RESIDENTS living in a historic Suffolk market town have been urged to get active and come up with ideas that will help improve the local community.

Framlingham’s Annual Parish Meeting is set to take place on May 5 and it is hoped that as many people will turn out as possible.

Residents will be able to air their views about any subject and ideas will be taken forward to help shape the future of the town in a five and ten year plan.

Issues under discussion will include traffic management on Market Hill - such as the introduction of a one way system, weight restrictions for HGVs and car parking problems, the possibility of employing a town centre manager, the provision of affordable housing and ideas surrounding the annual Christmas tree.

The meeting is open to all organisations and groups in the local community and any views expressed will be used by the town council to help shape the future of Framlingham.

At their meeting on Thursday night councillors expressed their disappointment at the turn out for last year’s event and urged residents to take more of an interest.

Vice chairman Kevin Coe said: “We would like a five or 10 year plan - similar to the district and county councils. The whole idea is that it is on going and evolves. However we cannot do that unless people come forward - we need them to tell us what they want.

“That’s why the parish meeting is so important. Hopefully we will get lots of good ideas.

“We might find that there is someone with a certain set of expertise who comes along and suggests something that can be done. Something that we’ve never thought about.”

The views were echoed by chairman Stephanie Bennell.

Last night she said: “One of the things to be clear about is that it is not a town council meeting - it is open to all members of the electorate.

“Although we may outline the agenda it is open to all organisations and societies in the town.

“It would be nice for us to be able to get some feedback - to see what people would like us to do. We need to be able to take things forward.

“ We would like as many people to come along as possible. It is the only time when all the organisations of the town have the opportunity to meet together.”

The meeting is happening at the St John Ambulance Westbury Centre in Fairfield Road at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 5.