Coronavirus Update
For the latest government information on coronavirus, please visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
It is encouraging to see the number of cases and deaths in this country continuing to fall and the success of the vaccination roll-out has been a real boost, but it is not the case in many parts of the world – a bleak reminder of how everyone has been affected by this awful virus. By the time you read this in June, we may be looking forward to the end of most restrictions in this country! The virus will not have gone away altogether so it is still important to take precautions, be mindful of others’ needs and take care of each other.
Ongoing services and meetings
For the time being, our staff are continuing to work from home. Some adjustments to layout and equipment will need to be made for them to return safely to working in the office. This is likely to be ongoing in June and July.
At the end of April, a High Court ruling confirmed that remote council meetings could not continue from May 7 and any formal meetings, which should be held in public, must allow for physical attendance by the public but with due regard for Covid safety measures. As we reported last month, as a precautionary measure, we had cancelled committee meetings in May and June. The full council meeting scheduled for June 2 has been postponed to June 23, to be held provisionally in St Michael’s Church Centre, a larger venue than the Parish Room. A physical meeting is necessary to approve the end of year accounts and the Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2020/21 for the external auditor. We do not know yet what legislation will allow in June so please check our website and noticeboards for updates on meetings.
Our many working groups can continue to meet remotely as they are not affected by the legislation, and they may also start to meet face-to-face in smaller groups.
Report on April meetings
It was a bit strange, but we held our Annual Parish Meeting virtually on April 21 (last year’s was cancelled). More than 20 took part and it was good to hear what has been happening with our local organisations. Refreshments were readily available – at home!
Our Annual Parish Council meeting took place on May 5 with reappointments of chairmen, committees, working groups and representatives on external organisations. We noted just how many volunteers we have, over 50, and we are so grateful for all the work they do, seen and unseen, around our parish.
We always welcome more!
Are you concerned about speeding in Martlesham?
We are in the process of purchasing a Speed Indicator Device (SID) with a ‘Slow Down’ legend which can be moved around six locations in the parish. Six sites have been agreed with Suffolk County Council: three on Eagle Way, two on Main Road and one on The Street.
Thank you to those who have already come forward but the more the merrier! Volunteers will go out in pairs to move the SID on a rota basis. We are also seeking someone with IT skills to take on setting up the data gathering system to show us the scale of our speeding problems. Please get in touch with the clerk if you’re interested in helping.
Parish Councillor still needed – could that be you?
Join others and help improve the quality of life for your fellow residents.
If you are interested in what it means to be a parish councillor, take a look at our website and Facebook page, join a council meeting or contact the clerk who can put you in touch with an existing councillor to hear all about it first-hand!
NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday 23 June, 7.30pm at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath
In case of change, please check details in advance on our website or by contacting the clerk.
Members of the public are welcome to observe and participate in the public forum at this meeting.
CONTACTING THE COUNCIL
Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council, Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB
Telephone: 01473 612632 – please leave a message if no reply and we will get back to you as necessary
Email: clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk
Website: http://martlesham.onesuffolk.net
Please follow us on our Facebook page which is @Martlesham Parish. The full address is: www.facebook.com/MartleshamParish