Derek Davis, Ganges ward (Shotley & Erwarton) 

You do learn to develop a thick skin in politics but sometimes you just get fed up and refuse to accept any more abuse, disrespect or rudeness.

I am certainly starting to take a zero tolerance stance to those that think they can say what they like without repercussion at meetings or on social media.

While I have a adopted a policy of ignoring the cowardly, lying Trolls on social media. They are generally just ignorant keyboard warriors spreading misinformation, I can understand Therese Coffey involving the police after the threats and abuse she received for introducing the XL Bully Dogs Bill. Whatever your politics or opinions on matters, these sorts of behaviour are just not acceptable.

Planning appeals and applications:

An in person planning appeal made by developers against Babergh's planning committee decision to reuse housing at the farm yard next to the Grade II listed Erwarton Hall, will be held at Chelmondiston Village Hall 10:00 am on 18 January 2024 

Marina

In a rare move, the owners at Shotley marina have applied to reduce the number of homes they have permission for from 150 down to 131.

They are also looking to relocate 10 of these further away from the historic Martello Tower and closer to existing dwellings, as requested by heritage officers.

Ganges

As I write this no date has been confirmed to hear the Section 73, variation of conditions for the former HMS Ganges site, by Babergh planning committee, which I will be attending and speaking. It is likely the committee will be making a site visit before the application is held in the new year. 

It is always worth remembering there are usually two sides to any planning application and my job is to represent the views of ALL the people in my ward, which is something I have always done, even if some can't see that or don't like a contrary view being presented.

While I will always listen to people who present their case politely and fairly, I don't have to agree with the noisy minority all the time.

After all if myself and others had just along with the small group of protesters against the Admiralty Pier development, for example, we would not have these highly-sought after homes, and new residents that live in them.

Remembrance Service 

I was once again proud to attend the Remembrance Service at St Mary's Church, Shotley in my roles as the Ganges ward member and Babergh's Armed Forces Champion.

I had been invited elsewhere, but I have been going to this service for more than 20 years and saw no reason not to go again this year, especially picking up Andrew Coulson's words of wisdom and to see so many, serving and ex forces personnel and their families along with villagers showing their respect.

What a shame that, despite using taxpayers money to buy a wreath, not a single Shotley parish councillor attended the service, despite being urged to go by the clerk

As part of the Armed Forced Covenant local authorities like Babergh, are committed to ensuring no disadvantage takes place and we do what we can for the parties involved. 

In short. the Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

It is an important pledge and all involved should make it a tangible benefit and not just to pay lip service to it.   

Babergh Armed Forces page.

Explore Suffolk

Ipswich Central 's attempt to implement a Business Improvement District (BID), in an area that would have included the Shotley peninsula has failed.

Hopefully that will be the last we hear of this piece of attempted empire building.  

Please feel free to get in touch on all these and any other matters.

I shall be at Shotley village hall on Friday, between 2pm and 3pm. Officers from Babergh district council's customer services' team will also be there as part of the pop up library, which has moved from its Monday slot.   

I'm always happy to give informed updates, so if you want to know what is really going on ignore the nonsense on certain Facebook Groups and ask me direct.  

Alternatively, my Derek Davis – Independent Councillor FB page gives regular updates.    

Derek Davis

Ganges ward member

[email protected]

Council phone: 07548153784

Work phone: 07824167196