The STANTON STEAMER

Year 24 Issue 279 June 2020

There will be no hardcopies of the Stanton Steamer while the

present risks continue, we will however endeavour to produce

an on line version with whatever local news that we have and

also information on what is being done by the authorities

locally and hopefully where you can go for information on

problems that may arise. Apologies for any duplication.

We have kept most adverts in part two although several places

will be closed due to lockdown for quite a while, likewise we

are keeping all information on local groups and clubs meeting

times as a reminder of what we can hopefully return to in the

none too distant future. It would appear at this time that the

light at the end of the tunnel has been switched on again!

The Grumpy Old Git.

Items for the July 2020 Edition to

Jim Thorndyke, 23 Fordhams Close, Stanton or by

Email to stantonsteamer@tiscali.co.uk or to

Steamer Post Box in STANTON POST OFFICE

by noon on 22th June 2020

OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU!

Stanton Parish Council have drawn up a list of

people willing to offer those in need of help with

❖ Food shopping;

❖ Collecting medication:

❖ or other similar tasks,

If you know someone who needs help or if you can offer help to others

please contact the parish council on; 01359 408759 or email

stantonparishcouncil@gmail.com and someone will be in contact with

you as soon as possible. The following local businesses are still open

for food, newspapers and groceries and also need your custom –

• Spar Stores, The Street, 01359 250220

• Post Office. The Street 01359 261979

• Palmers Bakery, The Street, 01359 250367

• Stanton Fish and Chips, The Street, 01359 252125

Hillcrest Nursery and Farm shop, 01359 250237

• Rolfe's of Walsham can deliver, 01359 259225

• Cock Inn – Food Takeaway or delivery 01359 250230

• Stanton self-service Shell garage, 01359 251190

Number 279 THE STANTON STEAMER June 2020

STANTON METHODIST CHURCH Contacts: Revd. D. Ely. 47 Walcot Rise Diss. IP22 4DP. 01379 642791.

Mr R. Stanley. 01359 252207.

JUNE As we have been in lock-down for several weeks, I hope that by now we have been able to loosen some of the restrictions. Over the last few weeks we have had to find various ways to keep ourselves occupied, it must have been quite a challenge for families with children. I have kept myself occupied with gardening when the weather has permitted, and especially in my side garden near the walkway. I have had the opportunity to meet and talk to people with children and dog owners, who have become friends. I have been very blessed because I have friends near-by that have supported me with shopping and daily visits to chat over the wall. I would like to thank the village shops for staying open and working hard, especially the Cock inn with their take-away meals. We may be near to coming to the end of the lock-down, but we may be asked to acknowledge to live life a lot different to what we have been used to. I do hope and pray that the way people have worked together and supported people that have needed help, that the friendships that they have had will not be lost As we work our way through these difficult times, I pray that God will be there to give us the comfort and strength to continue, as with Him, we are not alone.

Pat Taplin.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH

Rector : Rev’d Cathy Bladen The Rectory, 1 Old Rectory Gardens,

Old Bury Rd, Stanton. IP31 2JH

Tel. 01359 250239 Email: revcathybladen@gmail.com

Benefice website: www.unitedbenefice.com

A very big thank you to everyone who has generously donated food for

the food bank. The church porch remains open during day light hours

as a drop off point with the food being collected at the end of every day.

If you are struggling financially at the moment to feed yourself or your

family please do contact Rev Cathy confidentially and we will see if we

are able to help

STANTON 01359 250230

On behalf of us all at

THE COCK INN I would like to thank everybody that has

supported the pub be it with take aways,

deliveries or buying our special offers.

We will carry on cooking Tuesdays to

Sunday 12 till 2 and 5 till 7 if you wish to

place an order please call

07530462815 as the land line is playing up.

Menu's are available to view on facebook

and next door Stanton.

Nigel

STAN CO CO TOTE

We have, at last, managed to hold the February draw and all winners have been notified. Because of the continuing uncertainty with Corona virus and it not being safe for our collectors to pick up subscriptions the Tote will be suspended until it is deemed safe to resume. The Trustees will consider what is the best way forward before we start up again and will advise accordingly.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Thanks, Ian

The Evacuee Opera Singer

Her turn came midway through the concert, immediately before the

break for tea and home made buns. The schoolchildren had sung “Old

MacDonald had a farm”, indeed the rector who acted as compère had

insisted on an encore. This had been followed by a recitation of “Don’t

go down the mine daddy”, and then a spirited performance of “where

are my glasses” … which everyone could see tangled in the hair of the

lady’s forehead! Now there was a hush and the pianist … more usually

seen at the church organ … took her place, looking serious and with

some apprehension at the sheets of music propped up before her. She

began to play. The singer stiffened and raised her eyes to the distant

ceiling beyond and above the audience. The pitch and the sheer

volume of the opening note of “Un bel di” rocked the hall. Indeed it

rocked the whole village. Dogs barked, cats fled, and even the

livestock and horses in the nearby farm buildings became restive and

given space would undoubtedly have stampeded. These good people,

nearly all women whose men were away at war, were not versed in

grand opera. They were ignorant of and could not conceive the

circumstances that could arouse such a vehement and extraordinary

expression of passion, love, and hope. Their horizons were limited by

the hard realities of caring for children, feeding them on meagre

incomes and meagre rations, and clothing them with need for constant

sewing and knitting. Killing and cooking. Chickens and pigs. These

were their overwhelming priorities. They responded generously to the

lady singer but many went home in puzzlement and disturbed. Where

was this world of which they were not privileged to be part? Was it a

dream? A fantasy? Could these wild emotions come their way? Ever?

It was not forgotten, and as the years passed those that had been

present would talk of the event with some pride. They had breathed

for a moment. They had experienced The Opera.

Richard Tripp

MINUTES of the Meeting of Stanton Parish Council held on 12 March 2020 at Stanton

Community Village Hall at 7.00pm.

Present: F J Hart (Chair), B Smithson (Vice-chair), J Frizzell, B Gordon, P Smith, B Brown, J Miller, A Kemp. Also Present: DCllr J Thorndyke.

Cllr Gordon advised that he would be recording the meeting.

1. Apologies for absence accepted: Cllr A Shelton, M Scowcroft - medical reasons and CCllr Spicer

2. The minutes of the previous meeting on 13 and 20 February 2020 were approved.

3. Public Forum: Four members of the public were present. Two residents made observations in respect of Planning Application DC/20/0323/FUL. They objected to the plans in that the proposed building was alleged to be on the footprint of a previous property demolished after an aircraft accident. This was in part true but this was in 1962 and the area had since been used for recreation and as a play area. Over the years it had reverted to being a meadow attracting wildlife and was adjacent to an Ancient woodland which was protected. As there are no services on the development the application would be unsustainable and

the planned dwellings were not in keeping with the dwellings currently on the site.

