Please click to see latest news from around the village ......
A Swan Update from Justin Nevison-Grainger
A quick update for you and villagers generally; there is and will be more activity as:
- Builders are engaged to quote for the improvements and restoration,
- Specialist local joiners finalise measurements for the replacement windows to the pub (other than the 2 to be repaired as per Heritage),
- Ground workers and UK Power work to bring a new, safe, 3 phase supply underground into The Swan, for the new commercial kitchen requirements,
- Builders undertake some preliminary works to investigate certain structures to work with Heritage in agreeing some final details, such as location of French window to the rear.
Once builders have been appointed, there will no doubt be lead times in joinery and start dates. Whilst I share any village frustrations, and desire to just get on with the restoration, you will understand that I have to reach agreement with planning and Heritage before this can happen. Overlay that with most builders being flat out with post CV19 lockdown demand, supply issues with building materials as a consequence of the pandemic, and investment funds being impacted dramatically by CV19, it’s not that simple. Also, this is one of the hardest hit sectors for which much increased uncertainty, and increased risk, lies ahead.
10th Aug 20
Our New Go-Start Bus Service 112
With thanks to Robert Wheeler, here is the enhanced and updated timetable for the 112 bus service:
Major Neighbourhood Plan Event
In 2019 a Steering Committee was formed by the Parish Council with a remit of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan for the Village. The Government encourages parish councils to produce their own Neighbourhood Plans enabling local people to have a say in how the neighbourhood grows and develops.
Pre-Submission Consultation on Draft Neighbourhood Plan
The Parish Council have now reached the Draft Plan “Pre-Submission Consultation” stage, which has to run for a minimum 6 weeks, runs from on or before Friday 5 June to Friday 24 July (inclusive). Full details are included within the NP section of this village website, and may be accessed HERE.
June 2020
Little Waldingfield Charities
The Charity was set up in 1869 to relieve “Conditions of need, hardship or distress”. This still remains our aim at all times and especially under the current circumstances.
Whilst we are unable to subsidise loss of income or help in the payment of household bills, we can contribute toward some unexpected expenses. Examples could be transport and parking costs for hospital visits, repair or service of medical equipment not covered by the NHS or textbooks for students.
If you live in Lt.Waldingfield and think you may qualify for any assistance please contact our Clerk on 247658. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
I would like to remind you that if you are over 65 years old, not working and been a resident in the village for over a year you will qualify for our annual Christmas gift. If you are not on our list please contact the Clerk.
Little Waldingfield Annual Parish Meeting
Here is an important message from the Clerk to the Parish Council:
I would like to confirm that Little Waldingfield's Annual Parish Meeting, initially planned to take place at the Parish Room on Thursday 9 April 2020 at 7.30pm, has been postponed. When matters have become more certain, I will be in touch again to invite local organisations to be represented at a re-scheduled meeting in the usual way. Andy, please can you add this news to the village's web site. Thank you all for your patience.
Please let me know if you have any queries. Thank you.
Regards
Little Waldingfield Pop-Up Pub
Sadly, due to the coronavirus, the Pop-Up Pub will no longer happen until further notice.
Village Litter Pick
Due to the Corona Virus, this has been postponed until further notice.
Little Waldingfield Event Cancellations
For public safety reasons, the following events have sadly had to be cancelled:
18th March: The life, work and music of Edward Ellis Vinnicombe, by Roger Green
4th April: Little Waldingfield Quiz Night
16th April: Can anyone keep a secret, by Lynette Burgess
23rd April: Member outing to Ipswich Transport Museum
Andy Sheppard. 15th March 2020
Swan Update from Justin Grainger
As you will be aware, the planning permission was very specific with detailed pre-conditions, further discussion and agreement with planning/Heritage before significant work may start. Therefore, proposals for these detailed Phase 1 conditions incl. detailed dimensions, drawings down to specific windows etc etc went into planning late last week/today. I am unable to start the window replacement and/or repair or major internal works in earnest until these are agreed. Once planning and Heritage have made counter proposals and we are all agreed, I can seek tenders for the refurb’ / alterations. I cant even replace the rotten windows, with craftsmen built replicas, until I have this agreement. I cannot start on the major render repairs properly until the windows are agreed/repaired/replaced.
In the meantime, you will see that I have made substantial investment on those areas where I have gained specific agreement, such as a brand new roof with handmade tiles. Also, external garden works (in agreement with my neighbours both sides) begin this week so that there should be further enhancement to appearance and less delay once building starts.
