In Touch/ Parish report December 2021
East Bergholt.

The Covid situation continues to dominate although it has been slightly downgraded by the
COP 26 jamboree. Being of a slightly sceptical nature I do find it strange that these events,
no matter the outcomes, seem to generate an enormous amount of the very stuff they are
trying to limit! It’s a bit like the planning legislation which refers to “sustainability” but does
not define it in any meaningful way. As I sit on the planning committee it is frustrating to see
that “new” homes are being built with gas boilers when they will be extinct in a few years’
time. The developer saves on installation, but the purchaser must find large sums for a
replacement boiler in a few years’ time!
My simple concept in life is to concentrate on “joined up thinking” something that appears
increasingly rare in these modern times, (along with “common sense”)!
We now have more frequent Council meetings to deal with the business, but in practice we
are not completing business, as it often has to be deferred for more information. Early in
the new year we will be debating the possible return to a “committee system” from the
current “cabinet” system. Personally, I feel that the “committee system” kept all councillors
more informed as to the business of council. After all it is what the electorate voted us into
office to do on their behalf. It will allow a stronger examination of the workings of the
council. Parking is likely to be a controversial subject in the pipeline, but with plans to sell
off some parking areas in Sudbury the concept seems to get confused!
Economically the policy seems to be, quite rightly, to support the expansion of existing
businesses which received financial aid during the pandemic, but I am concerned that as
they expand they may have to move from the District unless the infrastructure is expanded
to allow for easy access. The traffic on the B1070 both towards Hadleigh and towards
Manningtree seems to be increasing in volume and coupled with the increases in pupil
numbers at the High School and the imminent start of building works on housing in East
Bergholt and furthermore in Brantham it is likely to get even heavier with all the inherent
safety concerns. In the meantime, tourism as one of our major economic activities should,
according to the council, “increase its offer”, to attract more visitors as the pandemic
restrictions continue to ease. As I mentioned last month, I am not sure how digging
something up, photographing it and re burying it, helps the tourist offer! I was interested to
see that there is an exhibition of John Constables later work at the Royal Academy of Arts
that is on until the 13 Feb ’22, where one review described him as a “Maverick” and
“fiercely experimental” something I am sure we all do not immediately associate with his
work. (Details: 020 7300 8090 royalacademy.org.uk) The review that I read concluded by
saying “These are blustery, exhilarating paintings that make you want to leave the city far
behind”. Perhaps a trip to the Stour Valley is required!
Now that the dark nights are well and truly with us and the potential for early purchased
Christmas presents in homes creates an attraction to certain individuals, so please keep

your doors locked, and if you see any suspicious activity, follow the Police advice and dial
999. In the meantime, let’s hope that this year we have a more normal Christmas, but it
depends on us all staying safe and remember, Hands, Face, Space.
In the meantime, have a Happy Christmas and all the very best for a more positive new year.
Cllr John Hinton
East Bergholt Ward
Tel: 01026 298309