The Chair thanked the residents for their comments to be discussed later in the meeting.

A resident raised the issue of noxious fumes in the area of Dale Road on Wednesday 11 March 2020 reporting that several people had reported chest pain and difficulty breathing to the point where it was considered that there may have been a gas leak. British Gas had confirmed that there were no gas pipes in the area. Cllr Frizzell confirmed that this had also been reported to him and as there was a similar investigation last year he had contacted Paul Speakman from Environmental Health who reported that it was believed that the smell was from a nearby farm storing a large mound of rotting mushroom compost which was giving off a high concentration of carbon dioxide. Paul Speakman is encouraging residents affected by the smell to report incidents directly to him on 01638 719247 or 07775 801204

4. Report from: D Cllr J Thorndyke

• The next Parish Forum will take place at Newmarket on Tuesday 17 March from 5.30pm and an agenda will be circulated.

• Planning Application for Chardale in Dale Road has now been granted. The Chair thanked DCllr Thorndyke for his help and guidance in relation to that application.

• Application for redevelopment of the Old Primary School has not been progressed due to lack of information.

• He had attended a meeting at the Grundle with the County Council Rights of Way Officer and they have walked the length and identified areas which need

attention and including barriers that need replacing. This will be dependent upon available budgets – (the Chair reported having replaced the shackles on one length of chain and was seeking replacement chains for the lower grill.)

Cllr Miller asked about the development at Tripp Batt and the fact that the name Tripp Batt should be reflected when the Close is named. DCllr Thorndyke reported that the developer will suggest a name to the District Council who will liaise with the Parish Council for their comments. The Clerk has already emailed the developer to ask them to consider using the name Tripp Batt.

The Chair reported that an extension in Sturgeons Way appeared not to have a valid planning permission – the previous one having been granted in 2010. DCllr Thorndyke agreed to look into the details of the planning application.

S C Cllr J Spicer

• The Grundle - there has been a visit from the rights of way officer as outlined by DCllr Thorndyke. The correct footpath signage for Park Farm Drive has been ordered.

• Primary school site - I have no new news

• Speed limit A143 - the cabinet member has signed off his agreement so awaiting confirmation.

• Resident is concerned about an overgrown footpath from Goldsmiths Grove and has asked whether the school bus can stop at Goldsmiths Grove to avoid children having to walk a very remote and overgrown path which is quite dark and especially in the Winter. Cllr Kemp offered to speak to a local farmer to see if the hedgerow could be cut back to allow more daylight and the Clerk was instructed to write to Suffolk CC to ask them to consider changing the school bus route.

Action – Clerk to report overgrown hedgerow and to write to SCC School Transport in respect of school bus stop

• Upthorpe Road - now might be June for re-surfacing but not confirmed yet

• I am offering a grant of £500 from my locality budget towards new lights for the village hall

5. Clerk’s Report: items not on Agenda Highways issues reported – Report reference number is: 00269928 BARNINGHAM ROAD, STANTON Date reported: 07/02/2020 Description: Broken drain cover o/s Rose Tree Cottage Response - Following your recent report, we are pleased to confirm that work will be carried out to rectify the issue that you raised with us within approximately 2 working days.

Report reference number is: 00270549 GEORGE HILL, STANTON Date reported: 12/02/2020 Description: Customer has called concerned regarding fallen tree on the pavement along this section of the road. Customer has said that this appears to be going into the road. Response - Following your recent report, we are pleased to let you know that works have been carried out to rectify the issue that you raised with us.

6. Declarations of Interest: The Chair declared an interest in the Accounts

7. Planning Applications: a. New Applications received

DC/20/0323/FUL | Planning Application - 2 no. dwellings | Land Adjacent To 8A Bobbys Way Stanton Suffolk RESPONSE - The site is located at the end of a cul-de-sac which has single storey dwellings to its east side and a wood opposite. It is proposed to extend the existing road and erect

two houses. The site lies outside any defined built up area boundary and is thus within a countryside location. Policy DM1: Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development When considering development proposals, the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. Due to the sites isolated location, the occupiers of dwellings here would be dependent on the use of the private car for most needs and services. As a result, there would be conflict with Policy DM1 Policy DM2: Creating Places - Development Principles and Local Distinctiveness The proposal would take away the land on which the remnants of a children’s play area are sited. This should be enhanced and developed as a recreation area. It therefore contravenes Policy DM2 (d) as it will involve the loss of important green areas which make a significant contribution to the character and appearance of the adjacent houses and development. The site is currently largely an open grassed area which is adjoined on two boundaries by similar open areas and opposite High Wood. Policy DM5: Development in the Countryside Areas designated as countryside will be protected from unsustainable development. A new or extended building will be permitted, in accordance with other policies within this Plan, where it is for: a. purposes directly related to agriculture or forestry; b. affordable housing for local needs in accordance with other policy: c. development relating to equine related activities and the horse racing industry; d. essential small-scale facilities for outdoor sport or recreation or other uses of land which preserve the openness, appearance

and character of the countryside, leisure activities, and new tourism facilities; e. a dwelling for a key worker essential to the operation of agriculture, forestry or a commercial equine-related business in accordance with the requirements of Policy DM26; f. small scale residential development of a small undeveloped plot, in accordance with policy DM27; g. the replacement of an existing dwelling on a one for one basis where it can be demonstrated that: i. the proposed replacement dwelling respects the scale and floor area of the existing dwelling, and, ii. the curtilage of the development is only greater than the curtilage of the existing dwelling where it can be justified with reference to Policy DM25. The National Planning Policy Framework indicates that there should be a presumption in favour of sustainable development. It confirms that isolated new homes in the countryside should be avoided unless there are special circumstances. These circumstances relate to the essential need of a rural worker, optimal viable use of a heritage asset, re-use of a redundant or disused building or where exceptional or innovative design is involved. The proposal does not meet any of the specified special circumstances set out within the Framework or the Policy. In a previous application for two properties –DC/16/0163/FUL | Planning Application - 2 no. dwellings with car ports and parking | Land East Of Bobbys Way Stanton Suffolk IP31 2FE (which have now been constructed) - recommended that for a number of reasons the application for two should be refused which was overturned by the development control committee An extract of the officer’s report is as follows – This application was deferred from consideration at the Development Control Committee meeting on 4 May 2016. Members resolved that they were minded to grant planning permission contrary to the officer recommendation of refusal. At this point, the risk assessment protocol was invoked requiring

