.

Trees saved

2007-09-06T12:40:00.000+01:00

Thanks to a decision by the Development Control committee this morning (to reject the YMCA extension) two mature pear trees at the back of gardens around 43 Whiting Street will now not be felled.

It is rather alarming to think that I had to call in this application from being delegated to an officer, and yet I think the vote in committee was unanimous!

Is SID on his way?

2007-09-06T12:28:00.000+01:00

I have just been telephoned by Suffolk County Council to say that an assessor is to visit Southgate Street to determine whether there is a safe and appropriate place to leave SID (Speed Indication Device?) following my recent request. For the record, the job number is 753433!

Let's hope this space is worth watching.

Abbeygate Street new barriers

2007-09-05T11:21:00.000+01:00

http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/live/documents/reports/Y185%20Abbeygate%20Street%20Barriers.pdf

I am delighted to report that the new style gates at the top of the street will be replacing the worn out temporary "road closed" sign. These will be more suited to the Bond Street of Suffolk than the Old Kent Road trappings of cones and temporary signs.

Full report and pictures in the link above.

B***er the begonias!

2007-09-01T07:27:00.000+01:00

One of my electors (not the first) has been asking me about safety improvements for children crossing Westgate Street at the Bridewell Lane end. Those from the Southgate Street/Saxon Gate area walk up Maynewater Lane and have difficulty in crossing to reach the Guildhall Feoffment school. Their only safe alternative is to walk all the way to the Catholic church end and use the crossing there - and walk all the way back.

As David has said in my previous post, such improvements are always difficult to obtain, and in this case funding for a refuge has not been forthcoming from SCC this year.

That's not much use to my elector or other mums/dads, and after a few polite exchanges an email finished:

'We need to protect our children and provide a safe environment for them to get to school and back. I am not willing to see a middle class and mature population shape the future of Bury St Edmunds, to be honest Paul I do wish to say "bugger the begonias and look after the children of Bury".'

This was a reference to an earlier post of mine about floral improvements to the junction of Maynewater Lane and Southgate Street, which look even better now:

This gentle (and I think justifiable) chastisement led me to discuss the subject again with the officer concerned, and I hope there may be a way forward - albeit a long way.

Anyway, my elector (who is extremely pleasant) got my attention and action. It was a better ploy than calling me boastful (see BFP letters).

Queens Head - the result

2007-08-30T14:54:00.000+01:00

At this morning's hearing the application was amended substantially by the applicant - who was represented by my fellow councillor and serial blog commenter David Nettleton (right).

Instead of extending the closing time by 1hr 20mins the applicant requested an extension of just 30minutes on Sundays, Thursdays and weekends.

Despite this climb-down the application was still rejected by the sub-committee, who seemed to recognise my simple argument that:

1. There is inevitably outside noise and disturbance created when any pub closes

2. This is predominantly a residential area and the law upholds the rights of residents

3. Closure at 12.30 Fri/Sat would mean residents (woken at 5 by refuse collection) would have their opportunity of sleeping further reduced.

4. This constitutes a public nuisance under the 2003 Act

5. Therefore the sub-committee had no option but to reject the application.

The Week Ahead

2007-08-27T05:57:00.000+01:00

On Thursday 30th the Queens Head application for a variation in their premises licence will be determined by a licensing sub-committee at 10am in the chamber of the borough offices at Angel Hill. Members of the public may attend.

The application seeks to extend the hours of opening from 23.00 to 00.20 on Sundays, from 00.00 to 00.20 Mondays to Wednesdays, and from 00.00 to 01.20 Thursday to Saturdays.

In my capacity as local ward councillor I shall be representing 11 interested parties (neighbouring residents) at the hearing, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 Guidance. This allows local councillors, if they wish and are instructed, to represent residents. However, I do not believe it has been used in St Edmundsbury before, so it may be a first for us all.

On Saturday 1st September I shall be at my regular surgery in Bury library from 10am - noon. Why not drop in?

Good News on Shop Front!

