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Village News

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Gladman Appeal – The Result Is In

gladman appealGladman Appeal – The Result Is In

We have now received the results of the Gladman Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.  The Inspector considered all contributions including those from the Borough and Parish Council – and of course yourselves.  The main issues the Inspector (John Woodcock) took into account were:

  • The character & appearance of the area;
  • Heritage assets; and
  • The supply of housing.

He also took into account other issues such as: Continue reading “Gladman Appeal – The Result Is In”

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Gardeners’ Summer Visits

Summer visits to Shrubs farmGardeners’ Summer Visits

The Gardeners’ summer visits this year started after their 2018/19 programme of talks came to a conclusion.  They were particularly happy that the weather remained on their side.

Shrubs Farm

In June, a group went on a self-drive trip to Shrubs Farm in Lamarsh, a garden in the National Garden Scheme.  The owners, Robert & Sara Erith have lived at the farm since 1966.  The farm has superb views over the Stour Valley.  Members were given an entertaining and informative tour of the garden, parkland and ancient woodland by the owner.  Robert explained the planning and ethos behind the beautiful planting and vistas.

Continue reading “Gardeners’ Summer Visits”
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Decision Time for Neighbourhood Plan

Final Referendum NP Cover

Final Referendum NP CoverDecision Time for Neighbourhood Plan

After nearly 7 years of planning and consultation, it is now decision time for the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan.  The Statutory ‘Regulation 16’ Consultation has taken place and some changes recommended.  Consequently, a final version of the plan will soon be available on the website.

The decision will be made by referendum of registered electors which will take place on Thursday 19th September 2019.  The referendum will ask the following simple question: Continue reading “Decision Time for Neighbourhood Plan”

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Edwardian West Bergholt & Gainsborough House

Edwardian West Bergholt DisplayEdwardian West Bergholt & Gainsborough House

The Local History Group gave villagers an insight into Edwardian West Bergholt at the recent Village Fete.  The History Group manned a stall which included a display discussing West Bergholt during the Edwardian period.

The display, drawn from the 1901 and 1911 censuses, showed that villagers had a range of employment.  Significant numbers of men were either employed on the land or by the Daniell and Sons Brewery.  Women were often employed Continue reading “Edwardian West Bergholt & Gainsborough House”

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The Great Consultation – End of life Church Hall

Consultation inspired by the text: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.The Great Consultation

Ian Hilton writes about this consultation:

Once in a generation opportunity

St Mary’s Church has a once in a generation opportunity. The church hall has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. At the same time the Methodist Church and hall are up for sale and the Village, with St Mary’s, are expressing an interest in taking them on jointly to continue to make them available for the community.

These are both major decisions that offer wonderful opportunities but also Continue reading “The Great Consultation – End of life Church Hall”

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Crime Prevention in Summer

Crime Prevention in Summer

Colchester Neighbourhood Watch recently issued some crime prevention advice to help protect your property at this time of year.

Burglar

During the summer months we see a rise in the number of “Creeper Burglaries” where burglars take advantage of open gates, and windows and doors left open for ventilation or that you forgot to close.

If you have unoccupied rooms that are accessible to others from outside or off flat roofs make sure the windows are closed, if you need ventilation in these rooms whilst at home at least lock the larger window and only have the small window open, even during the daytime. If you only have bigger windows consider a lockable window restrictor and a small alarm sensor on the window to detect entry.

Leave any external door open door and in comes trouble, even during the day. If that door is accessible (garden gate left insecure?) an opportunist thief will pop in and anything lying around will be gone. You may have only popped next door, or down the end of the garden or having a quick shower; it only takes a second for a thief to steal.

Their Advice

Continue reading “Crime Prevention in Summer”