the further reporting of this matter before a decision is able to be made A Committee site visit was undertaken on 28 April 2016 at which time Members observed the footings of two dwellings previously occupying the site in 1962 which had recently been uncovered. At the subsequent Development Control Committee meeting on 4 May 2016 Members considered that the former dwellings on the site were part of a cluster and that the proposal would provide a recognisable end to the housing estate. Members considered that the proposal would not create a precedent for further development into open countryside. It is indicated in the documentation that the site had been occupied previously by dwellings and that these were destroyed by a plane crash and this application ‘completes the scheme’. However, for the same site, in the refusal of appeal - SE/12/1696/FUL | Planning Application - Erection of 4 no. new dwellings, parking and access | Land East of Bobbys Way Stanton Suffolk – the Inspector acknowledged that – the newspaper report, regarding this accident, dates from August 1962. Part of the site also appears to have had subsequent, alternative use, as a children’s’ play area. This play area, itself, is now abandoned with only remnants of the play equipment still in place on the site and the surrounding area laid to grass. In the circumstances, due to the time scale involved, with no remnant of any original dwelling and the site subsequently, in part, being put to alternative use, I do not consider the four houses proposed could be considered as ‘replacement’ dwellings as put forward by the appellants. Policy DM10: Impact of Development on Sites of Biodiversity and Geodiversity Importance The proposal should consider the cumulative impact on the wildlife or geological value of the site; the presence of protected species, habitat areas and wildlife corridors, or geological features, and proposed measures to safeguard and enhance them; the opportunity to create new habitat areas and to

improve the conservation status of locally vulnerable species; the extent to which the imposition of conditions or planning obligation would mitigate the effects of the development and/or protect the geological or nature conservation value. The construction of dwellings, and associated road would significantly intrude into this open countryside setting which currently attracts wildlife including deer, fox and owls and may affect nesting birds in the adjoining woodland. The presence of wildlife can be evidenced by local residents with photographs recently taken of deer. There is no evidence of this being considered in the local requirements. Policy DM27: Housing in the Countryside Proposals for new dwellings will be permitted in the countryside subject to satisfying the following criteria: a. the development is within a closely knit ‘cluster’ of 10 or more existing dwellings adjacent to or fronting an existing highway; b. the scale of development consists of infilling a small undeveloped plot by one dwelling or a pair of semi detached dwellings commensurate with the scale and character of existing dwellings within an otherwise continuous built up frontage. Permission will not be granted where a proposal harms or undermines a visually important gap that contributes to the character and distinctiveness of the rural scene, or where development would have an adverse impact on the environment or highway safety. It is considered that this proposal undermines a visually important gap that contributes to the Rural nature of this location and is therefore in breach of Policy DM27 Policy DM33: Re-Use or Replacement of Buildings in the Countryside Buildings which are remote, or have become so derelict, have been abandoned or are otherwise incapable of adaptation or reuse will not be considered favourably for replacement.

As the footprint for the previous (pre 1962) properties is no longer visible it is considered that this could not be an argument for replacing existing buildings. The Parish Council will also refer to DC/19/0240/VAR | Planning Application - Variation of Conditions 4 and 5 of Planning Permission DC/16/0163/FUL to allow use of revised drawing for access and manoeuvring. As amended by drawing received on 04 April 2019. | Land East Of Bobbys Way Stanton Suffolk – this application was to vary the original turning circle to which the Council had no objection. In summary the Parish Council does not support this application

b. Previous applications decided –

Reference Address Stanton PC response

West Suffolk DC decision

Decision date

DC-20-0071-TCA

Ivy Cottage The Street

Support No objections

19/02/19

c. Other Planning issues Council approved the Planning application for floodlighting for Stanton FC at a cost of £231. Action – Clerk to submit on line application

DC/19/0241/TPO – (to consider comments from planning officer in respect of the previous objection to these works and to consider a response) After discussion and having had additional information in relation to the disease affecting the trees, Councillors had no objections to the application Action – Clerk to respond to planning officer

8. Accounts a. The payments as below were approved for payment.

(General Power of Competence applies) Bank account total as at 29/02/20 – £59795.62 PAYMENTS £GROSS £VAT £NET WHAT FOR

Anglian Water 5.00 5.00 Monthly water charges - Pumping Station (Feb)

Now TV 25.99 25.99 Phone and Broadband (Feb)

PAYMENTS £GROSS £VAT £NET WHAT FOR

Anglian Water 5.00 5.00 Monthly water charges - Pumping Station (Mar)

Scottish Power 44.83 2.13 42.70 Electricity - Pumping station - 2 months

Anglian Water 13.34 13.34 Water charges - Cemetery - Q4

M and TJ's 510.00 85.00 425.00 Hedge Cutting

Mr F Hart 24.08 4.01 20.07 Grundle chain shackles

Staff salaries 1134.95 1134.9

5 Litter Picker, street cleaner and Clerk Salary

RECEIPTS Lloyds Bank Interest 2.80

Burials 324.00 VAT refund Q3 4.65

9. Statutory Business/Governance/Contracts

a. Applications for Co-option to the Parish Council – Councillors heard from two members of the public present who wished to be considered for co-option to the vacant position of Councillor.

After their presentations, it was proposed by Cllr Hart and seconded by Cllr Smithson that in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it was advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded. Both candidates opted to leave the meeting for Councillors to discuss the applications. DCllr Thorndyke also left. No other members of the public were present. Both candidates were proposed and seconded and after discussion, Councillors voted by a show of hands. The chosen candidate by a vote of 5/3 was David Cleland-Smith. Both candidates were invited back into the meeting and informed of the result. The Chair thanked both for offering themselves to be Parish Councillors. He congratulated David Cleland-Smith and invited him to stay as an observer for the remainder of the meeting.

b. The updated quality and Diversity Policy was approved c. The works to renovate the Multi Goal Area at a cost of

£2637.50 ex VAT was approved.

10. Matters for discussion:

a. An Application for Recreation Ground Hire for a Car Boot and Garage Sale Trail event on 3 May 2020 for charitable reasons by the Clerk – Mrs J Hart – was approved.

b. Cllr Brown reported no progress on the adoption of roads on the Mill View Development. It was agreed that the Clerk will write to West Suffolk Council expressing disappointment in the time it has taken and seeking an official update.

Action – Clerk to write to West Suffolk Council

c. Cllr Smith reported that the British Legion were leading on the VE Day celebrations with the raising of a toast at 3pm on Bank Holiday Friday 8 May at the Cock PH and Church Services on the Sunday.

d. The Chair introduced a discussion around the Coronavirus threat which has already caused two Councillors to be absent from tonight’s meeting for the purposes of self-isolation. It was agreed that with the absence of Government guidance, the Clerk will seek volunteers and maintain a list where vulnerable residents can seek help and will be ‘buddied up’ with a volunteer.

