Needham Parish Council

A meeting of Parish Councillors was held by Zoom on Monday 29 March. James

Macmillan was unanimously voted onto the Parish Council to fill the casual vacancy that had arisen.

The Parish Council had received complaints from several residents they had been asked by County Broadband to pay for the fibre connection to their home that was always understood would be free. Some of these charges were considerable. County Broadband were therefore asked: why had these charges been levied; would there be further charges to bring cable into the home; and who benefits from the Gigabit Voucher Scheme?

It has taken a lot of persistent questioning but County Broadband eventually supplied the following information: they provide a ‘standard’ installation that includes 15 metres buried fibre cable in soft ground and an additional 2 metres in hard ground or 55 metres overhead cable. Anything above that incurs a charge. However, County Broadband informed us they have recently improved their rates.

Of the 37 customers they have written to 9 are subject to excess installation costs. Five of these are overhead and will receive a reduced rate and three will be free. The Gigabit scheme is designed to cover the cost of a ‘standard’ installation. However, excess installation fees are still chargeable. It was confirmed that the whether free or charged for, there is no further fee for bringing cable into the house.

It was disappointing to learn that, despite assurances that every house in the parish could be connected, County Broadband have decided that some outlying properties will not now have that option.

County Broadband was left under no illusion that their manner created considerable ill feeling in the village. However, our approach to them seems to have made them change their attitude and any residents that turned down the option of being connected due to the charges being levied are urged to contact County Broadband to agree revised rates.

In other discussions it was reported that eight fruit trees have now been planted at the Nook. Also, the swing has received a safety check and can be used and the goal posts are complete.

A suggestion received that the Parish Council should organise a litter pick was warmly supported. Details of a date and a request for volunteers will appear in a future edition of the Link once the Covid restrictions have been lifted.

During lockdown Councillors have been able to meet successfully through Zoom due to legislation that was passed to allow this. This temporary legislation ends on 7 May. It was therefore decided to bring forward the date of the next meeting and the Annual Parish Meeting to Wednesday 28 April in order that it can again be held by Zoom.

Andrew Major, Chairman