Minutes of Eye Annual Town Meeting held in the Town Hall

Main Hall on Wednesday 14 May 2008 at 7.30pm

 

PRESENT: Guy McGregor (County Councillor) Charles Flatman (District Councillor) together with 13 Town Councillors, The Town Clerk and 19 members of the public. Total 35 (as per attendance sheet).

1. TOWN MAYOR TO WELCOME THOSE PRESENT

In opening the meeting, The Town Mayor, Councillor David Thorndyke welcomed those present to the Annual Town Meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Councillor Colin Ribchester & Father Andrew Mitcham.

3. POLICE REPORT

PCSO Pam Morgan attended the Meeting and gave a Mid Suffolk North Safer Neighbourhood Team Performance Report for the year April 2007 – March 2008. Total crime showed a reduction of 21% with burglary dwelling, burglary other building, violence against persons and vehicle crimes all reduced. Criminal damage increased by 1% although this occurred due to an unprecedented 15 events in Eye on one evening when green paint was sprayed around the town. All of these offences were detected. It was noted that the Mid Suffolk North Area figures cover Wattisfield to Weybread and The Thornhams to Monk Soham.

PCSO Morgan said that the Police continue to work within the community to ensure residents a better quality of life and to reduce crime and fear of crime by high profile visible patrolling.

The Mayor, on behalf of the Town Council extended his gratitude to the Police for their valuable work, attendance at Council Meetings, liaison with the Town Council and visible police presence in the town.

4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – (01.05.07)

Acceptance was proposed by Cllr Alan Cooper, seconded by Cllr Sara Michell and carried.

5. MATTERS ARISING

Page 1 Resident Peter Hawkins sought reassurance that the suggested bus stop outside the Bakers in Broad Street would not be going ahead. The Mayor confirmed that the County Councillor had promised that these plans would be dropped following local opposition to the idea.

6. REPORT BY COUNTY COUNCILLOR - G. McGREGOR ESQ

Cllr Guy McGregor began by stating that he frequently attended Town Council Meetings to report on County Council matters of interest to resident in Eye. He said that Council Tax was an important issue for most people – this year it had increased by 3.7%. Suffolk is the only County Council in the eastern region to be awarded four stars and offers real value for money. Cllr McGregor said that much talk had surrounded the appointment of the new Chief Executive at a salary of over £200,000 however; he believed this to be a wise investment ensuring Suffolk secured the services of a well qualified professional. The Boundary Committee Review of Local Government had seen the County and Mid Suffolk District Council joining forces to propose a One Suffolk Authority for Suffolk. In conclusion, Cllr McGregor explained that he was the Chairman of the Regional Transport Portfolio Group and said it was a privilege to represent Eye and High Suffolk residents as their County Councillor.

Resident Peter Hawkins asked whether a proposed central bus stop would not now go ahead following opposition to its siting outside the Bakers in Broad Street. Cllr McGregor said there was a possibility one could be situated near the Social Care Services in Cross Street although this would need careful investigation. He explained that real time information had commenced on buses servicing Eye and shortly there would be an increase in buses from Stradbroke to Diss.

Cllr Flatman asked a question regarding the running of local buses. Cllr McGregor said it was important to provide services to customers particularly in a rural community and therefore the County Council ran subsidised services.

7. REPORT BY DISTRICT COUNCILLOR - C. FLATMAN ESQ

Cllr Flatman said that as District Councillor he reported at every Town Council Meeting throughout the year. He stated that Central Government had looked at all District Councils and Mid Suffolk had come out top for efficiency. The District Council had submitted a plea to Government for funding towards building affordable homes in Mid Suffolk and had been awarded two million pounds. In future Housing Association tenants are to play a bigger part into how their estates are run. The SnOasis Planning Application which the District Council had supported as being beneficial for the area is set to be approved shortly with certain stipulations. The whole project has cost Mid Suffolk over £500,000. It was hoped that some of this could be refunded by Central Government; however, this had not been the case.

The Mayor thanked Cllr Flatman for his support and work as District Councillor for Eye during the past year.

8. REPORT BY EYE TOWN COUNCIL

In his report, The Mayor, Cllr David Thorndyke spoke about the work of the Town Council during the year. He said that the year had begun with a new Council following elections in May 2007. Sadly ex Councillor John Baldwin died during the same month. He had served on the Town Council for over 40 years and would be sorely missed. After six years the Skate Park was opened in August and named the John Baldwin Skate Park in his memory. The Mayor said that the amount of hard work involved in ensuring the project came to fruition had been fully justified because it had been in constant use. During the Easter holidays the Community Crew (young people) had transformed the look of the Play Area at The Town Moors by weeding and planting etc. The Music Day in August had been a big successful community event; however, due to lack of funding the organisers are unsure whether this will take place again this year. The funding bid for the Town Hall had been unsuccessful however; ETHIC. Ltd continues to work hard to improve the building as money is available.

The Town Twinning Association had celebrated twenty years of exchange with Pouzauges in France and he thanked all members who had worked so hard to ensure the weekend had been both enjoyable and successful.