The impact of the virus is unprecedented and is moving at a fast pace with information coming out on a daily basis. It was agreed that the Council will await guidance from NALC or the County Council in relation to future meetings and will respond appropriately to guidance issued. The Clerk will circulate information as and when it is received.

e. Cllr Kemp asked Council to consider the need for a dog waste bin in Barningham Road. After discussion it was agreed that a normal waste bin to be emptied by the street cleaner can be sited on a post in Barningham Road on farmers land with his permission. There is a spare bin in the Clocktower which can be used. Cllr Kemp and the Chair to organise.

11. Correspondence from Borough and County Councils a. Play Area Reports – February 2020. Noted – no

issues of concern

12. Correspondence b. No other correspondence received

There being no further business the meeting finished at 8.45pm

NOTES of the Meeting of Stanton Parish Council held on 9 April 2020 virtually by Zoom.

Present: F J Hart (Chair), B Smithson (Vice-chair), M Scowcroft, B Gordon, B Brown, A Shelton, D Cleland-Smith

5. Apologies for absence accepted: Cllr J Frizzell, J Miller, P Smith, A Kemp, DCllr Thorndyke and CCllr Spicer

6. The minutes of the previous meeting on 12 March were approved.

7. Public Forum: No members of the public had access to the meeting – awaiting further guidance from Coronavirus Bill and National Association of Local Councils. No email requests received by the Clerk.

8. Report from: D Cllr J Thorndyke – via email as unable to access the meeting remotely

Query from last month regarding extension in Sturgeons Way, apparently this was logged as started by Building Regs in 2011 and therefore so long as it complies with plans approved in 2010 can be completed ‘at leisure’.

Lots of work in West Suffolk Council (WSC) at the moment in administering government assistance to many businesses including quite a few in Stanton, many staff redeployed on this with literally several thousand phone calls and working through business rate register so all should have received phone call and very simple forms to complete by email.

Many meetings will switch to on line but not using ‘zoom’ WSC still have concerns, smaller ‘meetings’ being done on ‘team’. Annual Council meeting in May has been cancelled and existing chair and vice chair of council will remain in place probably for next year. April planning committee meeting has been delayed/cancelled, and next one at end of April is in doubt as they have to follow certain legal bits with public speaking and ability to ‘attend’, any procedure will need to be cleared with ‘government’.

Have been involved with changes needed to constitution to allow revised procedures to how council will operate – nothing dramatic but needs to satisfy legal requirements and comply with new regulations which came into force on 4th April and apply to all ‘local authorities’.

Work on new local plan for WSC has been slowed down and will probably kick off again in October.

Well done to Joy on the organisation with the Parish Council on the local volunteer scheme, seems to be working as planned.

S C Cllr J Spicer – via email The last 3 weeks have been fraught and worrying for everybody. In different ways I seem to have been in touch with all the villages in the Blackbourn Division but I am sorry not to have written more formally to you all sooner - but every day the situation seemed to change.

I am very proud of what I hear about how villages have put together different ways to keep in touch with their communities and to identify and support those vulnerable people and families that need extra support at this awful time. I have also been impressed with how the county council has responded to the crisis and I will try in this message to summarise briefly how our SCC services are helping. We are also linked in with our partners in the Suffolk Resilience Forum (Districts, NHS, Police and voluntary sector).

Public Health is part of Suffolk County Council and is of course in touch several times a day with Public Health England. It was terribly sad that the first death in Suffolk from this terrible disease was Jane Jay from Ixworth and I know all of us will send our sympathy to her family whilst realising how close to us all the danger now seems

As you would expect, caring and supporting the most vulnerable people - mostly very elderly - but also those with long term mental and physical health problems, is our vital leadership role. We are also leading the liaison with the care sector and residential and nursing homes as well as our own care

provision. I was assured this morning that we are fully involved in pressing to speed up delivery of PPE to Suffolk.

As you will all be aware the response to the call for volunteers to help with shopping, prescription collection and telephone calls has been amazing. What is needed now is to spread the word. This phone line (0800 876 696) can be used by residents, family and friends in Suffolk. I am assured it is very quick and efficient. "Home but not alone" is a great Suffolk message. Download the App to volunteer.

We have allocated £60k to food banks in Suffolk which is being distributed around the county

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are doing an amazing job delivering food parcels to the identified frail elderly with highlighted health needs. Sadly, one of the first deaths in Suffolk was a recently retired firefighter.

Suffolk Trading Standards have been extra busy as they now have the key role following the legislation passed last week in ensuring compliance with the COVID 19 rules for businesses, shops, pubs etc. They have agreed protocols and procedures with Police and environmental health to ensure all is fair and understood that it is to protect the NHS and the wider population

Schools have been fantastic and teachers and leaders have worked hard to continue to be open for children with special needs and the children of key workers. Bardwell School is now closed and I believe Hopton will soon close. The others will also be staying open over Easter to help (they all deserve a clap too!). We are also working with schools to support arrangements or free school meals and vouchers

Sadly, but I know you will understand, we have now closed our recycling centres

I do have concerns about a seeming increase in domestic abuse with the challenges and difficulties relationships and families may be undergoing. Anything serious should ideally be reported to the police but also please keep handy the domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 247

Hope you are all keeping well and safe (let me know if not) and thank you again for all you are doing in your village in these difficult times.

9. Clerk’s Report: - there were no queries with the report enclosed with agenda.

10. Declarations of Interest: There were no declarations of interest in items on the Agenda

11. Planning Applications:

a. New Applications received

DC/20/0457/FUL | Planning Application - 1no. agricultural storage building | Hillcrest Nursery Barningham Road Stanton IP31 2DU RESPONSE – There are no objections to this application

b. Previous applications decided –

Reference Address Stanton PC response

West Suffolk DC decision

Decision date

DC-19-1918-FUL

Chardale, Dale Road Support Approved 10/03/20

DC-20-0139-TCA

Oak House, The Street Insufficient information

No objections

13/03/20

DC-20-0180-HH

1 Church Close Support Approved 24/03/20

DC-20-0181-HH

41 Honeymeade Close Support Approved 24/03/20

DC-19-1918-FUL

Resubmission - Chardale Support Approved 10/03/20

DC-19-0241-TPO

Shepherds Grove Park Support Granted 16/03/20

DC-20-0205-HH

Dewdrop Bury Road Support Approved 27/03/20

d. Other Planning issues – Clerk is experiencing some

difficulty with on line portal as submitted comments are not being received. This problem has been reported to them already and comments are being sent to individual planning

officers separately by email to ensure comments are considered.