20th January 2020
Village Break-in
Sadly one of our residents suffered a break in earlier this week. The thieves gained entry whilst the house was empty by smashing a rear window.
Unfortunately opportunist thieves find the dark nights easy to hide their criminal activities, and with Christmas coming we’ve all got things in our houses that thieves want to steal. To make things as hard as possible for them and protect ourselves make sure all doors, sheds and windows are securely locked if you are going out. If you are planning to be away, let a neighbour know so they can keep an eye on your property, and perhaps invest in one of those electronic timers that turn on lights automatically.
Let’s make things as hard as possible for these criminals, keep an eye out for anything or anyone suspicious in the village and report it to the police; separately please advise the Parish Council if you also have suffered a break-in or attempted break-in recently.
21st November 2019
Save our Bus Service
CAN YOU HELP SAVE OUR BUS SERVICE?
Please download the newsletter to see the bus timetable and ideas as to how you personally can help - click HERE.
Swan Update from Justin Grainger
Now that planning has been granted recently, you will have seen that Castle has undertaken a fabulous job with the main roof, fascia's, soffits and gutters. The next stage is to repair the rear, render to make it watertight for the winter. My architect has to submit more details to satisfy planning conditions for the main works, and we are engaged with Heritage about window repairs and replacements, and the new front porch door. Castle will also be repairing the present extension roofs shortly, and re-roofing the porch/adding a rain drip strip to the render. This work should allow us to get the external building largely painted and looking nice ahead of the internal works.
I will also be talking to a fencer and garden clearance people to fence in the new land and tidy up the site for the winter, pending the serious building works getting underway. Once we have the go-ahead from planning and Heritage, we will put the detailed renovation and improvement works out to tender with some local builders. Once we have a builder engaged and a timescale for completion, we will advertise the pub for long term lease and engage those parties who have already expressed an interest.
Proposed development behind Enniskillen Lodge
Developers have now submitted outline plans to erect six dwellings to the rear garden of this property, comprising four detached properties and two single storey semi detached affordable homes.
The plans and supporting documentation may be accessed from here, by entering the planning reference: DC/19/03986.
Comments may be made to the planning authority (Babergh Mid Suffolk), in addition to anything you might wish to say to the Parish Council when this planning application is on their agenda.
To see the indicative street scene, click Here
To view the planning statement, click Here
The Parish Room Redecoration
This has now been completed and the only item outstanding is the replacement of one of the new dimmable LED lights which sadly never worked - apparently this can happen with LED battens, and is something to do with the more complex starting circuitry apparently. The room is now looking really clean and modern, and is a pleasure to be in.
Village Tea Party
Another great success as around 50 people came along to this yesterday, so many thanks to trustees, everyone who contributed some really great food and of course to those who attended - it was a really lovely social event.
24th June 2019
Withdrawal of 112 Bus Service
Presumably everyone has seen the latest in the paper on this - the 112 service is one of 23 threatened with withdrawal, which does seem likely to come about. Barbara Campbell is coordinating efforts to seek alternatives, whilst it is also possible for bus pass holders (the majority of 112 users from LW) to swap the pass for £100 of taxi vouchers per annum, which might be worth thinking about.
PETITION AGAINST WITHDRAWAL OF THE 112 BUS SERVICE
Did you know that the 112 bus service run by Suffolk Norse, which goes to Sudbury on Tuesdays and Thursdays, is being cut?
I didn't, but sadly it is and its final day of service is Thursday 27th June - just seven weeks away!
There are many people in Little Waldingfield and surrounding villages who find this service invaluable and need it to continue, so a petition has been set up in the LW phone box to demonstrate to Suffolk Norse just how important this service is to the daily lives of local people.
There are a number of principles at stake here, of public provision and of climate change - one busload is one exhaust pipe and not the several caused by many cars. In view of this, we should all support those who cannot drive, are less abled, elderly, or young but do not have a driving licence, or simply do not wish to drive. Lastly, saving money by not providing a bus service simply offloads the cost on to ordinary people, including the most vulnerable and most deprived, which is really just not on.
Firstly, please add your name to the petition, and please do so as soon as possible.
