Needham Parish Council

Needham Parish Council

The Annual Meeting of Needham Parish Council was held at the Village Hall on the evening of Monday 20 May.   In my annual report I was able to record that we have maintained a full programme of meetings with a full complement of Parish Councillors.

The year started memorably with celebrations to commemorate the Queens Diamond Jubilee.  In recognition of an event that will not occur again for many generations the Parish Council contributed funds for commemorative mugs.  

It was noted that two issues repeatedly raised at Parish Council meetings are the problems of speeding and of dog fouling.  I was happy to report that a Speed Awareness Machine, or SAM, is being loaned to Needham by South Norfolk Council for two weeks from the 4^th July, and I am grateful to those who have volunteered to help operate this.

Also, a strong message went out by courtesy of The Link asking dog owners to clear up after their dog has fouled the pavement, but sadly, the problem persists.  It is regrettable that a problem that offends the whole community can be created by such a small minority.

Also, during the very wet winter parishioners have approached the Parish Council for assistance with problems of flooding in the High Road.  Persistence has been rewarded as work has now been carried out to renew the drain and culvert below the High Road where flooding had repeatedly extended across the entire road.  In other respects however, we can only advise residents of their responsibility to keep drainage ditches clear.

The Parish Council continues to be represented on the Needham Village Hall Committee, and also on the Townslands Trust.

The Chairman’s report was followed by reports from our District and County Councillors, Jenny and Martin Wilby.  Helen Major reported on the publication of the Link, with a request for contributions of news items or articles about the village.  George Miller reported on the activities of the Village Hall Committee and of the Friends of St Peters.  I was happy to thank Jenny and Martin for their continued support.

The Annual Meeting was followed by the Parish Council Meeting, at which I was re-elected as Chairman.  The next Parish Council Meeting will be held at 7.30 on Monday 29^th July in the Village Hall.

Andrew Major: Chairman