12. Statutory Business/Governance/Contracts a. The Chair proposed that delegated powers be granted to the

Chair, Vice Chair and one other Cllr in respect of urgent matters only whilst the Coronavirus restrictions are in force. After discussion this was approved. Any decisions to be reported to all Councillors as soon as possible.

b. The Chair proposed that the signing of the accounts be delegated to the Clerk having first received approval from at least two of the signatories by email confirmation. The Clerk to circulate the invoices to all so Councillors could raise any issues before payment. This to be done on a monthly basis unless of an urgent nature when the Clerk can authorise spending of up to £300 as per Financial Regulations.

13. Accounts c. The accounts as below were authorised for payment.

(General Power of Competence applies) Bank account total as at 31/03/20 – 59366.75

PAYMENTS £GROSS £VAT £NET WHAT FOR

Anglian Water 5.00 5.00 Monthly water charges - Pumping Station (Apr)

Now TV 25.99 25.99 Phone and Broadband (Mar)

Stanton CVH 42.00 42.00 Room Hire – Q4

Suffolk Cloud 110.00 110.00 Website hosting 2020-21

SALC 877.09 877.09 Annual Membership 2020-21

PWLB 10064.91 10064.91 Loan Payment – First half year 2020-21

HMRC 420.60 420.60 PAYE Q4

Staff salaries 1168.10 1168.10 Litter Picker, street cleaner and Clerk Salary (Apr)

RECEIPTS Lloyds Interest 2.32

Recycling Credit 1249.50 Allotments 77.50

14. Matters for discussion:

f. Parish Council response to Coronavirus and Business Continuity.

The Clerk reported that the Volunteer scheme currently held a list of 24 people willing to offer support to the vulnerable. 11 of those have been ‘buddied up’ with a resident seeking support. There has been a lot of requests for collection of medication and the Clerk has been liaising with the Doctors surgeries at Botesdale, Ixworth and Stanton to offer support.

Shepherds Grove Park is being looked after by the Park Manager Sharon Whelan who is doing a fantastic job up there with all residents being given a ‘red card’ to display if they are in trouble and she is patrolling the park daily as well as collecting all prescriptions from Stanton.

The Clerk has widely advertised the help available from local businesses who are delivering food and provisions

One volunteer has started a food bank with the help of All Saints Church and support of Reverend Cathy Blayden and this is running well with donations being taken to Bury to be co-ordinated and distributed to families in urgent need.

The Clerk is receiving requests for help from the ‘Home but not alone’ scheme launched by Suffolk County Council and this is also working well.

It would appear that many of our elderly and vulnerable residents are being identified by neighbours without any intervention being needed by the Council.

Cllr Shelton raised the issue of groups gathering and whether the Council could take any further action to disperse them. After discussion it was agreed that any such groups should be reported to the Police and Councillors should not get involved in challenging this type of behaviour.

Annual Parish Meeting – due on 21 May 2020. This to be cancelled in line with Government advice. There will be no Community Recognition Awards this year. The Clerk to contact all Village Organisations who normally contribute to the Annual meeting and seek a report which can be published in the Steamer.

Cllr Gordon previously circulated details of how Zoom conferencing could be used to provide a live feed of the May meeting via Facebook. The Clerk will seek to undertake some training to allow the public to join the May meeting – however SALC has advised that this should be by invitation (i.e the public are invited to email the Clerk in advance who will then send the link to the meeting) and not an ‘open house’ to avoid the meeting being ‘highjacked’ by persons with no connection to the meeting or village.

The Clerk reported having attended some instructional conferences in relation to Zoom conferencing. A resume of that conference will be forwarded to Councillors for information and to inform decision making.

After discussion it was agreed that the May meeting will be held by Zoom conference. Should the Chair and Vice Chair be unavailable by way of sickness then the Councillors at the meeting will appoint a Chair.

The Agenda will be circulated via the website and Social Media and the public invited to email the Clerk if they wish to take part. Cllr Gordon said that he felt really proud of the volunteer work that was being carried out and it was great that this had been set up in the Community. It was important to keep an eye on how it unfolds.

15. Correspondence from Borough and County Councils a. No urgent matters – all Coronavirus guidance circulated to all

Councillors from Suffolk County Council, West Suffolk District Council and County and District Councillors

There being no further business the meeting finished at 7.55pm

OneLife Suffolk

OneLife Suffolk is the integrated healthy lifestyle service commissioned by Suffolk County Council, and we are keen to let people know that we are still delivering services and are hoping that you could include the attached jpg and/or the information below on your website. During this difficult time, OneLife Suffolk are here

to support you by offering our FREE services in the safety of

your own home. Our dedicated teams can help you stop smoking, offer advice and support with managing your weight along with how to get active safely during this time. Our Children’s team are also running a fun, informative programme for all children in Suffolk to participate in, which includes free webinars accessible from our website. Please see our website, www.onelifesuffolk.co.uk for more information about how we can support you and your family, alternatively speak to a member of our Client Services Team on 01473 718193. I am obviously always happy to answer questions or provide any more information if required. Kind regards, Alison Begley Behaviour Change Training Practitioner www.onelifesuffolk.co.uk | Email alison.begley@onelifesuffolk.co.uk Mob: 07826 517795 Inspire Suffolk, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich,

SWWAG article for Stanton Steamer

One good thing to have happened in recent weeks is that many people have been seeing a bit more of their local wildlife. Sid’s Piece, our small conservation woodland which was created and is maintained by our community, has undoubtedly seen more visitors who have taken advantage of some warm sunny days and the extra leisure time they have had.

Everyone is welcome of course. But our gardens are also great habitats for wildlife; in the UK the total area of gardens is as valuable to general wildlife as all the National Parks. What have you been spotting? Feel free to let us know, using our facebook page and email contacts. At this time of year, depending on habitat, you could be coming across tadpoles, bird nests, plenty of tree blossom, and summer migrants such as Swallows, Cuckoo’s and particularly in the centre of Stanton, Swifts which dart around in small flocks, screaming their presence. Hedgehogs too are making their presence felt, you may see signs on your lawn or hear them at night. Is your garden hedgehog friendly? They love leaf litter, piles of twigs and un-kept corners of the garden. If your garden is enclosed by fences then have you considered

creating a shallow exit/entry tunnel? You might want to check with your neighbour first of course, but for many homeowners, popping out at night with a torch can reveal active hogs and later on, hoglets. Night-time video recording is even more fun.

If you don’t spot hedgehogs then in the daytime you’re bound to see popular garden birds especially if you have bird feeders, which should continue to be replenished to help the adult birds. And if you’re popping in to Sid’s Piece, please let us know what you see; there have been recent sightings of Barn Owl, Yellowhammer and Holly Blue Butterfly to name a few. We hope you’re all well!

