Over the years the Parish Council has built up good relationships with local landowners and farmers and resolved problems with tact and perseverance with regards to footpaths. Footpath signs and bridges are maintained by Suffolk County Council’s Public Rights of Way team, and some of the paths (not all) are also mown by Suffolk County Council twice a year. Problems do occasionally arise, however, and any of the Councillors will be happy to receive reports from residents and will do their best to resolve any issues. It is also possible for residents to report any issues they come across themselves via the Suffolk Highways reporting tool. So please carry on the good work by reporting blocked paths and damaged signs or the suspected illegal cutting down of protected trees and hedges.

The centre of Metfield is a conservation area so any pruning or removal of established trees requires planning permission from Mid Suffolk District Council. If you are not sure if this applies to your property you can check with Mid Suffolk District Council MSDC Tree guidance.

If you know of any trees that you think should have protected status, please let the Parish Council know. You can do this by getting in touch with any PC member (list of members).