EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee Meeting
on Thursday 18
th
January 2024 at 8.00 pm
at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt
Minutes
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION – There were no members of the public present
1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Present;
Joan Miller (JM)
Graeme Woodcock (GW)
Ricky Allen (RA)
Nigel Roberts (NR)
John Price (JP)
Michael Hockley (MH) (Chairman)

Apologies Peter Dent (PD)
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – There were no declarations of interest.
3. MINUTES – Proposed by Nigel Roberts, seconded by Graeme Woodcock, the minutes of the
previous meeting, held 16
th
November 2023, were unanimously approved as a true record.
4. MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES – none that were not dealt with separately.

5. BUDGET 2024/25 – To consider the budget for 2024/25 Chairman reported on the budget
progress with the SPF Committee

6. CAR PARK – Maintenance carried out – carpark monitored and tidy. Drains problem reported –
hopefully solved same day (Jan 12
th
)
The Car Park Maintenance plan was reviewed in the meeting
Councillor Price reminded the meeting that the annual risk assessment review was outstanding. This
was noted with a date to be agreed after the meeting.

7. DOG FOULING/BINS –. The Chairman reported one installation outstanding

8. THE VILLAGE CENTRE PARKING – To consider the current situation and updates from last
meeting.
Consultation has finished, waiting for Cabinet Decision
9. FOOTPATHS UPDATE –
Missing footpaths to Manningtree – further investigations needed with Babergh and County Council.
Quiet lane and 20mph speed limit – investigation ongoing Councillor Roberts had meeting with SCC to
consider having a special case for 20mph limit.
The kissing gate project has, unfortunately, been halted as the agreement with a landowner was not
forthcoming. The landowner has real concerns and we accept his decision, although we are not giving
up.

The missing footpath project is not yet in action but we need volunteers from the village to form regular
workshops to investigate the way forward. Adjoining Parishes and landowners need to be involved so it is
clear that lots more work is needed here and we look forward to taking this forward. A soon as we have
volunteers and dates for the workshops they will be announced.
Once again, our grateful thanks to Councillor Price for all his hard work

10. FLOODING IN FLATFORD LANE – update
SCC engineer, Melanie Hall has said that a gully will be jetted. The meeting was not sure that this would
clear the blockage causing the surface flooding.
Joyce Baker has contacted James Cartlidge MP who contacted SCC and received a letter back stating
that it is not their problem. James Cartlidge passed this letter on to Joyce. Not very helpful.

11.URGENT COMMUNICATIONS – To receive and consider any other matters which the Chairman
considers to be of sufficient urgency and importance.

Elm Road flooding and also Mill Road flooding was discussed. The serious flooding in Elm Road has
been blocking the whole road (which is used as a school route). At the time of the meeting there had been
three consecutive dry days and the flood water had subsided. However the next rainfall is likely to bring
this flood back unless SCC does something to clear the problem. Melanie Hall has informed John that it is
in the program of works, 8 weeks wait for 4 gullies to be cleaned and jetted.
Councillor Price raised the issue of the RFF being excluded from issues relating to roads. A long
discussion took place but no proposals were made to change any current practices.

. DATE OF NEXT RFF COMMITTEE MEETING –
Lambe School on 25
th
April 2024 at 8:00pm
Meeting ended 9.15 pm