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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes
Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee Meeting
on Thursday 17
th
July 2025 at 8.00 pm
The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt

PRESENT
Joan Miller
Andrew Meyeruk
Nigel Roberts,
Ricky Allen
Peter Dent
Michael Hockley
Graeme Woodcock
John Price

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION –

There were no members of the public present.

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
An apology was received from Peter Dent

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST –
There were no declarations of interests.

3. MINUTES –
GW proposed and MH seconded and the vote was unanimous, that the minutes of the RFF Committee
meeting dated 17
th
April 2025, were a correct record.

4. MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES –

There were no matters arising not covered by an agenda item.

5. FOOTPATH WARDEN A discussion was held about “dog poo” bags left on the footpaths with a
suggestion that perhaps Nicki could run a campaign with the hope of improving behaviour

6. WHITEHORSE ROAD SID CAMERA
GW had provided another “What 3 Word” suggested location for a speed indicator device (SID).
After the previous locations were rejected by SCC. Parked cars are believed to slow traffic. A
question was asked whether the new location for the Coop will change the traffic volumes and
speeds, Will traffic migrate to the other side of the village. Should we reconsider in September after
the Coop is open?

GW new location is by the telegraph pole outside the social club on the other side of the road.

7. SPEED REDUCTION OUTSIDE SCHOOL
NR reported on the recent history as follows;

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May 7
th
a meeting was held with Dan Woodcock (school headmaster) present. Concerns were
expressed about access to the school and the consultants took note of the comments.

May 9
th
PJA had a meeting with the Department of Education. Work on the school site is due to
start at the end of 2026. The DOE were supportive of PJA’s proposals and agreed that they would
improve safety at the school entrance.

May 27
th
Updated drawings were produced with adjustments in line with the comments from the
above meetings. This includes simplified proposals outside the Carriers.

Quotes for stage 1 of road safety contractor “Midland Road Safety” instructed on 8
th
July.

PJA in the process of finalising the design proposal waiting on Road safety Assessment. Then
there will be a liaison with the community.

A question was asked should the PC sit alongside of PJA or should we be seen as impartial?

Nigel replied that initially PJA and SCC professionals would discuss the proposals. Nigel said that
he believes that they are acting in our best interest.

MH asked to see the draft ideas of what is proposed and asked about the costs. Apparently the fee
proposal is £20k

GW described observing safety issues outside the school and said he was concerned we may be
underestimating the amount of traffic that the new Coop may attract. It may be a problem and
asked do we have traffic generation numbers. Nigel said he would ask Sallie Davies and seek to
find what the traffic forecasts are.

AM said we could make the village safer by parking more sensibly. He particularly referred to
parking on footways. AM agreed to look at the issue with a view of running a campaign on social
media.

There was an item in the EA Daily Times which stated that Mid Suffolk had approached SCC
stating that more support was needed for 20 mph zones. Apparently SCC will review the current
policy.

8. UPDATE ON B1070 MILL ROAD AND TOUCHEY HILL
An email from SCC (Melanie Hall) suggested undertaking a speed survey on Mill Road. Nigel
asked why do we need more surveys, SCC did a speed survey 3 years ago and PJA speed
results have been given to SCC? Suffolk Highways should explain why they need another
survey.

There is a principle involved, SCC had raised the rural nature of the road to avoid making it
safe, what about the 30 mph speed limit in the rural part of Brantham on the A137, why is that
different and why does the B1080 which carries less traffic than the B1070 have higher visibility
standards? What is the criteria? JP to pursue

9. Flatford Lane Flooding
SCC have the work programmed for the end of August. The work is to come back on site with
better equipment to investigate a blockage and carry out any necessary work.

10. DOG BINS
Graham White has asked Rob Steel to erect a bin in Foxhall fields at the location selected by
GW and RA.

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11. VILLAGE BENCHES

GW spoke about “mental health” and people whose only contact with others is by doing things like
visiting the local shop. He mentioned an initiative elsewhere called “Chatty bench” which has
bench seats, each to accommodate three people and placed where people might stop to chat.
Graeme said he liked the idea and suggested one for Elm Estate and another for Foxhall Fields.
He said the costs of these is £570 each plus installation.

It was agreed that it was a good idea and could be considered for inclusion in the precept for
2025/2027. Perhaps there may be businesses or individuals who may be prepared to sponsor the
benches.
Graeme agreed to talk to the new Red Lion owner and the Coop to find out if they might like to
sponsor a bench.

12. CYCLEWAY TO MANNINGTREE

Nothing further to report.

13. VILLAGE CENTRE CAR PARK

The trug has been planted.
MH reported that there has been repair work carried out in the toilets. It is not vandalism, just wear
and tear repairs.

14. URGENT COMMUNICATIONS
14.1 Joan raised the subject of an email regarding the problem layby parking on Hadleigh Road.
Clare Sampson suggested that we could ask SCC impose a time limit on the parking in the
layby. NR proposed, seconded by Graeme but after a discussion the vote was 5 to 1 against.

14.2 Graham White had forwarded an update from National Landscapes. Dedham Vale have a
new management plan out for consultation for the period 2026 to 2030. The consultation
closes on 30/09/2025. Would Committee Members please look at the plan and respond to the
consultation request as they feel appropriate.

14.3 Young Peoples Community, Volunteers are required up to the age of 30 to help with anything
that the young people might wish to do.

15. DATE OF NEXT RFF COMMITTEE MEETING 16/10/2025
Meeting closed at 9-40 pm