IT'S been likened to a public loo and Doctor Who's time-travelling Tardis – but now Debenham families are set to have the final word on an issue that has gripped the village.
IT'S been likened to a public loo and Doctor Who's time-travelling Tardis – but now Debenham families are set to have the final word on an issue that has gripped the village.
Ever since a £3,900 pillar-style notice board was put in position on the village green in March, it has been shrouded in controversy.
A website has even dubbed it the Debenham Pissoir – a French lavatory – but now residents will have the chance to give their views through a major consultation exercise.
Helen Huish, chairwoman of the parish council, said: "Much to our surprise we've had some extremely strong opposition to the notice board and because of this we've decided to take the unusual step of going to a full consultation with the village.
"This will be through house to house enquiries trying to establish whether we did, as we thought we did, meet the village's request for a new notice board."
Councillors are currently preparing to carry out the marathon consultation around the 800 plus houses in the village at the end of this month.
Mrs Huish said the result would put an end to any debate on the issue and would conclusively reveal the village's true feelings about it.
"All the views will be sealed because we're doing everything absolutely above board, she said.
"We really want to know what people think."
Some villagers believe a more traditional wooden notice board, in keeping with the village's 16th century architecture, would have been more suitable.
Others have branded it an "eyesore", a "monstrosity" and a "waste of money" but it has been defended by the parish council.
It argues that no one objected to it when designs were discussed and it has also been labelled as an "asset" by the East of England Tourist Board.
Eyesore or attraction – what do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or join the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk.
WEBLINKS
www.debenham.co.uk
www.debenhampissoir.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here