Ian Shilling Tel. 01359 250939

WHAT’S ON IN STANTON DURING June 2020

Mon-Fri STANTON PRE-SCHOOL for children age 2-5 years to learn

through play. Term time: Mon to Fri 9:00-12.00, Lunch Club 12.00-12.45, afternoons 12.45-15.15. Telephone the Play Leader

01359 251909 or

email: info@stantonpreschool.co.uk

Mondays PILATES CLASS, Stanton Village Hall, contact Catherine

on 07951 019456

BINGO, Church Rooms, 8.pm

METHODIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER

GROUP, Chapel 2.30pm

STANTON CRAFT & CHAT, second & fourth Monday of Month,

Church Rooms 2-4pm, 250739

Tuesdays TODDLER GROUP, 9.30-11am, village hall, 251909 FITNESS Class, 9.45am Yvonne, 01284 754258, Village Hall, All

ages and abilities welcome, £ 4.00 per session.

SHORT MAT BOWLS in the Village Hall, 2pm..

ZUMBA—Fun fitness for all ages and abilities—7.30pm

village hall, Lou 07866 534087.

DROP IN –2nd and 4th Tuesday in month-All Saints Church

Room, 9.30 – noon. All welcome.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Meetings, 2nd Tuesday in

month, 8pm in the Cock pub.

MOBILE LIBRARY, Shepherds Grove Park, 2nd

MOBILE LIBRARY, Village Centre, 16th STANTON MUSICIANS, 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month, 7

to 9pm, 251013. Church Rooms.

Weds STANTON W.I. 2nd Wed in the month, village hall, 7.30pm

FITSTEPS Dance Fitness class for all ages, village hall,

9.30am, Marie 07917733655 Facebook: Fitsteps with Marie

BOWLS CLUB club night 7.00pm, Club House, Bury Lane.

BINGO, Women’s Section, R. B. L., Church Rooms 7.30pm

KETTLERCISE, Marts body blitz, village hall, 7-8pm,

Mobile 07545811690

FRIENDLY ARTS GROUP, Church Rooms, 1.30 to 4pm

Thursday PARISH COUNCIL, 2nd Thurs in month, 7pm,village hall MOBILE LIBRARY, Bury Road, Village Centre and

Hilltop Lay-by 25th

TEA DANCE, Village Hall, 2pm - 4pm, Mick 01284788147

WHIST DRIVE Church Rooms, 7.30pm 250548

SLIMMING WORLD, 5.30 & 7.30pm, Village Hall.

Fridays BOWLS CLUB, Bury Lane, Carpet Bowls, 7.00 pm

WHEELIE BINS Blue bins, 9th and 23rd

Black bins, 2nd, 16th and 30th

Believed new day for Brown bins Monday 8th and 22nd

Sundays ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, service times see Steamer METHODIST CHURCH, service times see Steamer

SHORT MAT BOWL Village hall, 2.30pm.

OTHER EVENTS in June and later.-

Monday Friendship Club Village Hall 2.15 Tuesday Methodist Church Coffee Morning 10.00am

Wednesday St Nicholas Pop up shop, village hall 10am-2pm

Friday Stanton Cinema, 7.30pm Saturday Bingo at Stanton Bowls Club, 7 for 7.30 eyes down

Tuesday Blackbourne Local History, Church Rooms, 7.30pm

Monday Friendship Club Village Hall, 2.15pm

Friday Stanton Village Cinema, 7.30pm

STANTON COMMUNITY VILLAGE HALL

Booking secretary, 01359 250271 Email: stantonvillagehall@btconnect.com

#StickWithItSuffolk

campaign.pdf

Helping volunteers help the most vulnerable

Dear all,

This is the 7th newsletter sent on behalf of The Collaborative

Communities Covid19 Board.

This week we turn our attention to the work being done to

help communities assess digital and technology aids during

the covid19 pandemic. This work includes helping children

access laptops to help with school work, how we support the

older population with technology and how many GP

appointments are now being done by video conferencing. The

digital world has such a huge role to play in our Coronavirus

response and we have had to adapt, respond and deliver at

pace.

Other items included in this newsletter: • Those we’ve

helped through The Home, But Not Alone phoneline • Tribe

update • Community Action Suffolk • Town and parish

council go virtual

The Home, But Not Alone Phoneline:

Here is a snapshot of the great work going on as Suffolk

comes together to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak: • A

man called the phoneline because he was suffering from poor

mental health and felt very isolated. We signposted him to a

number of local and national organisations that could help,

including the Samaritans and Suffolk MIND. We also gave

him the number of a local book club because he explained

how he liked to read. We returned his call the following week

to make sure he had everything he needed and he told us he

was thankful for our help and grateful that he now knew

where to turn.

• An elderly woman, who lives in sheltered accommodation

and cannot leave her home because of poor health,

contacted us because she needed a food parcel. She was also

unsure if she was registered on the Government’s shielded

list. We arranged for an immediate delivery of food to be

made by a near-by volunteer and then helped her to register

on the shielded list so her future needs would be me. She

was very thankful that she had called the phoneline.

• A daughter called with concern for her elderly father, who

had no food in the house. We made contact with the man

who was unable to leave the house and asked if we could

pass his details on to a neighbourhood group who could get

his shopping for him. A volunteer then phoned the man and

arranged to get a food shop to him for the same day.

There have been 8,500 calls taken since the phoneline was

set up. Phone calls are answered and cases managed by staff

at each district, borough or county council depending on the

type of enquiry. Wherever possible we link people in need

with local groups and businesses, who are doing an amazing

job in our communities. This phoneline is for vulnerable

people in our communities, and not for general Coronavirus

enquiries.

Covid19: Digital Response

The update below captures the ongoing work of the Board

in relation to supporting communities, specifically in relation

to the digital work, during the Covid19 pandemic.

Home But Not Alone coordinators at West Suffolk Council

have helped get support to over 100 vulnerable people in its

first full week of operation.

Launched at the beginning of last week, the Home But Not

Alone service serves as a safety net to the work of the small

band of volunteers who are out delivering food and medicine

to the vulnerable in their community.

People who are vulnerable and with no other support

available to them can ring the council team on the Home But

Not Alone freephone 0800 876 6926 which is staffed

from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.

Voluntary groups meanwhile are asked to register with the

Council by emailing

Families.Communities@WestSuffolk.gov.uk and by

registering on the Tribe Volunteer app. People who are

registered on the Good Sam app need not register again.

That then enables the Families and Communities team at

West Suffolk Council to map and coordinate volunteer

support, matching it to the calls it receives from people

needing help in a certain area.

In its first week, the West Suffolk team received 109 calls. Of

these 89 were from vulnerable people that needed help getting

food and 43 needed help getting medication.

Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council said: “Even

before this crisis we had some brilliant community groups

working to help local residents and many more have now

emerged with people wanting to help the vulnerable in their

area during this terrible time.

