Your clerk is:-
Julia Stephens-Row
Email Address: clerk@battisford-pc.gov.uk
Tel: 07864742341
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Play area consultation keen to hear your views. Posted 9.11.26
We have been informed that much of the play equipment at Battisford Play Area is in need of replacement. We are therefore keen to hear your views on what new equipment you would like to see on the village green.
Please see some suggestions below and let me know what you would like to see at the play area. There is also an opportunity to add your own suggestions or comments. Roundabout, Den Building area, Activity net climbing, Tyre snake, In ground trampoline, See-saw. clerk@battisford-pc.gov.uk
We are also looking for people who would like to get involved with the working group. The group will be helping to organise fundraising and apply for grants to support the project. If you would like to get involved, please let me know by email clerk@battisford-pc.gov.uk
Police and Crime Commissioner posted 1st November 2026
Police and Crime Commissioners back merger of Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies
The Police and Crime Commissioners for Norfolk and Suffolk have jointly written to the Home Secretary requesting a merger of Norfolk Constabulary and Suffolk Constabulary into a single police force serving both counties.
The proposal follows a review of future policing arrangements and builds on more than a decade of successful collaboration between the two forces.
The Commissioners believe a merged force would strengthen policing and provide a more sustainable model for the future.
They also say the move will maintain a strong focus on local communities.
Norfolk and Suffolk already share many policing functions such as specialist teams and support services as well as IT systems.
The Commissioners say this puts the two forces in a unique position to become a pathfinder area for police reform, with the aim of creating a single constabulary by 2028, subject to Government support.
Colin Sutton, Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk and Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: "Our priority is, and always will be, securing the best possible policing service for the residents and businesses of Norfolk and Suffolk.
“Based on the evidence available to us, we are convinced that a single constabulary serving both counties will deliver that outcome."
The Commissioners have emphasised that no decisions have yet been made by Government and that any future changes would be subject to detailed planning and engagement.
A copy of the letter is available via this link - 26.10.28_Police-and-Crime-Commissioners-proposal-for-a-Norfolk-and-Suffolk-Constabulary-merger.pdf
PCC welcomes introduction of life-saving naloxone spray for use by police in Suffolk
Tim Passmore has welcomed the decision by Suffolk Constabulary to train and equip frontline officers with naloxone, a lifesaving nasal spray that can be administered safely to people experiencing a drug overdose.
Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of opioid drugs, including heroin, methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone, buprenorphine and morphine.
Administered via the nostril, it can provide valuable time for emergency medical treatment to be given and has been proven to save lives.
The introduction of naloxone will give officers an additional tool to intervene quickly in critical situations and potentially prevent avoidable deaths.
PCC invites residents to join online public meeting
Residents across Suffolk are invited to take part in an online public meeting hosted by the PCC next Wednesday (4 November 2026).
The event will be held from 6.00pm to 7.30pm via Microsoft Teams and will provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear from the Commissioner and representatives from Suffolk Constabulary as well as to ask questions and discuss local policing issues.
The meeting forms part of the Commissioner's commitment to openness and transparency, enabling residents to engage directly with those responsible for policing in Suffolk.
Tim Passmore said: "These public meetings are an important opportunity for residents to hear directly about policing in Suffolk and to raise the issues that matter most to them.
“I am keen to ensure that local people have the chance to ask questions and share their views.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in community safety and policing to join us online."
Anyone wishing to join the meeting must register in advance by emailing: spcc@suffolk.police.uk
Following registration, attendees will receive a Microsoft Teams invitation and joining instructions by email before the event.
Neighbourhood Watch helps cut crime and makes communities safer says Suffolk PCC
Crime is around 20 per cent lower in areas where Neighbourhood Watch schemes operate compared to those without them, according to the Suffolk Neighbourhood Watch Association.
The organisation, which receives funding from the PCC’s Police Property Act Fund, works alongside Suffolk Constabulary to help reduce the fear of crime, promote crime prevention advice and strengthen local communities.
Speaking at the PCC’s Public Meeting in Martlesham last week, Nick King, from the Suffolk Neighbourhood Watch Association, welcomed the PCC's ongoing support.
However, Mr King highlighted concerns that ageing and faded Neighbourhood Watch signs across the county may be undermining the visibility of the scheme.
He said: “We've got a very active association and have been allocated funding by the PCC, for which we remain extremely grateful.
“But I am concerned that tired-looking street signs attached to lampposts across the county can give the impression that Neighbourhood Watch no longer exists, and that simply isn't the case.
“We want Neighbourhood Watch to be visible again.”
Tim Passmore praised the contribution made by volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping their neighbourhoods safe.
