After more than 10 years of tireless effort to protect local trees and hedges and the extensive network of footpaths, Peter Cook stepped down from his two warden roles and we’d like to extend our thanks to him for preserving those precious amenities.

Working alongside the PC, Peter built up relationships with local landowners and farmers and resolved problems with tact and perseverance.

At their July meeting, the Parish Council decided that there is no longer a need in Metfield for a Tree Warden or a Footpath Warden and that all reports on these matters would be better channelled through the PC.

Chair of the PC, Peter Mortimer, explained that PC members will be happy to receive all reports from residents and will do their best to resolve any issues. 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. Likewise if you know of any trees that you think should have protected status.

You can do this by getting in touch with any PC member (list of members).

Share your experiences of lost footpaths
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/dec/04/share-your-experiences-of-lost-footpaths?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

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A plea to all dog walkers
Most dog walkers using our footpaths and lanes are careful to collect up their pet’s mess and take it home for disposal. Unfortunately, however, there is still a small number of dog walkers who chuck their ‘doggy bags’ in a ditch or hang them on a tree for all to see.

And, worse than that, there are still a few who allow their dogs to foul the pavements, footpaths, verges and lanes themselves – and leave it there for unsuspecting walkers to tread in. Seriously, folks, this isn’t on, is it? There are plenty of walkers without dogs, and people who walk into and out of the village at night, and lanes with no pavements so that walkers have to mount the verge. Please, please, spare a thought for everyone and take your dog mess home with you.