2007-08-21T15:45:00.000+01:00

I have just come back from a meeting of Town Centre Management, the independent group which promotes Bury St Edmunds. You can read more on their website. I was delighted to hear the latest monitoring report of empty shops, which are often cited as a problem by those whose glasses are half empty rather than half full. In fact the opposite is true, and here are the details to prove it.

On the 17th August 2007 there were 412 shop premises in Bury, of which 14 were empty – equating to less than 4% vacant shops. The national average is much higher, currently standing at 13%, with a number of major towns having up to 25% vacant shops. The commercial agents in Bury all said that virtually as soon as a shop becomes available then it is taken: properties do not stay on the market very long. Within Abbeygate Ward the details are as follows.

There are 51 shops in Abbeygate Street, 2 of which are empty. The shop that used to be Star Chamber (31 Abbeygate Street) has now been let and will be opening shortly. The shop that used to be FotoDen (12 Abbeygate Street) and the shop that is boarded up (46-46a Abbeygate Street) are vacant. The agent for both is Merrifields.

There are 21 shops in Churchgate Street, 1 of which is empty (formerly Vinch Finch).

There are 14 shops in Langton Place, none empty

There are 28 shops in Hatter Street, 2 of which are empty. The shop that was Bury Book Shop (28a Hatter Street) is vacant, and the agent is George Hazell. The shop that was La Femme (22a Hatter Street) is vacant and the agent is Matthew Fullerton.

There are 14 shops in Guildhall Street, with none empty

There are 14 shops in Whiting Street, with none empty

There are 57 shops in the Buttermarket, with none empty. The shop that used to be MusicZone has now been let.

There are 31 shops in Cornhill, 2 of which are empty. The building that was the Woolwich Building Society (Market Cross) is vacant, and the agent is Donaldsons. The shop which was Moben Bathrooms (61 Cornhill) is vacant, and the agent is Marshall Buck.

There are 10 shops in Central Walk, Woolhall Street, and Kings Road, 2 of which are empty. 1-2 Woolhall Street is possibly under offer depending on planning permission, the agent being George Hazell. The other empty shop was Jennifers Florists in Central Walk, and there is no agents sign.

There are 26 shops in Angel Lane, Angel Hill, Looms Lane, 1 of which is empty. This used to the Richard Green estate agents (24B Angel Hill). The agent is Merrifields.

The smoking ban continued...

2007-08-15T04:39:00.000+01:00

I have decided that the only way of ensuring that the effects of the smoking ban may be taken into consideration when licensing decisions are made is to amend the local licensing policy. Cllr Richard Rout and I have therefore written to the Licensing Authority, requesting that a new clause be inserted as follows:

"The 2007 smoking ban has increased the potential for disturbance outside premises after 11 pm and the Licensing Authority will as appropriate take that fact into consideration when determining applications, variations or reviews."

We will not know whether this amendment has been accepted until the end of the current consultation period at the end of the year.

The smoking ban

2007-08-12T11:18:00.000+01:00

I am currently involved in local research into the effects of the new smoking ban on drinking establishments. I am concerned that it forces customers onto the pavements, causing a potential noise nuisance late at night.

You can find out more by visiting my informal blog, where you can also vote on the subject or even leave a comment.

BFP (not)

2007-08-11T17:45:00.000+01:00

The following story should have appeared in the BFP this week, had not some pages from the Stowmarket edition accidentally substituted the pages on which this piece about our speeding campaign appeared:

http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news?articleid=3098320

...now you don't (see it)

2007-08-10T15:30:00.000+01:00

Two days ago I requested that some road markings should be refreshed. Here is the worst example. Do you know where it is?

I am pleased to say that the following day a reply came back from SEBC Highways saying the necessary arrangements had been made.

I look forward to photographing the finished product and posting it below - but thought I'd get in early with the original...

