News
Grant Presentations
We are pleased to share that we awarded nine grants for 2025/26 to groups in our community. These were presented at our Annual Parish Meeting on the 25th March.
Successful applicants were:
- Home Start - Equipment and training - £1000
- Headway Suffolk - To support people living in Martlesham who have a neurological condition - £500
- Martlesham Primary Academy - Outdoor play equipment - £3000
- Martlesham Brass - Support to fund a visit from a professional brass musician. They will conduct a workshop for all members and perform with the band in a concert for the 30th birthday celebrations - £500
- Martlesham Conservation Group - Public liability insurance - £233.49
- Martlesham in Bloom - Summer containers in the square. 30th anniversary project and supporting ongoing work in the community areas - £300
- Martlesham Heath Aviation Society - Provision of portable toilets for their 2026 open day - £400
- Martlesham Bowls Club - Renovation of bowls green - £1000
- Suffolk Wildlife Trust - Trust engagement events - £510
We are committed to supporting the local groups, schools and charities that have a positive impact on Martlesham and we will keep you informed on when the applications will reopen for this year.
Impersonation Alert
We have been made aware of several incidents in the Martlesham area involving three men in a Citroen van, claiming to be from the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. They have been offering "free" electrical checks on solar panels.
The persons involved were not wearing uniform and did not show any Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Identification. These incidents have been reported to the police.
Please note:
- All Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service personnel always carry an ID card, even when not in uniform
- Every ID card includes a verification number on the back, which you can call to confirm the person's identity
- If you are unsure, do not allow anyone into your home
If you encounter anyone suspicious, please report it to Suffolk Police via 101 or 999 in an emergency
Suffolk County Councillor Elections
Elections for a County Councillor to the Martlesham Division will be open from Monday 30th March and Thursday, 9th April 2026.
Completed nomination papers must be delivered to the Deputy Returning Officer on one of the addresses shown on the attached poster.
East Suffolk District Council - Call for Sites
East Suffolk District Council have began work on their Local Plan. This will provide an outline as to where new developments (including homes, employment land and infrastructure) should take place, up until at least 2044.
A Call for Sites was held between 20th October 2025 and 9th January 2026, and has now closed. This invited submissions for consideration for inclusion in the new Local Plan.
All sites can be viewed on their Submission Map
Comments are not being accepted at this stage however, there will be an opportunity to provide comments later in the Local Plan process.
For more information, please visit the East Suffolk District Council Website
Portal Woodlands
We have been made aware of the forthcoming sale of Portal Woodlands and we are looking into how/if we can safeguard the land for the future benefit of our residents and wildlife.
Litter Bin Collections at Mill Heath Development - Update
Martlesham Parish Council has been made aware that East Suffolk Services Ltd (ESSL) will resume bin collections located on the Mill Heath development.
ESSL has confirmed that FirstPort, the private property management company for managing the development have paid the monies owed for the litter bin collection services. As a result the signage should be removed today and collection services will resume as per the ESSL collection schedule.
The Parish Council would like to clarify that it does not own or manage the land at Mill Heath and has no contractual responsibility for the provision or funding of litter bin services at this location. Residents of the development pay an annual management fee to FirstPort for the upkeep and management of communal areas, which includes arrangements for services such as waste collection.
Martlesham Parish Council would like to thank Mill Heath residents for their patience and understanding on this matter on behalf of the parties involved.
Litter Bin Collections at Mill Heath Development
Martlesham Parish Council has been made aware that East Suffolk Services Ltd (ESSL) will no longer be emptying litter bins located on the Mill Heath development.
ESSL has confirmed that this decision is due to non-payment for litter bin collection services for the past three years by FirstPort, the private property management company responsible for managing the Mill Heath development on behalf of residents. As a result, ESSL have placed signage on the affected bins to inform the public that collections have ceased.
The Parish Council would like to clarify that it does not own or manage the land at Mill Heath and has no contractual responsibility for the provision or funding of litter bin services at this location. Residents of the development pay an annual management fee to FirstPort for the upkeep and management of communal areas, which includes arrangements for services such as waste collection.
Until this matter is resolved between FirstPort and ESSL, residents and visitors are asked to take their litter home or use nearby public litter bins.
Martlesham Parish Council understands residents’ frustration and encourages FirstPort, as the managing agent, to address this issue as a matter of urgency in the interests of public amenity and environmental responsibility.
Felixstowe Road, Safety Concerns – Parish Council Update
The Felixstowe Road, part of the National Cycle Network Route 1 (NCN1) through Martlesham, has become so dangerous it is seldom used by walkers and cyclists. High traffic volumes and speeding make it a serious safety risk for walkers and cyclists alike.
One of our parish councillors, who is visually impaired, has highlighted how difficult it is to navigate this stretch safely on foot.
“The pavement alongside Felixstowe Road is very narrow in places and when walking with my guide dog, I feel at risk of passing traffic hitting me as it goes past a great speed. When attempting to cross Felixstowe Road during the day, there is so much traffic that is travelling in excess of the 30 mph speed limit that I feel in mortal danger when crossing this very busy road. I urge motorists to consider the road speed limit, and drive to the prevailing road conditions in a safe and measured way.”
Thanks to the dedication of our Community Speed Watch volunteers, who regularly monitor speeds and carry out traffic counts, we have clear evidence of the problem; and a recent traffic survey, conducted by Suffolk Highways has confirmed these findings. This survey was requested by County Councillor Patti Mulcahy, whose support has helped to keep safety concerns in the spotlight. This data showed:
1. Over 6,000 vehicle movements per day along this stretch of NCN1, and
2. An 85th percentile speed of 35 mph, despite the posted 30 mph limit.
These figures underline the serious safety risks faced by anyone attempting to walk or cycle along the route.
The parish council continues to press Suffolk County Council for practical improvements to maintain this route as an active transport corridor. Residents who walk, cycle, or drive along the Felixstowe Road are encouraged to share their observations, near-misses, or suggestions with the parish council —every report strengthens the case for action.
And once again, a huge thank you to our Speed Watch volunteers, whose dedication helps make our roads safer. Their ongoing work provides independent, detailed data to support safety improvements.
To become a community Speed Watch volunteer or to share your road safety concerns please get in touch with the Parish Council via our Contact Us page.
Temporary Closure of Public Footpath
We have received notification from Suffolk County Council that two footpaths near the Brightwell Lakes development will be closed from the 11th February to the 8th April 2026 for earth works and landscaping.
We have been informed that there will be no alternative route provided.
Please see the map and notice for more information.
We appreciate your understanding.
Councillor Patti Mulcahy Question & Answer Sessions
Please see the attached PDF for the Key Take Away Points on Councillor Mulcahy's meetings, held on the 18th and 19th November 2025.
Planning Question & Answer Sessions. Key Take Aways
If you require these notes in a different format, please contact us via our Contact Form