The Mayor said that changes to council procedures had taken place during the year and new sub-committees have been working well. He said it was worth remembering that Councillors voluntarily give their time for the good of the town and hoped that members of the public were satisfied with the work they carry out. He extended particular thanks to the Street Cleaner and the Town Hall Caretaker for all their sterling efforts in keeping the building and streets of the town so clean and to fellow Councillors for supporting him during his year in office.

9. ACCOUNTS OF EYE TOWN COUNCIL

Councillor Simon Hooton offered explanations for the figures presented to those attending the Meeting. He said expenditure for the Skate Park had been over budget partly due to some of the funding bids failing. The Town Council had however, agreed that they wished to see the project completed and had put the remainder of the money in out of their reserves. With regard to the Town Hall redevelopment, Cllr Hooton said that Broadband had been installed and computer classes were taking place in an attempt to bring revenue into the building. Regular reports on the progress of the project are given to Councillors at the monthly meetings.

Recommendation for acceptance of the Accounts was proposed by Cllr Simon Hooton, seconded by Cllr Penny McSheehy and carried. Those present were reminded that the accounts were currently un-audited and were basic figures that had not been apportioned.

10. CIVIC AWARDS

The Mayor explained that these awards were designed to identify the efforts of people within the town over and above the call of duty. Once nomination forms had been submitted, he and the Deputy Mayor had considered those names put forward for recipient of a community award. He said he was pleased to announce that this year awards would be presented to David Weiss (for his efforts with the Town Twinning Association) Neil Dixon (who has recently retired from The Fabric Shop) Colin Ribchester (for his work involved with The Skate Park) and Richard Dinnin (for his tireless work with the Town Hall Redevelopment Project).

11. ACCOUNTS OF LOCAL CHARITIES

A report from the Eye Welfare Charities was read by Trustee Andrew Evitt in the absence of the Chairman, Father Andrew Mitcham. This included details of the five smaller charities that were consolidated by way of deeds in 1974 and 1997. The largest of these is the Nicholas Bedingfield Almshouse Charity which owns and manages the 3 almshouses at 26-32 Lambseth Street – accommodation for three people. A total refurbishment of the almshouses it to take place year in partnership with Orwell Housing Association. In order for the extensive works to be undertaken it has been necessary to find alternative temporary accommodation for the existing residents and the trustees are grateful to M.S.D.C. for their assistance in this regard. The works will be divided into two phases, the roof work and the renovation and refurbishment works. Funding avenues are being investigated so that the work, particularly on the roof can commence as soon as possible. Once work begins the whole programme is predicted to take 36 weeks to completion.

12. REPORTS OF OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

HARTISMERE HOSPITAL – Cllr Sara Michell reported that the Eye Locality Community Implementation Group under the independent chairmanship of Elizabeth Gibson-Harries had met for the first time at the beginning of May. It consists of members of the local community and the voluntary sector, elected representatives, local GPs and officers from the NHS working together to further plans for healthcare in the Eye area. One of its major roles will be to keep the public, MPs and other local organisations informed of progress on plans to introduce the new Suffolk model of care through the PCT website. At the meeting, members agreed the Terms of Reference for the group which are to provide advice to the PCT from a community perspective on the regeneration of the Hartismere Hospital site. This will include the development of a new facility to provide local healthcare services, complementary medicine, a birthing unit, mental health services, diagnostics, children’s services, clinical expansion space and primary care. The group will meet every six weeks details of which can be found on the website www.suffolkpct.nhs.uk.

TOWN TWINNING ASSOCIATION – Councillor Merlin Carr said that several years ago Eye had become twinned with Pouzauges in the Vendee and the relationship goes from strength to strength. A group from Eye will visit France in May 2008 and in May 2009 Eye will host residents from Pouzauges to celebrate twenty years of twinning with a host of events. Monthly meetings are held to organise fund raising and to plan social activities and regular reporting is made through the Eye Magazine.

EYE MAGAZINE – Councillor Merlin Carr reported that the Eye Magazine now has a new Editor, Tracy Amies who is encouraging more people to write articles for the magazine. Also she intends to include more photographs in the magazine which continues to be a popular addition to households each month.

1^ST EYE SCOUT GROUP – Councillor Merlin Carr said the Scout Group continues to increase in numbers throughout its sections. A plan is currently being put together to develop the hut in Wellington Road. Although this is a major project it is hoped that improvements can be made to the building which is in weekly regular use.

EYE TOWN MOORS – Chris Willoughby said the Town Moors Woodland Society were grateful for the continued financial support from Eye Town Council which has enabled them to invest in a second mower allowing wider paths and less stinging nettles for people to walk through. Volunteers meet on the second Sunday of the month to maintain the area, cut back trees and build bridges etc. This year the Girl Guides have helped to keep the area tidy and a new tree plantation has been designed. New volunteers are always welcome.

THE DOVE PLAYERS - Councillor Charlotte Sizer said that the Dove Players

had been formed in 2007 and a performance of Midsummer’s Night Dream had taken place during the summer. The pantomime in January had been well supported by the local community and had taken a large sum of money in ticket sales.

