Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179 | Community & Recreation14 September 20267.15pm |
KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY & RECREATION MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 AT THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE, FERGUSON WAY, KESGRAVE.
Present:
In attendance:
Apologies: Councillor Dr John Ling, Councillor Geoff Lynch and Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith.
The meeting commenced at 7.15pm. The Chair read the emergency evacuation procedure statement.
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
The Chair welcomed all present. Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Dr John Ling, Geoff Lynch and Neal Beecroft-Smith.
2. Declaration of Interests
Councillors Alan Comber, Jonathan Ogden, Rod Gibson and Avtar Athwall declared no interests.
3. Minutes of the last Meeting
An amendment to the minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2026 was noted: the bus shelter on Main Road is located in front of the fish and chip shop, not opposite it.
Resolved: To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2026, with the amendment as noted. The motion was carried unanimously.
4. Clerks/Officer Report/Update
The Events & Estate Manager had no update. The Town Clerk confirmed that all relevant matters were covered under other items on the agenda. The report was noted.
5. Members of the Public
The Committee received a presentation from Mr Paul Martin of Bee Cafe CIC regarding a project to create a bee corridor through Kesgrave. Mr Martin requested that the Council consider two proposals: firstly, funding the purchase of large planters at a cost of £250 each, which his organisation would build, install, and maintain; and secondly, subsidising perennial plant packs for residents at a cost of £25 per pack. The Committee thanked Mr Martin for his presentation and advised that the proposals would be given due consideration.
The Committee then agreed to bring Agenda Item 9h (Bus Shelter) forward to discuss with the members of the public present.
Mr Kevin Curtis and another member of the public raised serious concerns regarding the accessibility and safety of the new bus shelter on Main Road, near the Kesgrave Fisheries. The issues highlighted included insufficient space for wheelchair users to manoeuvre safely, particularly when the bus ramp is deployed; a steep slope on the hardstanding area leading towards the road; and a dangerous drop from the kerb. It was noted that dialogue was ongoing with the responsible officer at Suffolk County Council (SCC). The Chair offered to attend a site meeting with the residents and the SCC officer. The Committee noted the concerns raised, and the residents were thanked for their presentation.
6. KTC Action Plan 2026/27
The Action Plan was reviewed. Councillor Gibson noted that a full review of the Kesgrave Market was still required and that the actions listed under the Tree and Wildlife Conservation Strategy needed further development to meet the objective. The Chair thanked the officers and staff for the significant progress made across the plan since the start of the municipal year.
Resolved: To note the updates to the Action Plan.
7. 4YP Youth Provision (The Hang Out and Detached)
The reports from 4YP were received and noted. It was commented that the provision appeared to be progressing well.
8. Deer Management Proposal
Councillor Gibson introduced a paper proposing the development of a deer management strategy, primarily focusing on the threat posed by muntjac deer to the Council's woodland assets, including Dobbs Wood. The paper recommended liaising with neighbouring landowners and suggested a budget provision for a professional ecological assessment. The Town Clerk advised that two officers would be attending a Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) course on conservation and biodiversity and would raise the issue with them for an expert opinion. It was agreed to await feedback from the SWT and to consider a budget provision for a wider wildlife management strategy in due course.
Resolved: To defer a decision pending advice from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and to consider a budget provision for a comprehensive wildlife management strategy for the 2027/28 financial year.
9. Play Areas / Open Spaces
a. Pump Track In Kesgrave
The Events & Estate Manager confirmed that remedial works, including the installation of barriers and cement work, were completed by contractors on 7 September 2026. The cost of these works were paid for by the original benefactor.
b. Oak Meadow play area refurb
The Events & Estate Manager confirmed that the installation of the new play equipment commenced on 13 September 2026.
c. Rupert Fison Square Awning
The Chair and the Events & Estate Manager are developing an action plan following receipt of more detailed photographs. It was noted that this project may require planning permission and a full cost estimate would be prepared.
d. MJH and MSG Car Park's: additional spaces
The Town Clerk advised that simply line-marking the main car park is not viable due to the mixed-material surface. The Council is commissioning a report to provide a comprehensive overview of options for resurfacing, drainage, and layout to maximise capacity. Phase 2 of adding spaces to the driveway is on hold pending the outcome of this report.
e. Request for full size Football Goal on POS
The Committee considered a request from a young person for a full-size football goal on a public open space. Following discussion regarding potential locations, the request was not approved due to concerns over public safety and the high risk of balls entering residents' gardens, which has been a source of complaints in the past.
f. Proposed Grant Funded Pump Track Coaching Sessions
The Events & Estate Manager proposed holding two coached pump track sessions for school-aged children during the October half-term, at a cost of £200, to be funded from a district councillor's enabling budget. This would require the temporary closure of the track for one morning.
Resolved: To approve the trial of coached pump track sessions during the October half-term, if funding can be sought from a councillor's enabling budget. The success and feedback will be reviewed after the event.
g. Request for a 'chatty bench'
Resolved: To approve the installation of a 'chatty bench' and to promote its availability via social media.
h. Bus Shelter (The Fisheries) Main Road
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting under Item 5, Members of the Public.
10. Community Events
a. Fireworks 1st November
The update was noted that tickets would go on sale from 4 October.
b. Tea Party 14th October
The update was noted that tickets are now on sale.
c. Remembrance Legion Green 11th November
The update was noted that arrangements will be coordinated in the coming weeks.
d. Christmas Events – 27th & 28th November
The update was noted that the events will proceed in their usual format.
e. Tea Party 9th December
The update was noted that this will be the final tea party of the year.
11. Budget 2027/28
The Committee noted that potential budget requirements arising from discussions at the meeting, such as the Rupert Fison Square awning and land management initiatives, would be considered during the upcoming budget-setting process.
12. Suggestions for the Press and Media
It was suggested that upcoming community events and the completion of the Oak Meadow play area refurbishment be promoted.
13. Other/Urgent Communications
None were raised.
14. Date of Next Meeting
Monday 14 December 2026 at 7.15pm in the Council Chamber.
15. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
None were suggested.
The meeting closed at 8.37pm.
Please note that the Council uses AI to transcribe audio recordings of our meetings to assist in generating minutes. These drafts undergo a thorough human review and correction process by Council staff to ensure the accuracy of the final record.