Kessingland

Council Information

Parish Plan Update 2006

Kessingland Parish Plan Update January 2006

Since the Parish Plan was published in September 2004, there has been much success achieved as a result of hard work by those members of the Community who volunteered to work on the Plan. There were 21 issues listed in the Parish Plan and the following is an extract of the summary of where we are now and where work is still required to achieve the targets set by the Plan. The full summary is available on the Kessingland Parish website or can be viewed at the Parish Council surgeries.

Issue 1 - Educational and Social

To provide a new Library/Resource premise

Issue 2 - Health

To provide a health service that meets the ever-increasing demand and requirements of the Community.

Issue 3 - Social

To provide social services, counselling and pensions advice.

Issue 4 - Adult Employment

To provide more employment and employment advice within Kessingland.

Issue 5 - Youth Employment

to provide careers advice and Vocational Training

Issue 6 - Education

To provide a place outside of school for private study and homework, to provide access to the Internet and use of Information Technology.

Issue 7 - Information and Communication

Notice Boards re events and employment vacancies

Issue 13 - Adult Education

Initiate Education Classes.

These will all be included in the new Library Complex. Included in the plans are the provision of 24 "very sheltered housing" units for the elderly. Already the Community Office in Church Road is being used by agencies such as Citizens Advice Bureau, and self help groups like Waveney Women's Health, Alzheimer's Support and Meridian East. Due to lack of funding the Dept. of Works and Pensions, Job Centre Plus and Connexions will not yet be coming to Kessingland. Every attempt will be made to persuade these agencies to come into the Library/Community complex.

Talks are underway to have Adult Education up and running as soon as possible. Arts and Drama groups plus Information Technology were issues raised in the Plan

Issue 8 - Play Areas and Open Spaces

To protect existing Open Spaces and improve Play Areas.

One of the concerns from the Community was the Open Spaces left in the village. The Parish Council will fight to preserve what little open space remains. With the help of Lottery funding, the Church Road Play Area has been updated.

Issue 9 - Housing

Generally no further housing development except for housing specifically for young people and very sheltered housing for the elderly.

The Parish Council have informed both the District and County Council's that planning issues will be contested if it is felt that development is against the interests of the Community. The Library site was going to include private housing, but it is now a "very sheltered housing" complex.

Issue 10 - Law and Order

The lack of effective policing in Kessingland.

There has been considerable progress with the Suffolk Constabulary opening of the Police Office in Church Road. In addition there is now an effective Crime and Disorder Team working for the benefit of the Community. It is their job to ensure that all local crime together with anti-social behaviour and other policing issues are dealt with satisfactorily. The team is made up of Parish, District and County Councillors, Police, public, and representatives from the Waveney Crime and Disorder Partnership.

Issue 11 - Health and Transport

To provide direct transport links between James Paget Hospital and Kessingland.

This had a promising start after consultations involving Bob Blizzard MP, the County Council, representatives from the Community and the Bus Company. Unfortunately it had to be shelved due to lack of volunteers that were required to staff and monitor the scheme. If there is any member of the Community that feels that they could resurrect this project then please contact the Parish Clerk.

Issue 12 - Emergency Services

Initiate First Aid Classes.

There was interest in holding First Aid Classes, but less interest in the First Responder. In the New Year it is hoped to get First Aid Classes back on the agenda. If there are any members of the Community who would be willing to help please contact the Parish Clerk.

Issue 15 - Leisure

1. To provide a Gardening Club. 2. Arts and Drama 3. To establish an accessible and well supported Sports Centre 4. To provide new activities.

The Gardening Club has been an outstanding success. Those members of the Community who have organised this are to be congratulated. Arts and Drama have been included in with Education. In respect of a new sports centre and new activities, these would be ideal if funding was available. However funding has been secured to put down a Multi-Use Games Area at The Community Centre, Francis Road. Planning consent is awaited.

Issue 7 - Communication

The Parish Council now produce a newsletter and have the Community website. The website address is www.thelocalchannel.co.uk/kessingland. The compilation of the Village Business and Community Directory was another success and contains details of the businesses in the village together with details of all organisations and groups located in the village.

Issue 17 - information and Communication

To support Kessingland and Broadland Times.

The Kessingland and Broadland Times are still looking for assistance in running this very important publication and anybody interested should contact Maureen Long (01502740590

Issue 14 - Transport

· To improve the standard of bus service in Kessingland.

An attempt to improve the bus service to the Beach Area of Kessingland was prevented due to financial restraints. We will continue to press for a better service to the beach area, particularly to include Kessingland Beach Holiday Park.

Issue 16 - Environment

· 1. Keeping Kessingland Beach clean and tidy 2. To improve facilities for re-cycling household waste.

Through the District Councillors the beach is receiving a twice-yearly walk through beach clean and Waveney Council's beach cleaner visits on a regular basis. It is the responsibility of individuals to ensure that they clean up after their dogs.

Most households now have the necessary wheelie bins to help recycle household waste. With regard to bottle banks, it has been suggested that a new facility be put on the site of the Library/Community complex.

Issue 18 - St.Edmunds Church Hall

· - To improve the building infrastructure any.d make repairs where necessar Much work is taking place to improve facilities and make it possible to hold Community events

Issue 19 - Lack of Public Conveniences

· To look at the viability of siting more in the village.

After consultation with Waveney District Council this does not appear viable. The existing public convenience at the Beach End of Church Road is due for a facelift by 2008.

Issue 20 - Local Government

· To set up a Youth Council with a representative on the Parish Council.

This is being arranged with the Youth Management Team at The Village Hang Out.

Issue 21 - To have professional leadership to move the Parish Plan forward.

This was rejected due to cost implications.

More volunteers are required to continue this work. If you can offer your time and expertise in any of the above issues or projects, please contact the Parish Clerk on 01502717775.