Community Speedwatch

2007-08-07T21:28:00.000+01:00

This evening Richard Rout and I joined our Safer Neighbourhood Team of police officers to trap drivers exceeding the 20 mph limit in the historic core of Bury. This is part of an awareness raising strategy which we hope will lead to our taking part in Community Speedwatch. This brings together the police, councils and residents, so that people from the community can run their own speed testing sessions. The testers record the registration numbers of the offenders, who get a police letter the first two times and a visit from the police on a third occasion.

Watch this space for further information.

This week's highlights:

2007-08-06T15:16:00.000+01:00

1. A copy of my latest newsletter will be delivered to all homes this month. The Southgate corridor received theirs today and I hope the historic core will tomorrow.

2. One day this week Richard Rout and I will be with the police in the historic core, catching speeding (ie 20mph +) drivers.

STOP PRESS

2007-08-02T14:24:00.000+01:00

The Police Investigation Centre application on Romany Way off Rougham Road has been approved this morning, despite the opposition of many in Abbeygate ward. Residents from Southgate Green, Beech Rise and Southgate Street were among those who signed a 200+ signature petition which I handed in before the meeting.

Surgery

2007-08-02T14:19:00.001+01:00

As usual I shall be holding a surgery with my fellow borough councillor Richard Rout this Saturday from 10 - noon. I am already expecting some Whiting Street residents, concerned about the Batt House (YMCA) application for a new building and increased accommodation. I also expect there will be some more people from Mill or Kings Roads, wanting to know what is happening about the development around the Hanchets former site.

Why don't you drop in, just for a chat about anything?

More success on the surface

2007-07-31T14:00:00.000+01:00

Now with yellow lines...

Thank you!

2007-07-24T17:23:00.000+01:00

Many people (whether from Abbeygate ward or not) who walk down The Butts may or may not notice that the tank I wrote about below..

(http://paulfarmerdotcom.blogspot.com/2007/07/please-remove.html)

...has been removed by St Edmundsbury Council's Waste Management staff. A big thank you to all concerned, particularly Karen for "issuing the ticket", putting up with my nagging, and chasing the job.

Not bad work on a day when they are all stretched with Bury in Bloom judging!

PS: In the unlikely event of anyone wanting to post a comment, please note that I shall be away from my PC until Saturday, and therefore unable to post it until then.

Queens head update

2007-07-24T09:58:00.000+01:00

So far eleven "interested parties" have asked me to represent them at the hearing. (See earlier post for details.) If you live within the vicinity and would like to be added to the list, please email me: mail@PaulFarmer.com. Remember that if you do then you must not make any representation (including writing in to object) of your own: I will do that for you.

Success on the surface...

2007-07-19T17:53:00.000+01:00

Before

After

Earlier this year I asked Highways if the potholes in Chalk Road South could be filled, not expecting action soon. I was delighted when the road was patched quite quickly, with a promise to dress the surface in the summer, resources permitting. Today the work was done, so that's another happy story to tell the doom-and-gloom merchants.

Please remove!

2007-07-15T11:44:00.000+01:00

This old ugly tank has been in a ditch by the "Butts" footpath near Almoners Field for as long as I can remember. Now that the border between the footpath and new development is being tidied up I am asking the Council to remove it.

Watch this space...

Monday update: Waste Management will carry out a risk assessment on the tank's removal, and if satisfactory will go ahead...keep watching...

STOP PRESS

2007-07-13T16:03:00.000+01:00

The Queen's Head, Churchgate Street, has applied for a licence variation under the 2003 Licensing Act. Although I have only just been told this, I understand that the proposal is to serve alcohol until midnight on Sundays - Wednesdays, and 1 am on Thursdays to Saturdays. There are other changes in the application, which will be available on-line very shortly, possibly by tomorrow, at:

http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/live/licence-applications.cfm

Although I am not allowed to make any representation in my own right, I believe that as ward councillor I may if I wish make representations on behalf of specific named residents who live "in the vicinity". In this capacity I am able to write in and if necessary appear at the hearing on their behalf. Please contact me if you think you would like me to consider doing this:

mail@PaulFarmer.com

Leylandi: useful screen or oppresive hedge?