He said: “Neighbourhood Watch is not a nosey parker's charter.
“It is an incredibly valuable organisation that we have worked closely with for many years.
“Its members are often the eyes and ears of the community.”
PCC joins Roma community in pledging ‘no hate in Suffolk’
Tim Passmore joined members of the Roma community and partner organisations in pledging ‘no hate in Suffolk’ at a conference aimed at tackling prejudice and hate crime.
Speaking at the Standing Together Against Hate event, organised by Union Romani Voice in Ipswich, the PCC reiterated his commitment to ensuring Suffolk is a county where everyone feels safe and valued.
Union Romani Voice is a Roma-led charity based in Ipswich that supports European citizens, Romanian nationals and Roma communities facing poverty, discrimination, social exclusion and human rights violations.
Addressing delegates, Mr Passmore stressed that hate crime has no place in Suffolk and said a single incident is one too many.
He said: “The level of recorded hate crime over the past year has dropped by around 10 per cent.
“However, there are still around 700 recorded hate crimes each year and that, in my view, is completely unacceptable.
“One of the challenges we have with hate crime is under-reporting so I would encourage any victim to report it to the police or another appropriate agency.”
The conference brought together around 60 delegates from community groups and local organisations, who signed a ‘No Hate in Suffolk’ charter which demonstrated their commitment to challenging discrimination and promoting inclusion across the county.
Chief Executive of Union Romani Voice, Simona Lazar, said: “Hate is not welcome in Ipswich and Suffolk.
“We must come together as a community.”
New officers ready to serve Suffolk communities following Passing Out ceremony
The PCC has welcomed 13 new police officers to Suffolk Constabulary following a Passing Out ceremony held at Police Headquarters in Martlesham.
The new recruits, who have successfully completed 22 weeks of intensive training, formally took their oaths of office in front of proud family members, friends, colleagues and invited guests before beginning their policing careers in communities across Suffolk.
Joining Tim Passmore at the ceremony was Detective Chief Superintendent Becky Mears, who congratulated the officers on reaching this milestone and praised the dedication shown throughout their training.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Passmore said: "I am delighted to welcome another group of recruits who are now fully-fledged police officers and ready to serve the people of Suffolk.
“What is particularly encouraging is the wide range of backgrounds and experiences these recruits bring with them.
“Among this cohort are people who have worked in the military, hospitality, retail and a variety of other professions.
“Those different skills and life experiences will help them connect with and serve our communities.”
To view a short film of the ceremony, please visit - PCC welcomes new PCs during Passing Out parade - 1 October 2026
Volunteer independent custody visitors share learning to improve detainee welfare
The PCC has praised the work of the county’s independent custody visitors and said they help improve the welfare, care and dignity of people in police custody.
Tim Passmore thanked the team of volunteers from Suffolk and Norfolk during an event at Suffolk Constabulary’s headquarters in Martlesham.
Independent custody visitors are local people who make unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the welfare, rights and entitlements of detainees.
They speak with detainees in their cells to ensure they what they need, including access to legal advice, medical care, food, drink and clean bedding.
Mr Passmore said: “Our team of ICVs are completely independent of the Constabulary and act as the "eyes and ears" of the local community.
"Independent scrutiny is a vital part of maintaining public confidence in policing and helping us identify opportunities to improve services.”
Simon Morgan
Head of Communications and Engagement
Living Well in Winter Grants Posted 12th October 2026
Living Well in Winter Grants for 2026/27 have now opened for applications, until 22nd November. The Living Well in Winter grant is now in its fourth year and exists to help local VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) organisations deliver accessible, inclusive spaces and affordable activities during the colder months. Since its inception, the grant has supported dozens of projects designed to bolster the wellbeing of residents – particularly in rural areas. Last year, successful projects included everything from warm spaces with coffee and meals to craft workshops and indoor activities. Eligible projects might include lunch clubs, after-school clubs, low-cost sports sessions, community cafes, or any other initiative that brings people together during a time of year where many may feel isolated. Up to £2,000 can be applied for.
Details of Living Well in Winter Grants, including Guidance Notes and the Application Form, can be found on our website here: Mid Suffolk District Council Funding - Mid Suffolk District Council - babergh.gov.uk / midsuffolk.gov.uk. If you or community groups in your Parish have any queries, please contact us at BMSDCGrants@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
Posted 30th September
Summary of Grants information for residents.
Battisford Parish Council is empowered to grant funds, subject to limits and regulations, for purposes that it considers to be in the interests of Battisford, that will bring direct benefit to the parish, any part of it or the community therein. The parish council must use the Community Interest Levy receipts passed to it to support the development of the parish council’s area by funding the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on the area.
