Approximately 50 residents attended the Annual Parish meeting where the Chairman, Alvin Hunt, reported on the activities of the Parish Council throughout the year. The main issues had been planning, of which there had been a record 33 applications. He stated that on planning matters the council had performed well, in that most of their views concurred with the final decision of the Planning Department.
He stated that repair works to the Village green had progressed and more were to be carried out later in the year. New posts had been installed 'round Stocks Green and offenders written to, in the hope that the green will be preserved. The Jubilee seat is to be repaired and the bus shelter is to have a new thatched roof. He thanked Robin Buncombe for his support as Vice Chairman and the Clerk for all her work despite her illness. He thanked the Councillors for their support and then stated that he was standing down as Chairman this year, having completed four years in the chair.
Discussions took place on Traffic Calming and recycling in the village. It was generally supported that the new measures suggested by the Highways Department should be implemented. The majority also supported having a recycling centre in the village, if a suitable site could be found.
There were also reports from the Common Lands Charity Trust, District and County Councillor Rae Leighton, The Village Hall Management Committee and the Police. Finally local groups and societies gave very interesting reports of their activities throughout the year, including a fascinating report by Adam Burrows, from English Nature, on the progress of wildlife around Walberswick.

Viv Hunt (Clerk to Council)

At the 9th May 2005 Annual Parish Council Meeting, I was elected Chairman of YOUR Parish Council. I am honoured in the trust that has been put in me and very sincerely hope that I can in some way continue the excellent work undertaken by my predecessors. Elsewhere Vivien has reported relevant items from the last meeting. I have no intention of circumventing those reports, however, I might be contributing an occasional letter when I think it appropriate.
At the Annual Parish Meeting held in April, there was a strong message that more could be done with regard to Traffic Calming and in investigating the practicality of further recycling facilities within the Village. Your Parish Council is responding to those messages - much work has already been done over a long period of time; other work still needs to be done (it may take time).
Of one thing I am personally and quite categorically certain: Each and every Councillor works hard, in many (often unsung) ways, to meet your needs; to protect Walberswick as it should be protected; to enhance Walberswick where it needs to be enhanced; and, most importantly to make every endeavour to manage the Village in a sustainable manner suitable for future generations. We don't always get it right and sometimes the results may be unpalatable.
I genuinely believe however that we can only achieve our objectives with YOUR help, active participation and strong guidance.
I am committed to openness and transparency.

Robin Buncombe, Chairman, 722359