2007-07-09T15:32:00.000+01:00

Today I visited someone who had asked me to help with a Leylandi problem. I explained that there was little that I could do, and that for the Council to be involved under the High Hedge legislation she would need to demonstrate that she has sought mediation. Even then it would cost over £300 to get the Council's view, which might not be the view (excuse the pun) she wanted.

I also spoke to her next door neighbour, who much appreciates the screening effect of this hedge in relation to the buildings behind it. He only wants it trimmed a little at the top, not cut by half as much as is above the fence, as his neighbour does.

I shall write to the owner of the hedge (who I am told is very co-operative), suggesting it is cut to two lengths according to the neighbours' wishes; but I have told both not to hold their breath!

Former Hanchets and area development

2007-07-07T16:05:00.000+01:00

Click on this link to see the area that is likely to be developed, then press the "hybrid" button to see more.

On Wednesday Cllr Richard Rout and I informally met the developer and architect hoping to build on the former Hanchets land and beyond. Their plan is eventually to build about 100 houses on the whole of the land from the back gardens of Mill Road in the East, to the gardens of Shillitoe Close in the West, and from the gardens of Kings Road in the North to below Jacqueline Close in the South – plus all of the former Hanchets site

The accesses will be: Kings Road (new), Jacqueline Close, Shillitoe Close (new) and Mill Road (pedestrian/cycles only).

The developer will contact those most affected with copies of a masterplan and other details which they can comment on. This masterplan needs to be approved by the Council. Once approved, planning applications can be considered, providing they stick to the masterplan’s principles.

The first application is likely to be for 14 properties on the former Hanchets site, with Kings Road access only.

Email: mail@PaulFarmer.com if you have any questions.

Today's "Surgery"

2007-07-07T14:32:00.000+01:00

Today's surgery at the library (1st Saturday of every month from 10 - 12) was very busy. In fact we had a queue most of the time. Several people had come to see us specifically to ask about the Hanchets and area development off Kings and Mill Roads, which is the subject of my next post.

STOP PRESS

2007-07-06T09:24:00.000+01:00

Click here to see today's Bury Free Press story and picture about the Crown Street crossing sign.

Southgate Street update:

2007-07-03T13:20:00.000+01:00

Since this site meeting the council has been approached by a manufacturer about a solar powered reactive sign - which they are now coming to demonstrate to officers in a couple of weeks. I understand that this may be a way around the county council's concerns about the increasing costs of energy for street lights where signs are fixed to them. The cost of providing a power supply can also be significant.

If this equipment seems attractive (and it's a big "if"), Southgate Street would be a candidate for using it - assuming the sun shines there enough! "SID"(the county council mobile reactive speed sign) is going to visit the street - this will also provide good feedback on what is happening, as this device records the speed of all traffic which passes.

Don't hold your breath Southgate Street residents, especially since the equipment would have to be approved by the county council too. But it does show we are still trying to find ways of improving the situation.

Victoria Street area Parking - & Chalk Road

2007-06-28T19:00:00.001+01:00

Chalk Road

I am now able to release information about the Zone H residents parking permit scheme, following the recent consultation about whether it should be made permanent. 86% of those that responded were in favour of the scheme being made permanent, 13% against and 1% didn’t indicate any preference. As a consequence of the above results the scheme will be made permanent. As the person who pioneered it from 2003 I am obviously delighted.

80% of those that responded agreed that the four limited waiting spaces at the Risbygate Street end of Albert Street should be made available to permit holders. A majority also indicated a preference for 50 visitor vouchers to be made available to each household annually. These changes will be included in the scheme.

Residents in Chalk Road and in Kings Road (cemetery end) have also been consulted about participating in the scheme and about adding spaces to it in those streets. The result of those individual consultations is that they will be included and spaces added but that the new spaces in Chalk Road are to be introduced for a trial period and monitored, as there is some concern about safety because the road at that point, although a no-through road, is quite narrow. However, Chalk Road residents will certainly be able to buy permits in order to park in Victoria Street, Albert Street or Albert Crescent. This is something I have been pushing for, and again I am delighted it will now happen.

