Community group to clear footpaths in village near Ipswich

Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council, in association with local volunteers, have banded together to create a group that ensures the walkways in the village are of high quality for the next summer. 

Chair of the parish council Adrian Ward said that residents were not happy with Suffolk County Council's work clearing the paths over the past two summers. 

He added that these walkways are essential to the villagers, who would use them to get to places or walk their dogs, especially during the summer.

The parish council said currently there was lots of overgrown shrubbery, making it hard for people to walk and left "much to be desired". 

Cllr Ward said that the footpath leaves much to be desired. (Image: Contributed) "Rather than experience the same problems again next year we have decided to try and do something about it ourselves as a community," Cllr Ward said.  

"We are in the early stages of forming the task force but we have a good community spirit here and feel confident that we can get something up and running which will strengthen even further a sense of pride in our own community."

The project will be led by residents Richard English and James Mellish, while the parish council will help provide them with the equipment needed to maintain the grass. 

From left to right it is James Mellish, Richard English, and Adrian Ward, who will lead this group. (Image: Contributed)

The group will make sure that the footpath is in a better state next summer. (Image: Contributed)

Cllr Ward said that the parish council already own the required equipment, but the county council have also offered to help them acquire additional equipment or a small amount of money to help them with the project. 

They have made a Facebook group, which has seen 15 members join in to help and their first meeting will be held on October 10.