A Word from the Chair 11th May

Published: 11 May 2025

Word from the Chair – 11th May 2025

It’s been a few weeks since our last update, partly due to the Easter break but also because of our end-of-year accounts and upcoming audits.

A lot has happened in that time, and there is certainly much to discuss.

I’ll start with an important and disappointing message – Antisocial and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. Rendlesham is a fantastic village nestled in a beautiful corner of the Suffolk countryside. We should not have to endure disruption caused by a small number of individuals who have chosen to set fires or speed recklessly through the village, endangering lives. These acts cost residents, as the bill ultimately comes via your council tax.

The police are working with us, and we have CCTV capturing the faces of those involved. Efforts are underway to resolve the damage caused by arson. We have seen multiple fires in Jubilee Park, including fire damage to the Multi-Use Games Area. Repairing the surface will cost several thousand pounds.

The police have also issued Section 59 orders to a few individuals. If they choose to continue their behaviour, their vehicles will be seized.

If you experience antisocial behaviour, please report it via this link – https://www.suffolk.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour

Onto Better Things!

The Rendlesham Show is just one month away, and preparations are progressing well. Although this year’s event will be smaller than last year’s, we hope you will still join us and enjoy the weekend! More information is available at https://www.rendleshamshow.co.uk.

If you would like to contribute donations for draw prizes or help sponsor the event, please email events@rendleshampc.org.uk.

Community Centre

Work in and around the community centre is ongoing. We’ve replaced the outdoor lighting, which has been out of action for a while.

Additionally, we now offer two fully funded community groups where people can drop in for a chat. One is specifically for adults, and the other welcomes both adults and children. Feel free to stop by for free tea, coffee, and biscuits! We’re open to suggestions on how to improve this initiative, so please let us know.

Dog Waste Bins

Some of the dog waste bins around the village are in poor condition. We used part of our Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds to purchase replacements. Last Sunday, I, along with our friends from Rendlesham Spring Clean, replaced four bins—three of which were metal bins in Jubilee Park.

We are assessing the remaining bins and will replace more in the coming weeks.

More details can be found here: http://www.rendlesham.suffolk.gov.uk/Community_Infrastructure_Levy_CIL_Monies_49601.aspx

CIL Wishlist

As some of you may know, we receive CIL funding from Persimmon and other developers when new developments take place. We have just received our 2025 allocation and are eager to use it for village improvements.

We are already compiling a shortlist of ideas and projects, but we would love your input on how this money should be spent.

Upcoming Meetings

Our Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Monday, 19th May, at 6:00 pm, followed by the Annual Council Meeting. Then the regular monthly meeting on Thursday, 22nd May, at 7:00 pm.

As always, residents are welcome to attend and have their say. More details here: http://www.rendlesham.suffolk.gov.uk/Annual_Parish_Meeting_49596.aspx

Councillor Vacancies

We still have open Councillor vacancies. If you are interested in joining, please get in touch. More information on how to apply can be found here: http://www.rendlesham.suffolk.gov.uk/Parish_Council_21210.aspx

Thank you all for your continued support and engagement.