I am pleased that officers have been able to address most of the concerns raised with them by the local community about parking during the day. The council aims to keep the permit prices as low as possible but the policy is for residents parking schemes to be self-financing. The charge covers set up costs, administration and enforcement.

It is expected that the scheme, with the proposed changes, will be introduced on 1 September 2007. In the meantime old permits and vouchers will remain valid as long as they are displayed correctly.

Another small victory

2007-06-27T22:34:00.001+01:00

Mary and me under the sign

Erecting a school crossing sign should be a simple matter, but Mary Bainbridge discovered otherwise when she contacted the council. Her concern was children crossing from Honey Hill/Crown Street at the infamous "gates" to go to Guildhall Feoffment school. She even got a petition up about it.

After a meeting with Mr Boor (see below) the suggestion of a sign in this area was made. After a lot of chasing by me there was agreement from the Borough Council to supply a sign and pass it to Suffolk County Council to erect. But SCC said the lampposts were due for replacement and could not be used, especially if the sign had to be lit - which it does. Mrs Bainbridge thought it was hanging baskets all over again.

Then after more nagging by me SCC suddenly told us that the lamppost would be replaced, and events took on a new pace.

Joy at last

2007-06-27T04:59:00.000+01:00

There are many times as a local councillor when one is unable to help people. Either there are legal or technical obstacles, or simply no money for what they want. Occasionally however there is simple joy.

On Monday I cycled down Southgate Street, as I do so often, and instinctively looked at the corner of St Botolph's Lane. I do that because last September, when I was knocking on Abbeygate doors, I was asked if a bollard could be fitted there. The reason was to prevent large vehicles mounting the pavement: funnily enough, one did as I was standing there and nearly took my foot off!

I duly made my request to the Highways section, and was delighted to be told that there was money in the "bollard budget", and that it would be done. Ever since then I have been waiting, reminding Highways to the point of nagging, watching and hoping.

Imagine my simple joy then, to see it actually happening.

Before During After

Southgate Street speeding

2007-06-26T03:47:00.001+01:00

Emma Laurens handing me the petition, with Steve Boor looking on

On Monday 25th June I had a site meeting with a resident and Engineer Steve Boor about the possibility of calming measures at the bottom of the one-way section of Southgate Street. Ever since before my election I have been campaigning for speed restrictions there, without success, so it was good to be talking about measures that may now help. Mrs Laurens had collected a large number of signatures from those supporting her new campaign.

As ever, watch this space.

Abbeygate news

2007-06-25T05:51:00.000+01:00

June 22nd 2007

For several months I have been expecting further developments on the former Hanchets site. I now understand that a developer has bought various pieces of land and is in the process of acquiring more.

I expect two things to happen before long. Firstly the developer has to consult residents in the area before submitting a masterplan for approval. Only if and when it has been approved by the Council can a planning application for any part of it be considered.

Secondly I expect an actual planning application, initially for the first phase of development, which I understand will be for 14 houses on the land immediately behind Hanchets. I should stress that this application cannot be considered until a masterplan for the whole area bounded by Mill Rd, Kings Rd and Shillitoe Close has been agreed. Residents will therefore have the opportunity to comment on both the masterplan and any planning application.

Watch this space!

June 6th, 2007

A long time ago I asked Bury in Bloom if they could smarten up the junction of Southgate Street with Maynewater Lane - the Southern "gateway" to the town. Nothing happened for months, and I kept reminding them and the Borough's Parks & Landscapes department. Still nothing happened.

Imagine my surprise therefore when I cycled past this little bed of Begonias, sponsored by the Stowmarket Lions. They had approached Parks & Landscapes for a suitable site to promote their Begonia display in the Abbey Gardens, and the Parks staff kindly remembered my plea.

