POWER AND PYLONS.

As you may have heard, the National Grid have been carrying out an early consultation into their proposals to improve and upgrade the electricity transmission network across East Anglia between Norwich and Tilbury. It's also intended to enable connection to offshore wind generation projects. The proposals included 60km of new 400kV overhead lines between Norwich and Bramford, 120km of the same from Bramford and Tilbury and a new 400 kV substation at Bramford. The power and the infrastructure are certainly going to be needed in the future, but the pylons and lines are a lot bigger and uglier than existing lines in those areas. Although a section passing through Dedham Vale AONB will be underground, there must be Sealing End compounds at each end of that. They are quite obtrusive in themselves. Both Councils, in common with all six Suffolk MPs, are objecting to the proposals. It's unclear why sub-sea cabling options haven't been brought forward instead for East Anglia as they are being for the north of England and Scotland. Our landscapes are just as vulnerable and precious and many of the environmental impacts could arguably be greater. The full consultation response, including some technical considerations, can be found on the Babergh website. I expect this issue to return for a proper full consultation.

COST OF LIVING ACTION PLAN.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk Cabinets have both recently adopted a 5-point Action Plan to play our part in tackling the next 6 months (for a start!) of the Cost-of-Living emergency. Based on the hard-earned experience during Covid, it builds on and enhances pre-existing work. Nobody can pretend that small District Councils will be able to solve these problems, but we will use our local knowledge to focus on the following points. 

1) Co-ordination of Government support, 2) Exercising available discretion in support and advice. 3) Build on and from our existing partnerships and systems for a targeted family-first approach. Think of Citizens Advice as one example. Those three points approach the problem as we know it.

We also need to address some possible consequences and prevent further crisis. To that end, we have two points. 4) Maintain Good Health in any way we are able and 5) look at Access to Food and Nutrition and improving it. This work can't wait. We are appointing a (government funded) Cost of Living Co-ordinator to pull this work together across both Councils. We are amongst the first Councils in the country to do this. It's unlikely that this will all be over in 6 months, so the plan is going to be constantly reviewed and updated for circumstance. Details on the website.

Developers and Ganges old boys at mast de-rigging (Picture credit: Wavensmere)

GANGES MAST.

On a matter of local pride, it was bittersweet for some to see the famous mast at the former HMS Ganges disassembled recently. After many years of doubt and questions over its future, it can now be restored and repaired before it rises again to become a centrepiece for Shotley again. We look forward to that day.

70 YEARS OF SERVICE.

During the Platinum Jubilee, I found myself reflecting on the concept of service. That is, and was, typified by the lifetime service given by the Queen and, of course, Prince Phillip. Everywhere one looked there were other examples in the celebrations, organising parties, exhibitions, and events. It's nothing entirely new of course. I think of the service of kindness that we could see during Covid. People just helping in small ways. The entire post War period has seen an astonishing rise in the application of service. If there is to be an Elizabethan legacy, it might well be this.

Enjoying a superbly orgaised Jubilee party at Brantham Leisure Centre (Picture credit: Nub News)

Britain has always had a tradition of voluntary activity for the benefit of others, as do many other places. But the Voluntary Sector in the UK during the Queens reign has seen the largest expansion, the greatest range, and the most real achievement of any time in our (or anyone else's) history. It forms a major part of our economy, and I don't think government would be possible without it.

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. The Women's Tour that, for me, started here in Brantham was eventually won by the Italian Champion Elisa Longo Borghini by a single second! Great racing. I'm always happy to speak with you should you see me around, but I won't be going that fast.

Alastair McCraw. 07812 564188 or 07548 154296

[email protected]

Facebook: Alastair McCraw, Independent Councillor