I would like to take the opportunity to respond to the recent article about car parking and Cllr Dawson's position on this matter.

We always knew that a review of our current parking tariffs and the proposed changes would be difficult – and, as I said in my previous Nub News article, it has proved to be the most controversial and emotive thing we have done at Babergh.

The question of whether the reduction from three hours to one hour free parking will or will not have an impact on businesses is at the core of this and it is clear that there are strongly held views on both sides. I am firmly of the opinion – and this is borne out by experience elsewhere in the country and abroad – that towns thrive or die on their offering.

For such a small town, Hadleigh has a very varied range of shops and a growing market and it is clear that the town is doing well. But at Babergh, we have acknowledged that many businesses are fearful that any change to parking charges could affect what is for some a slow recovery from Covid.

We have no wish to test this possibility, hence the postponement of the tariff changes, but that doesn't mean that any of us in the cabinet, Cllr Dawson included, lacks confidence in the ability of the town to attract visitors.

As part of the budget setting process for 2022/23, we are looking into how we will continue to support the current parking tariffs next year and we are also looking at innovative long-term solutions so that this is no longer such a contentious and divisive issue.

I also want to briefly address the matter of Cllr Dawson's resignation as a magistrate.

This happened many years ago and I understand that Cllr Dawson is not in a position to expand more on the matter as she has accepted a settlement for damages.

I am satisfied that this does not impact her suitability for a cabinet position at Babergh or her ability to carry out her new role effectively and professionally.

Hadleigh councillor accused of hypocrisy