Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw

Report to parish - Brantham ward. October 2021

A PARKING STRATEGY

Babergh and Mid Suffolk are both developing our first ever Parking Strategies. This has been out for consultation recently, but the questions, after feedback, are being redesigned. That means that the deadline will go beyond the original 28th September date. This shouldn't be confused with short term Parking Charges. It's quite a different matter. We need to look at all car parking facilities, making sure we have provision for the right level, location to support regeneration and development for the next 10-15 years. We must also reflect national policy, consider our town centres and high streets, and prepare for future needs in sustainable travel. This should be re-launched around the time this article appears and 10-15 minutes of your time would be appreciated. Look on the website under Environment: Parking.

CLEANER FUEL FOR THE FLEET

We are now amongst the first rural councils to switch our vehicle fleet to use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) instead of diesel. The fleet represents 26% of our total carbon emissions on its own. This move cuts that 880 tonnes of CO2 by approx. 90%, Nitrogen Oxide by 30% and particulate matter by up to 86%. This waste cooking oil product is certifiably sustainable and although it costs 10-15% more it will reduce maintenance costs and extend engine life. There is always going to be some sort of cost in tackling the climate change emergency. The 35 waste lorries are the first to transfer to be followed by the smaller public realm and housing services vehicles.

MORE RUBBISH

In this case, Garden Waste. You may recall we were forced to suspend the Brown Bin collections for a few months earlier due to cases of Covid amongst our fleet drivers. Since it has been re-instated, the service has seen 522 new subscribers in the last quarter, raising the total to over 16,000. In June, BDC collected over 1000 tonnes of garden waste for the first time ever since we started in 2018. A direct result of that has been free compost that has recently been available for collection in Hadleigh. Literally, a virtuous circle!

PROGRESS AND PRIZES

Since the 2019 Election, it's been encouraging for me to see a broader consensus approach within Babergh. The joint administration of CON/IND/LIB-DEM represents 27 of our 32 councillors. As a result, there's been less of that 'One Party' rule than before, political controversies are much reduced, and we've been able to make steady progress in a Corporate Plan to produce a Council that's fit for now and the future. I don't say that argument or major challenges don't exist, apart from the massive one we've all been facing in Covid, just that there's been a willingness to tackle them sensibly. So, it's very pleasant to be able to report that we have won some awards at the recent IESE Awards 2021 for all UK Councils. The Gold Award for Asset Management & Regeneration was given for our Virtual High Street providing an Internet platform for businesses without one in Sudbury. This was crucial help during Covid and into the future. 152 businesses are now signed up in Sudbury and the scheme has now expanded to Hadleigh (65) and Stowmarket (80). Needham Market and Eye will be online shortly. Other districts are very interested.

A Silver Award was given in the Customer Focus category for improvements in streamlining processes and technology to improve service to residents.

You'd think a Bronze Award would be disappointing, but this was in the main award category, Council of the Year (behind Wigan and Mid & East Antrim, credit to them too!). That reflects on everything we've done so far, on our Covid-19 response, on our officers and staff, and on our councillors as a whole. I hope that it is something that our residents can appreciate. I can only say that it's been a pleasure to see the changes made at Babergh over the last few years. Nobody raves about how wonderful their Council is. Why would you? You want and expect it to work. But change and improvement does take place, because of the people we have working for us all.

CONTACT POINTS.

Gov.uk. / Babergh.gov.uk. / 0300 123 4000 / Suffolk.gov.uk/ tendringdc.gov.uk

If you need to tell me anything important, please just phone or email me. I can guarantee a response there. My annual Suffolk Historic Churches Trust bike ride is done now. 30 churches, 35 miles, a lovely day (no rain) and over £500 (plus Gift Aid) from my wonderful local sponsors. Thank you all!

Alastair McCraw. 07812 564188 OR 07548 154296 [email protected]

Facebook: Alastair McCraw, Independent Councillor