Recently Network Rail asked for a meeting with the Town Council regarding the Barrow Crossing. Unfortunately although much effort has been put into advising residents and passengers by the Town Council to abide by the safety rules of the Barrow Crossing, Network Rail’s recent CCTV footage showed that too many crossing users are still not abiding by the safety rules of the Barrow Crossing and this is giving Network Rail the evidence to close the crossing.
The CCTV also showed some people recklessly jumping down from the platforms and crossing over the rails instead of using the crossing. If identified, Network Rail will prosecute these persons for trespass and the fines will be heavy.
Network Rail is under much pressure from its Regulator to close as many rail crossings as possible and Halesworth is a very easy target. It is not a public right of way; it is their property and it is their rules and regulations. If the crossing is closed, everyone will have to trek up to the road bridge and down again regardless as to whether they are carrying luggage, have a disability, pushing a pushchair or walking
with children.
The Town Council is in discussion with Network Rail in an attempt to keep the crossing open but the Town Council needs crossing users to keep to the rules to ensure this happens.
PLEASE DO NOT GIVE NETWORK RAIL THE REASONS TO JUSTIFY CLOSING THE CROSSING.
Many of you are already aware of the sad news of Alan Holzer’s passing. He was somebody who devoted his life to serving others whether it was as a teacher who enthused generations of his pupils by bringing history to life, or as a Town Councillor from 1987 - 1989 and 2007 - 2009, or as member of the many voluntary bodies in the town in which he played an important role, always helping others. Halesworth has been very lucky to have a resident like Alan who has touched so many other residents with his good nature and generosity. He will be sorely missed by many. The Town Council held a minute's silence at the main Council meeting on the 2nd July to reflect on Alan's contributions to the town.
Find details of the celebration of Alan's life here.
Town Development Committee Change
The town Development Committee will now meet on an ad hoc basis.
Please be aware that it is still one way past the Church into the Market Place. As you can see from the yellow sign businesses are open as usual but if you visit by car please DO NOT turn right out of the Market Place. You will need to continue down Chediston Street and do a loop round Roman Way to come back into town
Fire in the Town
Following the fire above Patrick’s Newsagents on Monday night, Police, Fire services, Waveney District Council and Suffolk County Council officers, County and District Councillor, Town Councillors and businesses owners met for an emergency planning meeting at the Council offices and here is an update on the current situation.
Most businesses initially affected on Tuesday are now able to open for trade, this includes; Raj Puth, Halesworth Bookshop, Halesworth Carpet Shop, Boots. Patrick’s Newsagents are operating temporarily from van Dijke Accountants. Antimacassar will be open at the weekend. District and County Councillor Tony Goldson will be investigating options for other businesses.
Sadly it is estimated that it could take up to 18 months to rebuild the property.
Once the scaffolding is in place to secure the building from any falling debris, Suffolk County Council Highways will look at opening the road for one way traffic only. Chediston Street, currently open for two way traffic, will revert back to one way traffic as soon as possible. Pedestrian access is open to the Market Place.
Police and Fire investigations are continuing, we are not able to comment any further but Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything, have information, photos or video evidence to contact them to support the investigation.
All the Market Place businesses are trading as normal despite the road being temporarily closed, two way vehicular access is via Chediston Street but due to the narrowness of the street you are advised to visit on foot if possible. Please continue to support these businesses if you are able to do.
We are expecting further information shortly and will update you as soon as we receive it.
In the meantime listed below are some useful contact details for anyone affected by the fire.
Phil Gore Head of Environmental Services 01394 444286 phil.gore@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Peter Langford Emergency Planning Officer 07920 139293 peter.langford@suffolk.gov.uk
Keith Fawkner- Simpson Emergency Planning Officer 07920 139306 keith.fawkner-simpson@suffolk.gov.uk
Cheryl Willis: Economic Development 01502 523397 cheryl.willis@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Tony Goldson County Councillor tony.goldson@suffolk.gov.uk 07808 776245
Teen Shelter - New Position
The Teen Shelter is currently under construction, in it's new spot next to the basketball court. It should be ready early next week.
Halesworth Town Council's Facebook Page
HTC now has a Facebook page which will be run by the Clerk’s Office as an information source to back up information also available on the mailing list and website.
You can visit the page here.
Halesworth to be used as a film location
Halesworth locations will be used in new Danny Boyle/Richard Curtis film
On the 1st and 2nd of May Halesworth will be the location for the filming of the latest Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually) produced film with Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slum Dog Millionaire) in the Director's chair. The cast and crew will use the Campus site and the Thoroughfare car park. The car park will be closed for the two days they are in situ. Waveney District Council has agreed to ALL WDC Halesworth car parks (Thoroughfare long stay, Angel Link North & South and the Post Office car park) being free for the two days the Thoroughfare one is shut. The Thoroughfare long stay parking will remain open, there will be limited access to the short stay car park for deliveries, disabled parking and the Community Bus.
Filming will take place in locations in the Thoroughfare and in the street itself. The Thoroughfare will still be open to traffic but there may be short hold ups whilst filming takes place.
Most of the filming in outside the Thoroughfare will take place after 6.30pm, to try and keep disruption to the traffic and businesses at a minimum.
The crew will endeavour to keep the disruption at a minimum but the chance for Halesworth to star in a major film is an exciting prospect for the town.
As more details become available the Town Council will keep residents and businesses updated.
The Clerk's Office will be shut on Friday 30th March and Monday 2nd April.
