Update Barham Country Park /Picnic Site

At Barham Parish Council meeting ,on Monday 7^th August 2023, councillors voted to transfer the ownership of Barham Picnic Site back to Suffolk County Council on the understand that an immediate contract would be given to Barham Picnic Site Community Project charity.

This charity was set up in October 2021 with the sole objective of getting funding and improving the site including play area and toilets but also to have a larger open space for residents to enjoy. They also want to bring out the history of the workhouse site including links with Charles Dickens.

It was a difficult decision, but this was the most cost-effective way of ensuring the land is given to the charity to repair and maintain. In the last year Barham Parish Council has spent a large amount of money on the site but this is not sustainable. . It also allows Barham Parish Council to concentrate the other major issues just as the large development off Church lane, planning and the many other residents’ concerns.

The charity has access to apply for a larger selection of grants then the council. Also, a separate charity running facilities is a model that works very effectively for Claydon and Barham Village Hall and Claydon and Barham Recreation Ground