Derek Davis, Ganges ward (Shotley & Erwarton)  

Planning latest

An application I made for Babergh's planning committee to make a site visit to the former HMS Ganges site, now Barrelmans Point, was approved at a meeting last week.

Planning committees will see for themselves the layout for the second phase of the application, which the developers are looking to vary a number of conditions and add extra houses. They will also be able to see the various states of disrepair to a number of buildings, some with heritage value, others not so much.

The visit is pencilled in for March, close to when the S73 application will be heard by the committee.

Babergh planners will make site visit for Ganges change of conditions

We are fortunate to have a wonderful dog meadow, where your pooch can run freely in a field at Pear Tree Paws, in Shotley, and it is very well run.

Another attempt to open a similar venture in Freston was turned down to due its proximity to the AONB, sensitive bird feeding and breeding area at the Strand, and also highways safety issues.

More details here...

Tough decisions 

Those that know me will be well aware I have never been afraid to make tough choices, especially when I believe it is what is best for our Ganges ward as a whole. That extends to making difficult decisions at cabinet level, despite those more interested in following their own political agenda.

That is why I fully back the Cabinet in its move to reduce free parking in Hadleigh and Sudbury. Not only is it unfair on people on the peninsula to be subsidising free parking in the market towns, of which many from the district never visit, but I believe if you want to use these facilities, you should at least contribute directly to covering the cost.

I also find it hard to understand why the burghers of these towns have so little confidence in what their business have to offer they feel the only reason people visit is due to free parking. Absolute tosh, if it is good enough people will pay, just look at Pin Mill.

I also find it hard to understand why the burghers of these towns have so little confidence in what their business have to offer they feel the only reason people visit is due to free parking. Absolute tosh, if it is good enough people will pay, just look at Pin Mill.

On top of that the failure to implement reductions in free parking has seriously hammered Babergh's budget, more than £427,000 pa and we need to stop throwing our money away.

We have seen elsewhere the dangers of not taking action to cover costs, especially as central government continue to punish councils with their cuts. We in these rural areas will suffer even more if we continue to pander to the spoilt urbanistas. 

If we don't take these difficult decisions to cover costs then those that object must decide what services they would rather see cut, or which Babergh employees they want to see made redundant.

Check the facts and have your say...

Community Speed Watch

I was intrigued to hear from a couple of residents at a parish council meeting in November about their plans to start a Community Speed Watch, in particular focusing on the Street in Shotley where they live.

Speeding in villages, and other rural roads on the peninsula is a constant issue and while this is a county council or police issue, I know fellow district councillors join me in supporting speed watch volunteers where possible, although it would be easier of everyone just stuck to the limits.  

More details on Speed Watch here

Stormy times 

We in Shotley, and the peninsula in general, have escaped the worst of the recent storm,however the reaction and support from our teams at Babergh serve as a good reminder of the benefits of communities having their own emergency plans. It makes sense that we in the Ganges ward, which takes in Shotley and Erwarton, update its procedures, 

I will be talking with the relevant officers and proactive councillors to make this happen. Meanwhile, there is lots of useful information and advice on the Suffolk Resilience Forum webpage.

Shotley Drama Group among those getting a locality award from Cllr Davis

 Share the love - and the funding

One of the finest traditions we continue to enjoy in Shotley is the Rose Inn's Santa sleigh. This year volunteer elves not only distributed more than 70 gifts to children, and a dog, but also raised £750 shared between Shotley Kidzone, Shotley Rangers and EACH and I tip my cap to all involved. 

Along with other Babergh councillors I have £2,000 to share among community groups, or other good causes, in the Ganges ward. So far over the past couple of years I have allocated grants to a wide range of groups including Shotley Village Hall, Shotley Drama Group, Shotley Bowls Club, Shotley Rangers and the Friend sf Shotley Library, to name a few.

This year's allocation needs to be applied for by mid-March, so if you could use a £250+ grant please get in touch ASAP.

Armed Forces Champion

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. As your Armed Forces Champion I'm always prepared to be the first point of call. 24/7.  

The Armed Forces 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.

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

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, accurate updates.   

Derek Davis

Ganges ward member

[email protected]

Council phone: 07548153784

Work phone: 07824167196