Secondly, County Councillor Colin Spence has indicated that he is happy to receive villager comments which Councillor Barbara Campbell (chair of LWPC) is prepared to coordinate; with this in mind, she is happy to receive letters / other written communications via her letter box (see address below) or emails to: b.campbell.lwpc@outlook.com
Appleton House, Church Road, LW CO10 0SN
Many thanks
9th May 2019
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE
Following the very successful NP consultation workshop, the display boards and response sheet are now available, please click Here to access them.
Security of Homes and Property - LATEST UPDATE
Sadly we have been made aware of an attempted break in to outbuildings in the village last night, so please take a moment to check your security to hopefully prevent any further break-ins.
If you have or think you might have been targetted, in addition to contacting the police, please advise Councillor Barbara Campbell, who if appropriate, will coordinate a village wide response.
To do this please email to b.campbell.lwpc@outlook.com
11TH MAY 2019
You may have noticed that a concrete block has been placed at the entrance to the playing field. This is to allow pedestrian access only. Now that the weather is improving and hopefully getting warmer over the coming days, it is important to be vigilant and make sure that we all take care to keep our property safe and secure.
- Ensure that when going out all windows and doors are closed and securely locked;
- Cars are locked at all times and if possible kept on the drive or in a locked garage;
- Garages and sheds are kept securely locked;
- Be wary if a stranger knocks on your door asking to use the telephone, for a drink or attempts to distract you in any way.
If you see anything suspicious or if something makes you feel uncomfortable, telephone the police for advice
KEEP FIT FOR ALL ABILITIES NOW RUNNING WEEKLY
At 18.30 most Tuesdays in the Parish Room, Church Road - check events calendar - lasting one hour and costing just £5.00.
Everyone is welcome, no one is too old or too young; meet new friends and get fit in the process - brilliant.
For further information, please contact Nic Carter on 07886 124698 or email nic@niccarterpt.co.uk
Village Post Box Replaced
Sadly in the eyes of many, myself included, our lovely old brick postbox has been replaced with a red box on a metal stand - no doubt cheaper but not as good looking, particularly in a conservation area such as Little Waldingfield.
Village Afternoon Tea
On a wonderfully warm and sunny afternoon, the Parish Room looked its best for the 26 villagers who could tear themselves away from the footie, even though England had clearly won by our 3.00 pm start time and the tv coverage was over by 3.30. It was their loss as all guests had a really great time; there was a superb spread, old friends met up again, new friends were made and the conversation flowed, just as trustees had hoped for.
With very many thanks to everyone who helped, whether on the day, baking cakes or making quiches / sandwiches - it was a real team effort. Lastly, £30.00 was raised for the Bridge Project in Sudbury, a charity set up in 1995 to assist disadvantaged adults within the community - a great result all round.
25th June 2018
What a spread
Yummy or what?
Carrots anyone?
A lovely Dundee cake
A superb Victoria sponge
Clear proof that it was great fun
Two very happy new residents of the village
An interesting platefull - cream cake on top of scones and sandwiches - it didn't last long!
Old friends enjoying each other's company
Clearly a great time was had by all.
Deep in conversation
More conversation, even when leaving.
Village Litter Pick
The village is, for now at least, free from this modern day blight, created solely by passing drivers too lazy to take their rubbish home with them. The volume of empty cans and bottles was unbelievable, along with remnants from take away food and drinks containers, along with the ubiquitous crisp and chocolate wrappers etc, which of course can be so harmful to wildlife. Hopefully the tidy aspect will, at least for a while, deter other lazy drivers from chucking stuff out of the windows whilst driving through, though we all know that sadly it will recur once again, until such time that everyone becomes a bit more considerate to others - here's to less rubbish next year and a great big thank you to all of our volunteers.
Andy Sheppard 24th March 2018
The Swan Little Waldingfield – Update for the Parish Council, Villagers and SOS
The Swan closed because it failed for the second time in relatively recent history. I bought The Swan, with no borrowing, on the open market from the receivers for Santander last summer, who had been running it temporarily on a shoe-string budget and temporary manager. The pub was available for sale to any villager, the general public and advertised extensively by respected pub specialists, Christies. Initially, I sought new tenants straight away, and indeed did have two couples very keen on the pub; however, their ideas for the pubs offering would have not been in keeping with the village, or appealing to reasonable expectations, or indeed competitive locally. In view of the previous financial failures and run-down state, there is no point in re-opening as it is, and strong tenants would not be forthcoming. I have further invested in tidying up and securing the property as best possible pending the renovations, in addition to substantial planning and historical research costs.