“Our role, has been, and continues to be about supporting this

work however we can, whether through funding, guidance or

more. Home But Not Alone is not about replacing or duplicating

this great community work but rather to help coordinate things

to ensure no one falls between the gaps. We are immensely

grateful to the wonderful volunteers who are out getting food

and medicine to people, and the community support that has

been linking in with our team has been inspirational. We simply

could not help people the way we are if we didn’t have this

amazing support.

“We would urge any groups, if they haven’t already, to register

with us. That way, you are helping to ensure that no one is left

home, alone and unable to get help during this crisis.

“We are of course all in this together and we will get through

this together.”

The Home But Not Alone campaign is being run by the Suffolk

Collaborative made up of all of Suffolk’s district councils, Suffolk

County Council, Community Action Suffolk, the Diocese of St

Edmundsbury and Ipswich , Suffolk’s Clinical Commissioning

Groups, the NHS – Integrated Care System, the Ministry of

Defence, the National Probation Service – Norfolk & Suffolk, the

Suffolk Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Suffolk

Constabulary, the Suffolk Association of Local Councils, Suffolk

Community Foundation, and Suffolk Voluntary Organisations

Group.

Stay home, stay safe and look after Your mental and physical health

Key facts about the Collaborative Communities Covid-19 Board: Made up of key agencies across Suffolk (listed below) Work being done supports the work of community or voluntary

groups and aims to help co-ordinate between central and local government including mapping community support to identify gaps and avoid duplication

The Board’s focus is in response to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert

Jenrick’s, call to local public bodies to create ‘community hubs’ to coordinate county-wide efforts

Particular areas of focus for the Board (covered below in this newsletter) are the Home, But Not Alone Phoneline; Local Collaboration with the VCS; Food and Logistics; Work with

Foodbanks; Housing; and the Tribe-Volunteer App. The Home, But Not Alone Phoneline:

Freephone: 0800 876 6926 Staffed 9am to 5pm everyday

It is designed to help the most vulnerable in our communities Since the phoneline has been set up we have taken

approximately 1,900 calls

Tribe Volunteer App: We have had a great response to the call-

out for volunteers with more than 1,200 people signing up. We will update app users shortly with improvements to the app, which should enable local voluntary and community groups to connect with nearby volunteers. Thanks to all those who have registered and, as you can see from the case studies above,

volunteers are being matched to need across Suffolk and the need for volunteers will undoubtedly increase as the pandemic continues. We’ll keep you updated on how the App is developing to support this work.

Parish and Town Councils: Town and parish councils across Suffolk have prioritised the most vulnerable and addressed the risks associated with increased isolation as a result of the current lockdown. Activity includes leaflet drops, increased resources at community shops, volunteer coordination, partnership working

with PCCs and other voluntary groups, district and county councillors, clustering by larger councils with smaller surrounding villages, good neighbour schemes, dedicated websites acting as

information hubs, organising prescription deliveries through to

being a voice at the end of a phone.

Food deliveries and logistics: We have been asked by Government to provide short-term food parcels to those identified on the Government’s shielding list. In Suffolk this is around 17,500 people. This work has been ongoing and food parcels have been delivered. This week Aldi agreed to set aside bulk amounts of their stock in order for us to fulfil these deliveries. We were offered the help of free vans to collect the food from John Gross and Tru7 Group, based in Martlesham. We have also had offers of support from Flagship Group.

Food banks: Funding has been committed for foodbanks which has been administered through the Suffolk Community

Foundations wider Emergency Covid-19 Fund. The fund has raised more than £300,000 during the first 10 days since launching. Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 with applications being turned around within 24 hours and money granted within 5 working days. So far over £100k has been

allocated to food related support across the county and more than £200,000 to other emergency interventions. Additionally district and borough councils are supporting local groups to ensure that funds are available and that food is getting to those most in need.

Community Action Suffolk are in weekly contact with the 60+ foodbanks across the county to access demand. Suffolk County Council are in the process of granting £30,000 to Fairshare (who have a depot in Ipswich) which will fund 540 (100kg) loads to be

delivered to foodbanks in need. FairShare will also take delivery of UN Army Surplus food supplies kindly donated through the Suffolk Community Foundation by Vestey Foods with a cost value of £120,000 which will be used to supplement the loads. The

Army have offered assistant to FairShare to help with distribution if required.

Housing: More than 800 rooms of accommodation have

already been found for vulnerable people or key workers

requiring temporary accommodation. Homes have also been found for Suffolk’s rough sleepers. We are working

hard to ensure that we can meet the demand placed on the

system as the pandemic continues, including the housing of

prisoners, or those facing domestic abuse.

As we head into the Easter weekend, Suffolk’s NHS, emergency and public services have issued a message

reminding people of their duty to stay at home, protect

the NHS and save lives. We are being reminded that this is a public emergency, not a public holiday.

We hope you get the time to step away from the work this

weekend and recharge your batteries.

With best wishes,

Chrissie Geeson (Head of Localities and Partnerships, Suffolk County Council) Chair of the Collaborative Communities COVID-19 Board

On behalf of: Community Action Suffolk, Babergh and Mid

Suffolk District Council, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and

Ipswich, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG, Ministry of Defence, National

Probation Service – Norfolk & Suffolk, NHS – Integrated

Care System, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner,

Suffolk Association of Local Councils, Suffolk Community Foundation, Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk County Council,

Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Group, West Suffolk CCG,

West Suffolk Council

Key information for West Suffolk businesses and communities

The response to the pandemic is rapid and there is an increasing amount of

information. This briefing gives you the key messages on how West Suffolk Council is supporting residents, businesses and communities, as of

14 April 2020, and is also available at

www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus

Communities

www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/C19communities

Home, but not alone. Anyone who is vulnerable, at home and with no

other support from family or friends available to them, can call the Home,

But Not Alone freephone 0800 876 6926 which is staffed from 9am to

5pm, seven days a week. West Suffolk Council staff provide a response to the calls from

residents in its area and the aim is, where possible, to identify a solution in

a local area, whether that’s signposting to a shop that takes phone payments

and delivers food, to matching people who are vulnerable with local community support to help with things like delivering groceries,

medication or essential household goods, in line with Government social

distancing guidelines. West Suffolk Council asks community support groups in the area to email families.communities@westsuffolk.gov.uk so

that they can help coordinate this.

Tribe Volunteer is a free app being used by Home, But Not Alone to help connect people who want to volunteer in their communities with

neighbours who are most in need. The service will mean willing volunteers,

charities, town and parish councils, community and religious groups can all

log their details and offers of support on the free Tribe Volunteer app, which can be downloaded from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The Home, But Not Alone service was created by partners from

Suffolk’s councils, police, health bodies and charitable organisations which come together as the Collaborative Communities Board.