June 1st, 2007

Residents of Kings Road by the cemetery and all of Chalk Road could soon be eligible to take part in the Victoria Road/Albert Crescent residents’ parking scheme. Letters are going out this week informing car owners that if the Victoria Road scheme is made permanent on September 1st, then it will be able to accommodate the extra vehicles in the daytime from Mondays to Saturdays. There will also be additional parking bays in Kings Road to help absorb the new permit-holders.

May 31st 2007

PRESS RELEASE

Paul Farmer has criticised St Edmundsbury’s planners for refusing to recommend a masterplan for the controversial BT site in Bury’s historic core. Cllr Farmer had asked for an application for flats in the BT car park in College Street to be deferred, claiming that it was piecemeal development and should wait until a comprehensive plan for the whole site is developed. In spite of this planning officers are recommending that the application is approved at the Development Control meeting this Thursday.

In a letter to the borough’s planning department Cllr Farmer claimed that whilst the Local Plan does not require a masterplan for this particular site, the planning authority can insist on one if it chooses. He will be pressing strongly for the Development Control Committee to do so.

Paul said:

“There is overwhelming local concern about this sensitive area. Residents have successfully defeated several attempts to get mobile masts on this ugly building: now they want to see a proper plan for the site, rather than the creeping development that this application may be the start of. As ward councillor I shall be appealing to the Committee on Thursday on behalf of local people.”

May 26th 2007

PRESS RELEASE:

Two holly trees in the heart of Bury will now only be lightly trimmed by St Edmundsbury Council staff instead of being cut down, thanks to the intervention of Borough Councillor Paul Farmer. Alarmed residents in Abbeygate ward contacted him about the plans, concerned about the potential loss of trees in the town centre. He immediately asked for a stay of execution pending a site meeting.

Cllr Farmer said:

“Officers were understandably concerned about the effect of the roots on the Guildhall. However, after arranging a structural survey, they decided to withdraw the application. I am very pleased that we shall now retain these specimens in an area where too few exist to be enjoyed.”

Local resident Scilla Turner said:

"I am delighted Paul Farmer has been able to persuade officers to change their minds. It is essential for the character of this area that any existing historic gardens, including established trees, are protected for the benefit of residents, visitors, and wildlife”

May 3rd 2007

PRESS RELEASE:

Residents of Shillitoe Close can see the light, now that a high hedge of trees has been cut down behind their houses. Recently re-elected local councillor Paul Farmer finally persuaded hospital staff that it was their responsibility and now it has all been cut down.

Cllr Farmer said:

“I am really pleased for the occupants of this row of houses. I have been trying to get this done since I was first elected in 2003, but the hedge has just grown and grown. I am grateful to the estates officer for his co-operation.”

Residents including Terry Chaplin were overjoyed:

“We’re all pleased Paul has got the hedge sorted. I know it has taken years of trying, but today it has finally been done. And what a good job the workmen have done as well. It’s just a shame that my dear wife is not here to enjoy it after all her efforts to get it cut.”

Suffolk Mental Health Partnerships have agreed to maintain the hedge at it new height.

Before:

After!

Have your say...

2007-06-25T05:37:00.000+01:00

This is the page for you to add any comments you like on any subject. Alternatively you can go to the current news pages and comment on a specific issue.

What Paul has done

2007-06-24T18:27:00.000+01:00

What Paul has achieved...just a few examples:

The Chalk Road residents' parking annexe. There are double yellow lines on both sides of Chalk Road South (pictured), but there was always an unused space for about 14 cars between the road and the surface car park. After organising a petition with one of the residents, once he was elected in 2003 Paul managed to get agreement that this space could be used for residents' permit parking. He is currently trying to get additional spaces in the Victoria Road scheme (see below).

Paul in Chalk Road South

The residents' parking scheme for Victoria and Albert Streets. Since before he was elected Paul campaigned for this much needed facility, given the outsiders' use of Victoria Street in particular. It took until 2006 to get it instituted!

No mobile phone masts on the BT building in Whiting Street. Paul (pictured right on site looking very serious!) led residents in various attempts to defeat planning permission initially or on appeal. So far all have been successful.