Therefore, I am going through the complex planning, heritage report and listed buildings process to ensure it has a good chance of gaining the right permissions, and may be renovated and improved to give it a strong chance of viability with new tenants in situ, who will be sought once we get close to renovation completion date. I can’t really give you a reliable timescale for reopening as the planning process is complex and slow, and I want the pub to have the best possible amenities. I can say that once I have some realistic drawings ready for planning, these will be shared with the villagers at an open event at the pub or Nethergate brewery tap – I do hope that will be during the Spring and that villagers will be both excited and their support continue. It is clearly not in my interest to have my investment standing empty for longer than necessary.
However, if you are looking for somewhere relaxing for a drink in the meantime, I can recommend the new Nethergate brewery tap in Long Melford where I am a director and co-owner; which gives me some insight into the pub market, in which my fellow directors/owners and I have interests in 15+ pubs and restaurants. In the meantime, I do understand and very much appreciate villagers enthusiasm to have The Swan re-opened, and must balance that with re-opening something attractive to the best possible tenants, in good order, viable and worthy of the village for the long term.
Justin Nevison-Grainger ACIB BSc(Hons)
13th March 2018
Village Meeting to Discuss BDC Joint Local Plan
Forty plus residents attended a council presentation today on the draft joint local plan, in order to gain a better understanding of the issues potentially facing Little Waldingfield; hopefully they were not disappointed, whilst councillors now also have a better understanding of resident's concerns.
As promised, the presentation may be viewed HERE, with links to the Draft Joint Local Plan highlighted on the penultimate page; n annotated map of the potential LW devlopment sites is also shown below.
The very strong recommendation, for residents with any concerns about any issues raised in the Joint Local Plan, is to:
- Attend the Babergh drop-in session in Sudbury Town Hall, from 2.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on Thursday 12th October; and
- Comment on the issues of concern, either through the on-line consultation process (see links in the above presentation), or obtain paper comment forms from Babergh for submission by post. Please remember the last date for submission of comments is 5.00 p.m. on Friday 10th November, so aim for your comments to arrive at Babergh DC by Thursday 9th ovember or earlier to be on the safe side.
As the life of the plan extends out to 2036, this will affect Little Waldingfield for the next 20 years, and it is your last opportunity to have your say.
October 7th 2017
Annotated LW map showing 3 areas identified for development
Village Burglary - Update
Laura Mansell, a PCSO from the Sudbury Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) kindly talked to a gathering or more than 30 residents last Saturday, giving copious advice on security and what to do in the event of an incident. She also provided the following information:
If anyone wishes to report anything it’s 101 or via the online reporting tool on our website www.suffolk.police.uk
Reporting should only be done via these two methods or 999 if it is an emergency.
If anyone wants advice or a chat they can contact the SNT on sudbury.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
She also mentioned an official police security initiative website that provides practical information on securing property: please click HERE
The question of a lack of police presence was mentioned many times by residents, which apparently arises directly from budget cuts which have lead to reducing the hours of PCSOs, who used to work nights but now cannot work past 6.00 p.m.
Both residents and Laura were unhappy with this situation; she is no longer doing the jog she was recruited for and enjoyed - that of dealing directly with the public to provide advice etc - whilst there are also NO RURAL POLICE PATROLS anymore.
All present agreed this was a highly unfortunate outcome of the budget cuts, whilst the only advice the Police can give to us is for individuals to write to the following, describing the fear the lack of police presence is causing, the inability to get through on the 101 number, and asking for an increase in police funding specifically to increase coverage of rural areas, including permitting PCSOs to work well beyond 6.00 p.m.
- Our MP James Cartlidge. To contact James click HERE
- Suffolk's Chief Constable Gareth Wilson. To contact Gareth click HERE
- Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore. To contact Tim click HERE
25th September 2017
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Neighbourhood Planning
Councillors have reviewed outcomes of their recent meetings with Bill Newman (Babergh District Council) and Carroll Reeve (Lavenham Parish Council chairman), held to better understand the process of developing a Neighbourhood Plan (NP).
Details of council resolutions from the above are noted under Parish Council, Community Led Planning - click Here
We have a list of voluneers willing to help with this most important and exciting project, which should be of great benefit to Little Waldngfield, but more are always welcome; if you are interested, please contact any parish councillor or the webmaster - click Here.