Councillor locality budgets - we have made additional funding

available through our councillor locality budgets and changed some of the rules so that we can get swifter support to some of the community groups

emerging to respond to the COVID19 crisis. You can contact your district

councillor to discuss: how to contact your councillor

Families and Communities Team You can also contact our Families and Communities Team by emailing

families.communities@westsuffolk.gov.uk who can also direct you to

other funding sources and guidance. Community Action Suffolk has a range of guides, toolkits, and useful

information for community groups Community Action Suffolk - COVID-

19 Response - Communities. It includes advice on handling cash and

safeguarding. Volunteer Shopper payments - SALC has published guidance for

volunteers and those in receipt of volunteer food deliveries on how best to

arrange payment and how town and parish councils can help. www.salc.org.uk/homepage/volunteershopperpayments

Sport England has established an emergency fund to help community organisations involved in keeping people physically active meet their bills Sport England has opened applications to a £20 million Community Emergency Fund

Help for charities with property. The Government has confirmed that charities having premises with a rateable value of less than £51,000 will be

eligible for a cash grants of £10,000 or £25,000 per property. This means

many of our village halls and other community groups with their own

property meeting the criteria will receive such a grant to support them through this time. West Suffolk Council is contacting eligible

organisations and expects to award over £950,000 to groups in this sector

as part of over £34m of grants payable to retail, hospitality and leisure sector.

Community Chest Funds have continued and the grants that we awarded

in January have now been made to local voluntary groups.

Suffolk Community Foundation has established a Coronavirus Support Fund that is welcoming applications from across West Suffolk and

awarding funding to those groups who are helping with the demand and

resilience.

Additional funding has been made available to our foodbanks through Suffolk County Council with £60,000 being available to

foodbanks across Suffolk via Suffolk Community Foundation. We are also

working with our foodbanks to ensure they receive donations from Fare Share and support moving forward.

Homelessness If anyone is either homeless or at risk of becoming

homeless imminently please call 01284 757178 (opening times Mon-Fri 8.45am-5pm); out of hours number 01284 763252. There’s advice and

guidance on our website:

www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/housing/find_a_home/homelessness.cfm

Council Tax and benefits. For those unable to pay their Council Tax – West Suffolk Council locally administers the Government’s new Hardship

Fund, automatically reducing Council Tax bills for households already in

receipt of means-tested Local Council Tax Support – ensuring the most financially vulnerable households will have nothing to pay in 2020/21.

Support is also available for residents who do not usually fall into this

category but now need help. If their household income has reduced, then please encourage them to check www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/westsuffolk to

see if we can help.

Health and wellbeing is central to managing the lockdown and the

West Suffolk Life Link team have produced further support and guidance to wellbeing. This link is continually reviewed and will be updated by the

team as additional support is identified

www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community/lifelink/covid-19-information-and-

wellbeing-guide.cfm

It includes signposting for those,

at risk of domestic violence should phone Anglia Care Trust - 08009 775

690 or Leeway Support - 0300 561 0077 in need of drug or alcohol support feeling anxious or lonely

We have been working hard to source urgent temporary accommodation

for vulnerable groups who urgently need a place to stay in order to prevent

them being homeless, to self-isolate, stay safe or recover following recent illness.

Businesses

www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/c19business

West Suffolk Council has paid out over £19.5m so far to 1657 West Suffolk businesses eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund and the

Retail, Leisure and Hospitality grants. (Figures correct as of 15 April

2020.)

We have been working our way through the grants to the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality sector from 6 April, having prioritised their £34m

of Business Rate Relief. Businesses that are eligible will receive grants of

£10,000 or £25,000 depending on their rateable value. We have been redeploying staff so we can prioritise making calls and

emails to businesses about the grants. We have also been contacting

businesses via social media where calls and emails have been unanswered. We will be processing payments daily as more forms are returned.

Businesses can check whether they are eligible for a grant and if they

are, can completing an online form here

www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19businessgrants.cfm We are continually updating our website, in to include forms that

businesses can go online to complete. Keep an eye on our dedicated

webpage at www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/c19business for updates on this and other business support.

BE AWARE We have been made aware of a company offering to assist you in getting your grant for a charge. PLEASE DO NOT FALL FOR THIS. Follow the advice on this webpage and on the council's social media channels.

3. Changes to services

www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid19changestoservices.cfm

West Suffolk Council is prioritising essential services and has redeployed staff to ensure this and to protect public health:

Bins and waste

Garden Waste Collection Service suspended from Monday 30 March will

be restarting from 1st June All Suffolk County Council recycling centres are now open with an

appointment scheme at present. Community recycling points – remain open but are being emptied less frequently.

If the banks are full, please take your recycling home again. Do not leave it beside

the banks. See Recycling and recycling centres.

Parks and open spaces

Parks and open spaces - parks are being kept open so people can use them

responsibly to exercise once a day. All playgrounds in our parks have been

closed.

Building closures

Public access to West Suffolk Council buildings is closed but services are

still being delivered. The Apex is closed.

West Suffolk leisure centres are closed until further notice.

Moyse's Hall Museum and West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village are closed

until further notice. West Stow Country Park remains open. Latest news, Read our recent press releases in Latest news

Facebook @WestSuffolkCouncil, Twitter @West_Suffolk

Instagram @WestSuffolkCouncil

The LifeLink team at West Suffolk Council are encouraging residents to take steps to look after their mental and physical health while at home during the Covid19 crisis. While the vast majority of residents – including the LifeLink team – are following the national guidance and staying home and staying safe, the changes to daily life that the restrictions bring will understandably cause stress and anxiety as well as challenges to people’s exercise regime. The social prescribing team at West Suffolk LifeLink have compiled a list of top ten tips to help people at home during the coming months. These include:

• Regularly phone, instant message or video chat with other people who you

would normally meet with. There are different hobbies that you can do to relax and reduce feelings of anxiety at home. These include drawing,

painting, collage, sewing and craft kits. Playing musical instruments, singing, listening to music, writing, yoga, meditation and mindfulness are also good methods for balancing your sense of wellbeing

• If you can, get on with that DIY

• If you can work from home. It’s a good way for trying to maintain some

sense of normality

• Sticking to your usual sleeping patterns. It’s beneficial for your physical

health and as a way of keeping stress levels in check

• Keep an eye on how much you are eating, as insecurities can lead to

bingeing

• Exercise will also reduce stress. Dancing to music, cleaning your home,

seated exercises or online workouts all count

• Sunlight, fresh air and nature can all lift our spirits. If you have a garden,

try to get out in it as much as the weather will allow (But make sure you put your sun cream on to protect yourselves) Visit https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community/lifelink/covid-19-information-and-wellbeing-guide.cfm