October 2024 Update

It has been a busy period for local events. Firstly, I would like to commend the Town Council on the Summer Beach Party. There was a wonderful atmosphere, and the event appeared to be a great success. Then, there was the Summer Festival Fun Day on the Recreation Ground, arranged by Harleston’s Future which drew record crowds.

Remaining with local events. I was pleased to support the Historical Society in their community wide Harleston Heritage Open Days programme. Harleston was a top contributor to this national programme which raised the profile of the town. South Norfolk Council funded the printing of 5,000 Harleston leaflets and I joined a group of volunteers from various groups to hand deliver them to homes throughout Harleston.

Much has been said about the invasion of the pylons. South Norfolk Council issued a response to the Statutory Consultation on the Norwich to Tilbury Project. In summary ‘…We still consider that a coordinated, offshore approach would be our preferred solution, to minimise onshore infrastructure. If this is proven to be undeliverable then the Council considers that support should be given to the Undergrounding the whole route’. The full response can be found at: https://www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/nationally-significant-infrastructure-projects/norwich-tilbury-formally-east-anglia-green-planning-inspectorate-reference-en020027

South Norfolk Council sent a further response to questions raised by the Town Council regarding the five years land supply in relation to planning applications. This is a complex process and can cause confusion. Similar situations have arisen with other planning applications across the district and while unpopular, the rules have been applied consistently.

Councillors received training to address handling abusive correspondence, keeping safe online, and ways to report unacceptable behaviour. I welcomed the training as I am aware from experience the distress which can result from unwelcomed messages.

I met with the Waveney Volunteers for Nature as they prepared a section of the cemetery for wildflower seeding. They have offered to help manage an area at the allotments which may assist the Town Council fulfill its ambition of managing its own land for nature, and demonstrate continued commitment towards the designation of the entire parish as a Nature Recovery Area. The Brockdish community has joined the Our Nature Recovery movement started in Harleston.

Nearby, the Climate Change and Environment Team awarded £10,000 to Wortwell Community Centre and Wortwell Parish Council to contribute towards solar PV installation at the community centre as part of a sustainable energy initiative. They have also secured funding through South Norfolk Council's Pride in Place grant scheme, as well as from Norfolk County Council to carry out other aspects of the project, such as the installation of electric vehicle charge points and LED lighting. Also in Wortwell, I have offered my support to an application to list the Wortwell Bell as an asset of community value.

I will be taking my Councillor surgery on the road and hold my next surgery on Saturday 12 October at the Wortwell Community Centre between 10:00 and 12:00. Should this prove popular I hope to make this a regular feature along with visits to Needham to be able to talk with residents across the whole Ward.

Cllr Trevor Graham

South Norfolk Council

Member for Harleston