EYE PLAYING FIELD ASSOCIATION – Cllr Penny McSheehy said the Association were grateful for the work carried out by the Community Crew during the Easter weekend. The area has now been tidied and cleared but still needs weeding and trees have kindly donated by Castleton Trees to improve the overall appearance. The Community Centre continues to be well used, hosting monthly cinemas, The Dove Players, dancing, bingo and a music club. Cllr McSheehy thanked those volunteers who continue to maintain the area around the building.

13. PARISH PLAN

Councillor Penny McSheehy, a member of the Steering Group spoke about the Eye Parish Plan. She said that throughout the process, members of the public had been able to keep informed through regular articles in the Eye Magazine. Volunteers who are shortly to begin distributing the Plan questionnaire in the town have been briefed as to the procedure. When the completed forms have been returned, the results will then be analysed. Following this will be a public meeting. When the final report has been compiled, this will be published on the Town Website. The whole process has taken longer than anticipated and has involved a large amount of hard work however; the final result will be the production of a Plan reflecting the needs of the community.

14. EYE TOWN HALL IMPROVEMENTS COMPANY LTD

Richard Dinnin outlined the current situation with regard to the Town Hall. He said that it was in a very poor state of repair and major work is needed within the next two years to ensure it is made watertight. This involves the entrance hall, electrics, roof, kitchen and damp coursing and would cost in the region of £700,000. ETHIC Ltd had been formed to re-dress these problems. It is limited by guarantee and its purposes are to repair and refurnish the Town Hall, to make it financially viable and to provide facilities for people in Eye. Mr. Dinnin explained that a Company needed to be formed because funding bodies will not provide to Councils or Council owned properties. Eye Town Council has agreed to transfer of title to the Company once a substantial amount of funding has been secured. ETHIC has formalized charity status and the building has been put on the Register of Buildings at Risk. The recent EEDA grant had not been successful however; £60,000 was promised from S.C.C. /M.S.D.C. and £10,000 from Eye Town Council when the project was launched. It is imperative that a major fund raising exercise begins quickly because the larger sum will expire in mid 2009 if the work has not commenced.

Councillor Charles Flatman said that with regard to the transfer of title of the Town Hall. It was apparent that the Town Council do not have deeds for the building, however; he will sign a letter from Solicitors once the information is

Correct.

Councillor Simon Hooton said that £700,000 would be a substantial sum of money to find, however; it is important to try and raise funds so that donating bodies will note that the Town Council is serious in attempting to achieve this goal. He said that grateful thanks should be recorded to all those people involved in fund raising efforts for the Town Hall.

15. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW

Councillor Charles Michell explained that since 1974 Suffolk has been run by one County Council with seven District Councils however; the Government has said that this is out of date and it is time for a change. The Local Government Review by the Boundary Committee looks at how Suffolk could be run in the future. The County Council has considered a variety of options that could be developed as concepts for submission to the Boundary Committee and had agreed that a single Suffolk Unitary was the way forward. The Leader of the County Council had stressed that this is what would be best for the people of Suffolk. Mid Suffolk District Council support this proposal by Suffolk County Council. Cllr Michell said that a One Suffolk would be the most affordable option, increase efficiency and prove to be the safest option. The Boundary Committee would be publishing its recommendations by early July. This would be followed by public consultation until the end of September and the Secretary of State would be making a report by the end of the year.

Resident Geoffrey Lane suggested that a unitary system would work well in Suffolk but was concerned that this could mean the loss of local government at Parish/Town Council level. Cllr Penny McSheehy explained that The Suffolk Association of Local Councils was working hard to ensure that government at grass roots level gets a voice. In thanking Cllr Michell for his detailed explanation of the Local Government Review, the Mayor said that the Chief Executive of M.S.D.C. would be addressing a Public Meeting in the Town Hall on the 18^th June to talk in detail about why the District Council would be favouring a single authority for Suffolk.

16. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Resident John Harber asked why Planning Applications relating to Eye rarely get printed in the local press. The Mayor said that publishing these was at the discretion of Mid Suffolk District Council.

Councillor Sara Michell asked about the Town Hall Clock. Cllr Penny McSheehy said that Michlmayr and Co. had finally identified the problem which involves a fault in the wheels casting. She estimated that to carry out the repair would take approximately 4 weeks at a cost between £300 and £400.

Resident Barbara Walker asked about the future of 15 Broad Street, Eye which is in a poor state of repair. Cllr Penny McSheehy explained that this has been emptied and is on the At Risk Register. Resident Geoffrey Lane said that the District Council has powers to carry out repairs under The Preservation Trust.

Councillor Simon Hooton said it was time that the issues surrounding global warming were taken more seriously following the recent climate change study of impact. He said there was a very real need to start doing something to make the change. Locally he said this could be as simple as sharing/reducing car journeys and for shops to stop using plastic bags using paper/recyclable ones as an alternative.

In conclusion, The Mayor thanked everyone present for their attendance and extended his gratitude to all those people who do things for the benefit of the town.

THE MAYOR CLOSED THE MEETING AT 9.45PM