Cockfield Parish Council
Cockfield Parish Council represents the first tier of local government and is responsible for the administration of the parish.
By an Act of Parliament it is authorised to raise and spend public money in the parish. This is called the precept and is collected through the District Council as part of Council Tax.
The Council has 9 members, elected every four years, and is supported by a Clerk who is the officer in law and the financial officer.
The Parish Council meets in public in the Village Hall six times a year on the fourth Thursday of January, March, May, July, September and November. These meetings are attended by the Suffolk County Council member, the Babergh District Council member and a representative of the Police.
The Parish Council owns and is responsible for:
- Great Green
- Parsonage Green
- Cross Green
- Earls Meadow
- Bruffs Line
- The Cemetery
- The War Memorial
- The Cricket Pavilion on Great Green
- The children’s playground and equipment on Great Green
- The pond on Great Green
- Bus Shelters
- Seats
- The Village Sign
The Parish Council acts as the consultee for all planning applications in the village. It is responsible for the planting and maintenance of trees in public spaces, the maintenance of footpaths and liaising with Suffolk County Council on Highways matters, snow clearance when necessary,
and dog fouling. It keeps a watchful eye on other services which may affect parishioners.
From time to time it conducts surveys, with the help of other bodies, to assess needs, with particular reference to affordable and local needs housing.
The Council is a member of the Suffolk Association of Local Councils and sends delegates to quarterly and other meetings. Members attend various training sessions which are arranged by SALC.
An Annual Parish Meeting is held at which the Parish Council, the County Councillor, the District Councillor and the Police together with representatives of the various village organisations give their report.
Cockfield Parish Council Members
As of May 2011:
Barbara Ruffell (Chairman)
Derek Southgate (Vice-Chairman)
Bez Baker
Carl Brinkley
Janne Cutting-Keyton
Robin Morley
Rodney Portwood
Ralph Turner
Rodney Williams
The Clerk to the Council: Alan Morgan
Parish Council Responsibilities
| Chairman | Barbara Ruffell |
| Vice Chairman | Derek Southgate |
| SALC Representative | Janne Cutting-Keyton |
| Greens Committee | Derek Southgate (Chairman) Robin Morley Rodney Williams Carl Brinkley |
| Earls Meadow / Bruffs Line Management | Rodney Williams |
| Planning Consultation Group | Barbara Ruffell Derek Southgate Robin Morley Janne Cutting-Keyton Rod Portwood |
| Cemetery Management | Ralph Turner Bez Baker |
| Tree Wardens | Robin Morley Rodney Williams |
| Footpath Committee | Ralph Turner (Chairman) Rodney Williams Bez Baker |
| Pavilion Management | Derek Southgate |
| Press Officer | Rod Portwood |
| Dog Warden | Carl Brinkley |
| Snow Warden | David Hodge |
| Litter Wardens | Janne Cutting-Keyton Bez Baker |
| Charity Trustees | Tony Box Robin Morley Joyce Cocksedge Paul Heather |
| Local Needs Housing and Section 106 Funding Committee | Robin Morley (Chairman) Barbara Ruffell Janne Cutting-Keyton Derek Southgate |
| Police Representative | Janne Cutting-Keyton |
| Village Hall Management Committee Representative | Robin Morley |
| Parish Clerk | Alan Morgan |
Report on Parish Council Meeting, January 26th 2012
Following the resignation of one councillor at the last meeting, the vacancy has been advertised for the required period of time. There have, however, been no nominations put forward and the Council is now considering the option of co-opting an additional member.
Plans for the Queen's Jubilee are progressing and a number of donations towards the cost have been received. The Jubilee Steering Group is continuing to explore raising further funds.
It was agreed that the village website will be linked to the One Suffolk parish councils' page thus broadening its profile.
With regard to bus services, it was reported that, after discussion with both commercial and community transport providers, it is unlikely that there will be any change to our current provision. The main concern for users is the non-availability of the community bus link to Mill Corner at the preferred time on Wednesday lunchtime - however, alternative times are available and these are being utilised.
Our community PCSO, Alex Vinter, reported one crime in the village since the last meeting. This was the theft of computer equipment in Buttons Green
In response to a request for more feedback at the last Council meeting, PCSO Vinter reported that over the last two years charges have been made in respect of two burglaries, and one instance each of GBH, criminal damage and handling stolen goods in the village.
A member of the public raised the issue of vehicles speeding through Windsor Green and the resultant risks to residents. Jeremy Pembroke, our County Councillor, offered to arrange for technicians from the Highways Department to visit the village to survey this and other recognised concerns. He also emphasised the role of the Police in checking speeds.
The dates of the next Babergh West Safer Neighbourhood public meetings are 20th March in Acton Village Hall and 15th May in Cockfield Village Hall at 6 pm.
Janne Cutting-Keyton advised that the village litter pick will take place on Saturday and Sunday 24th/25th March. The Police have offered to provide traffic slowing measures to permit litter picking along the sides of the A134.
It was reported that the purchase of the meadow and additional length of disused railway track adjacent to Earl's Meadow is progressing, but is not yet completed. Rodney Williams advised that working parties have started again, and that the embankment has now been cleared and planted with bulbs. Thanks are due to everyone who has helped.
The issue was raised of dogs fouling Great Green and the public footpaths around the village. The Council appeals to all dog owners to clear up after their pets, and reminds them that this is solely their responsibility. In the meantime, the Clerk was requested to investigate what action can be taken against those who continue behave in this anti-social manner.
Contact Information
For further information on the Parish Council and its activities, please contact the Parish Clerk:
parish.council@cockfield.org.uk
| Tel: | 01284 828072 |
| Address: | 19 Green Lane Cockfield Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0HL |