A do it yourself world

Yesterday two things convinced me that, due to the cuts in government funding for local services, we really are in a ‘do it yourself’ world.

During the afternoon I was out and about delivering leaflets in Haverhill with my friend and fellow councillor, Mary Evans, who is the Assistant Cabinet Member for Travel and Transport.  We were surprised to learn that she was unable to give more than one of us a lift because she ‘had a road sign’ in the back of her car.

I understand that later on she was going to take the aforesaid sign to a parish council meeting.  The community has been waiting for the sign for rather a long time and it had finally been delivered to the depot.  Whether or not their county councillor really had to deliver it personally I am not sure, but Mary’s action in doing so seemed to me to be a sign of the times.

Later on I went to Lavenham Annual Parish Meeting, and once again came across the ‘do it yourself’ approach.   Sick and tired of the amount of litter in what must be one of the most beautiful villages in England, the parish council has invested in litter picking equipment, including litter grabs and high viz jackets.  Of course this equipment is available on loan from Babergh, but only on a one off basis.  Laudably the community wants to clear up the village, and then, importantly make sure it stays cleared up.

Does this ‘do it yourself’ approach matter?  Those who think that the payment of council tax means that we should always rely on the public sector to provide will disagree with me, but I personally think it is a good thing. Mary showed real commitment while getting something tangible done for her community.  Lavenham residents will enjoy the camaraderie and new friendships that often result from getting together as a village.  Additionally, children engaged on the litter picks will learn not to drop litter.  And the truth is, given the shortage of funds from on high, self-help and community action may be the only way to get things done in the years to come.