New bus-stops for Kings Road. Elderly residents of the far end of Kings Road, and particularly Shillitoe Close, wanted the bus that went past there to stop, especially for the return journey from town with heavy shopping bags. Before he was elected Paul contacted the company, who were quick to oblige. This was and still is very popular with residents, but apparently less so with a councillor at the time and some of the bus drivers!

A Toucan crossing at Southgate Green. An Abbeygate resident approached Paul about this soon after he was elected and he advised her to collect a petition. She did, and he helped her present it to the then Cabinet. The result was a crossing which is now well used and appreciated.

Campaigners at the new crossing

Monthly 'surgery'

2007-06-24T11:36:00.000+01:00

Every month Councillors Paul Farmer and Richard Rout hold a 'surgery' for Abbeygate residents, at Bury St Edmunds library. This is always on the first Saturday of the month between 10 am and 12 noon, at the back of the entrance hall, in the stairwell.

There is no need to book an appointment - just drop in.

Contact Paul Farmer

2007-06-24T11:33:00.000+01:00

Telephone: 768777 (office hours plus answerphone)

Fax: 768777 anytime

Email: mail@PaulFarmer.com

Post or by hand: Borough Offices, Angel Hill, IP33 1XB

Election results May 2007

2007-06-24T11:29:00.000+01:00

May 2007 Elections: Abbeygate ward – two seats – contested

Mark Eric BERGDAHL Independent 519
Paul Stephen FARMER Conservative 819
Clare Carlyon HIGSON Liberal Democrats 348
Richard Raydon ROUT Conservative 582
Ritchie TENNANT Green Party 309

Total number of votes 2577 Turnout 39.70%

About Abbeygate

2007-06-24T11:24:00.000+01:00

What is a ‘ward’?

A ward is simply an area of a town or district, represented by one or more councillors. Bury St Edmunds has nine wards, whilst St Edmundsbury has over thirty.

What is Abbeygate ward?

Abbeygate is the most central ward in Bury St Edmunds. It is represented by two councillors on St Edmundsbury Borough Council, and two on Bury St Edmunds Town Council. Paul Farmer is one of the Borough Councillors; his Conservative fellow councillor is Richard Rout, elected in May 2007. Since May 2005 two County Councillors also represent Abbeygate and four other wards, which together make up the new “Tower” county council electoral division.

Where is Abbeygate ward?

Abbeygate ward stretches from Southgate Green roundabout in the South East of the town, up through the ‘historic core’ as far as Risbygate Street, Looms Lane and Mustow Street. It also includes an area to the West of Parkway South, as far as the cemetery. There are approximately 2,300 homes and nearly 4,000 electors in Abbeygate.

How do I know if I live in Abbeygate ward?

Listed below, in alphabetical order, are all the roads in Abbeygate. A few roads on the edge of the ward only have some houses included, as shown. Some smaller roads or blocks of flats are listed in brackets, after their nearest main road, simply because this is how they are shown on the electoral register.

Am I on the electoral register for Abbeygate?

If you live in one of the roads listed below, and were included on your home’s electoral roll form last October, then you should be listed. You can also now join the electoral roll at any time of the year. To check, or for further information, call in at the Borough Council offices in Angel Hill, where there is a copy of the roll at reception. Alternatively telephone 757131.

