Derek Davis Ganges ward (Shotley & Erwarton)

Good to see so many positive things going on in the Ganges ward and rest of the peninsula, which I was delighted to get along to.

Seeing the revival of the Shotley Bowls club, which Andrew is an invaluable member, the re-emergence of the Shotley Ranger Youth football club, both of which I'm happy to support with my locality award funding. 

Then there was the superbly organised and successful charity Tractor Run, and while Russel Abbot and others from the other end of the peninsula were the main instigators, Erwarton's Ness Farm played host to a lengthy lunch break and it was fabulous to see first-hand how well the fundraiser for the East Anglian Air Ambulance was supported by our community, which raised more than £6.000 - almost enough for two missions.

Save the Queen's Head supporters at Tractor Run (Picture credit: Nub News)

Farm owner William Wrinch did not let the opportunity to promote the Save the Erwarton Queen's Head pass by, another worthy cause we should all support.

That spectacular event was on the same weekend the Pin Mill Barge Race sailed past Shotley Point and the amount of people at Shotley marina, enjoying refreshment at the Shipwreck, was amazing. 

The Shotley Rose hosted the East Coast Retro club, who will be back again on August 11 with the meet dedicated to charity – see you there.

Shotley Library

I have already taken steps to ensure the library will continue beyond the November deadline working with Babergh officers, fellow councillors and others.

This is a vital service for all ages, if you have not popped in before to see what is on offer I urge you to do so, especially if you have little ones. 

With support from the library service and Babergh, we are looking to form aFriends of Shotley Library group to save this facility.

Please get in touch with me if you are interested in helping in some way.

Pepper to be removed (Picture credit: Nub News)

Pepper on the foreshore 

Following a discussion with the owner of the yacht abandoned yacht on the Shotley foreshore, Babergh and Harwich Haven, are close to getting it removed and scrapped. 

I have worked closely with the gentleman involved and his outreach worker from Babergh;s homeless team. Despite many offers of help, he has declined to be accommodated.

I can assure you he is safe and our team continue to engage with him.

Hopefully we will see the boat Pepper disappear ASAP, 

Get bidding from new community pot

Every now and again free money becomes available and those groups that have ideas for projects within their community can geta huge financial boost.

Such is the case with a £200,000.s worth of grants available, albeit just a maximum £20k per application but it is worthwhile checking out and putting together abad.

I certainly have a couple of projects in mind that could benefit.

Bids invited from Shotley peninsula groups

Gate Farm Caravan Park appeal

I attended the appeal hearing held at Endeavour House regarding the Certificate of Lawful Development doubling of the amount of static caravans allowed on the site.

The application was refused by Babergh, largely due to a ruling by the Secretary of State in 1995. The site is outside the village's  built up area boundary, is within the AONB and a Special Protection Area, and abuts a RAMSAR site. 

However, the applicant's counsel made a compelling argument for the increase and the planning inspector visited the site with us in attendance.

We now await his decision.

Babergh bling

I was honoured to be part of the Suffolk Pride procession along Ipswich waterfront representing Babergh as the vice-chairman as Kathryn Grandon, the chair, was at another event.

Other civic events have included the Ipswich Mayor's evening at the Transport Museum, highly recommended to visit for all the family, and I will be at Felixstowe Mayor's church service at St John's church this Sunday. 

Ganges

Work progressing on Ganges site (Picture credit: Nub News)

The development remains one of the biggest talking points in the village and I'm delighted the adopted construction management plan appears t be working well. It is a huge project and there is bound to be some disruption, the aim to make that is minimal as possible for all of us living here and along the B1456.

Viability is always an important issue as is ensuring we as a community get as much from the development as possible and I continue to work hard to make that happen. A big step comes this month as the joint-venture developers meet with potential commercial partners so we get the retail, business and commercial users that benefit the village as a whole, More to come on that.

Contact me: [email protected]

Call me on 07548 153784