New cabinet 

Babergh's new cabinet has taken shape and while the Greens and Lib Dems got a really good deal in the new administration, we three Independents and the leader have the experience and we are agreeing a way forward.

That means we can give our officers a clear direction of travel for the benefit of our residents.. 

I was delighted to be offered the Economic Growth and Regeneration portfolio and look forward to making things happen district wide.  

Among the things I would like to see delivered is more investment into the east of the district, yes that includes the peninsula, East Bergholt, Capel and Bentley. While it is important to ensure our market towns like Sudbury and Hadleigh thrive, especially with the Vision projects which are in place, but we must not forget the rural villagers across Babergh. 

Tourism is a huge part of our economy and encouraging visitors to actually stay in the district rather than just be day trippers, is something we need to get better at.  

Other priorities include; supporting 5G, squeezing benefits out of the Freeport East initiative, including the A12 corridor, Junction 55 at Copdock, and the Brantham commercial/industrial regeneration. 

Babergh Armed Forces Champion 

After spending almost seven years in the Senior Service, starting my Royal Navy career, as a HMS Ganges trainee in 1974, I'm proud and humbled to be nominated as Babergh's Armed Forces Champion, taking over from John Hinton.

I'm keen to ensure my role is not just being on parade but actually ensuring the Armed Forces Covenant, signed by Babergh and Mid Suffolk, and some of put town and parish councils is adhered to, and it is not just filed as another box ticked. 

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.  

After something of a cock up on the administration front, Shotley parish council should now be quorate after taking two elections.

My job as your district councillor is to help them make things better for the community. Help explain Babergh policies, such as planning, CIL, grants and the goings n at district level. I will also be encouraging this parish council to actually invest in the two play areas, at Lloyds Avenue and Kingsland and get the long awaited new equipment installed. 

Ganges site update – the reality 

It is always interesting to visit the Ganges site and meet the developers, and site manager. Not least because it allows me to give you a first-hand account about what is really going on as opposed to some pf the rubbish spouted on social media, then that misinformation shared widely by the gossips. 

In no particular order; work has not stopped or even being slowed down. On the Friday I walked around, there were 52 workers doing everything from groundwork to putting in finishing touches. 

Sales are going well, with nearly 50 in the first phase reserved and contracts have been exchanged on more than 15 homes, with occupants moving in over the next couple of months. 

The roundabout, which is big for lorries, huge yachts on trailers and busses to use, is coming along nicely and will be in use this summer.

Large scale destruction of trees is not taking place and will not do so, especially along Marsh Lane and Caledonia Road, although tidying up and trimming will happen later. 

I'm always happy to give truthful 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 gives regular updates.    

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

Derek Davis

Ganges ward member

[email protected]

Council phone: 07548153784

Work phone: 07824167196