Abbeygate Street, Albert Crescent & Street (East sides only), Alicia Court, Angel Hill & Lane, Athenaeum Lane, Bakers Lane, Beech Rise, Brentgovel Street (South side only), Bridewell Lane, Bullen Close, Castle Road, Chalk Road (Jankyns Place), Chequer Square, Church Walks, Churchgate Street, Churchyard (West Front), College Lane, Square & Street (William Barnaby Yard), Corsbie Close, Crown Street, Cullum Road, Euston Close, Eyre Close, Friars Lane, Grindle Gardens, Guildhall Street, Harrington Close, Hatter Street, High Baxter Street, Honey Hill, Hospital Road (west of Petticoat Lane north side only, inc. Westfield) & Cornwallis Court, Ickworth Drive, Jacqueline Close, Kings Road, Linnet Place, Lower Baxter Street (St Edmunds Apartments), Market Thoroughfare, Maynewater Lane (Coppers Close) & Square, Mill Road (Culford Terrace & Pleasant Row), Mustow Street (South side), Nelson Road, Nevilles Close, Nightingale Close, Oast Court, Old Convent Orchard, Out Risbygate (1-7 only), Out Westgate, Petticoat Lane (East side), Pinners Way, Princes Street, Prospect Row, Prussia Lane, Raingate Street, Risbygate Street (South side) & Market Mews, Rockingham Road, Rutland Square, Sextons Meadows, Shillitoe Close, Skinner Street, Southgate Green & Street, Sparhawk Street, Street Andrew’s Court & Street South (Lawson House & St Edmundsbury Mews), St Botolph’s Lane (& Court) St James’ Lane, St Mary’s Square, St Peter’s Court, Swan Lane, Tannery Drive, The Traverse, Toper Lane, Victoria Street, Westgate Street, Whiting Street (Finsbury Place & Harewood House), Windmill Rise, Yeomanry Yard.

About Paul

2007-06-24T11:14:00.000+01:00

Personal Details

Paul has been married for over 20 years to Angela, who teaches part-time at a middle school in Bury St Edmunds. He has four children from his previous marriage, and five grandchildren. Paul has lived in or around St Edmundsbury for over 20 years. Since 1998 he has lived in the town, in or on the edge of Abbeygate ward.

Education & Qualifications

Paul studied at The Royal College of Music, where he gained its Associate (ARCM) and Graduate (GRSM) diplomas. He later went to London University’s Institute of Education, where he took both the academic Diploma in Education and MA higher degree. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

Employment

Paul was Head of Music at two London comprehensive schools. Later he was Deputy Head and subsequently Head Teacher of a secondary school in Brixton, before becoming Head of a larger South London mixed comprehensive school.

After the Inner London Education Authority was abolished Paul left London and held a number of part-time posts, including choirmaster at Old Buckenham Hall School, Brettenham and music examiner for Trinity College, London. He was later co-ordinator of the St Edmundsbury Area Mediation Service (SEAMS).

Council Experience

Paul Farmer was a parish councillor in Suffolk in the early 1980s. In 1991 he stood as a Conservative candidate on Mid-Suffolk District Council. In 1992 Paul won a Suffolk County Council by-election and became a county councillor for Bury St Edmunds. On May 1st 2003 he was elected as an Abbeygate ward councillor for both the St Edmundsbury Borough and Bury St Edmunds Town Councils. Paul resigned from the Town Council in July 2005. In March 2006 he was appointed to St Edmundsbury Council’s cabinet as Portfolio Holder for Arts & Culture, and after being re-elected in 2007 he was appointed Portfolio Holder for Resources & Efficiency, with responsibility for leading the Council's budget setting process. He is a member of the Officer Appointments Committee, Bury St Edmunds Town Council Working Party, Licensing & Regulatory Committee, Mayoral Advisory Committee and Bury St Edmunds Town Centre & Cattle Market Working Party. Paul is Chairman of the council's Democratic Renewal Panel.

Voluntary Work

Paul Farmer’s voluntary work has included the following: organist & choirmaster at the churches of Walsham le Willows, Westhorpe &amp; Finningham; Bury St Edmunds schools’ governor; membership of the West Suffolk Primary Care Trust Shadow Patients’ Forum and the Chartered Management Institute’s conciliation panel.

In 2006 he organised a “pianathon”, which raised £600 for the St Nicholas Hospice.
Paul also founded and ran his own national registered charity, The Men’s Health Trust, which was the first in the UK to deal exclusively with all male health issues. His TV appearances in connection with this work included Esther, The Really Useful Show and Sky News.

Miscellaneous

Paul has written 14 music education books with total sales of over a third of a million copies.
His leisure interests include walking, reading, gardening and playing the piano - and working!