Applications for grants must be submitted on the application form available from the Clerk and will be considered by the Parish Council. A summary of the criteria is below and the detailed grant details and application form are also available on this website
Applications should be sent to the Parish Clerk: clerk@battisford-pc.gov.uk
Details are also on the Face Book Page https://www.facebook.com/BattisfordParishCouncil/
Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution Posted 30.9.26
As you may have seen in the news last week, on Monday 7 September the Government announced that it was withdrawing its previous decision to create three new unitary councils in Suffolk. This is also the case in Norfolk, Essex and Hampshire. You can read more about the decision on the GOV.UK website.
While there is still a level of uncertainty about what this means for Suffolk, the Future Suffolk Implementation Board met last week and there is now greater clarity on the next steps, which we would like to share with our partners and stakeholders.
Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who has engaged with the LGR process to date. Over recent months, a significant amount of work has been undertaken by teams across Suffolk's councils, alongside partners and stakeholders from across the county. This collective effort has helped strengthen our understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local government in Suffolk and has reinforced our shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for residents, communities and businesses.
We would also like to reassure you that this work has not been wasted. The substantial work completed so far has generated valuable evidence, insight and learning which we aim to use to strengthen service delivery across the Suffolk system.
The work undertaken to date has demonstrated the strength of partnership working across the county. Regardless of the immediate position on LGR, we remain committed to working collaboratively with our partners to address the challenges and opportunities facing Suffolk.
What happens next
Although we now have greater clarity on the immediate position, there are still areas where further information from Government is required.
Devolution
While it is important not to confuse the two programmes, we recognise that many partners have questions about what these developments mean for devolution.
The message from Government is clear: devolution is continuing.
The Government has confirmed that recent developments relating to LGR do not affect the timetable for devolution and will be publishing a new White Paper on 'Rewiring the State' later in the Autumn.
We know that many of our partners and stakeholders will have questions about the future direction of local government in Suffolk. As more information becomes available and there is greater clarity on the next steps, we will continue to keep you informed.
Yours sincerely
Chris Bally
On behalf of the Future Suffolk Implementation Board
Posted 13.8.26
The 2025/26 Annual Report of the Suffolk Police and Crime Panel has now been published, and is available on the County Council’s website at the following link: Suffolk-PCP-Annual-Report-2025-2026. The report gives an overview of the work of the Panel over the previous year.
https://stoptostop.co.uk/buses/battisford
Stowmarket Circular via Wattisham | Mid Suffolk Taxi Bus
Look out for the new taxi service TB01A going from the Punch Bowl to Combs Ford and Stowmarket
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES, MID SUFFOLK
RURAL TRANSPORT PHONE 01449 614271
Connecting Communities Rural Transport (originally Dial A Ride) is a local door to door transport service, using easy access minibuses. Each minibus has low steps, handrails and a lift for wheelchair access. There are services across Mid Suffolk and Ipswich, run by voluntary organisations and funded by the County Council.
Connecting Communities Rural Transport is available to anyone who cannot access conventional bus services because of where they live or mobility difficulties.
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
If your journey starts in Mid Suffolk and there’s no public transport available to you locally, they collect you and connect you to an appropriate bus route or train link for onward travel so you can reach your destination quickly and easily,. For journeys where connecting to other services is inappropriate, end to end journeys may be possible.
Journeys require advance booking and are allocated on a first call, first served basis.
Booking hours: 9:00 am –4:00 pm.
Operating hours: Mon-Sat 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Passenger Transport, Constantine House, 5 Constantine Road,
Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2DH
General enquiries 0845 606 6171 (Customer Services)
Email: connectingcommunities@suffolk.gov.uk
Passenger Transport Endeavour House 8 Russell Road Ipswich Suffolk, IP1 2BX
General enquiries 0845 606 6171
community.transport@suffolk.gov.uk
Visit our website: www.suffolkonboard.com
Suffolk Community Transport: www.suffolkcommunitytransport.org.uk
462 bus to Stowmarket each Tuesday and Friday excluding bank holidays. A minibus service that runs to a time table, so no need to pre-book
Departs:
Battisford Punch Bowl 1018
Little Finborough Moat Farm 1022
Arrives: Stowmarket Argos 1033
Departs Stowmarket:
Bury Street Card Centre 1240
Arrives:
Combs, opp Bus Shelter 1248
Combs, opp Queens Close 1250
Little Finborough Moat Farm 1252
Battisford Punch Bowl 1254
Bus passes accepted. Cash fares paid to the driver on boarding. Call for more info: 01473 826242
