September Parish Council meeting

At the September Parish Council meeting which was attended by six councillors, County and District Councillor M Kiddle Morris the following was considered:
Planning: Applications.  The Parish Council had raised an objection to the permitted development application for the change of use of agricultural building to dwelling on land at Dereham Road.
Decisions: Breckland Council had refused the application for the demolition of existing garage and outbuildings and erection of 2 new dwellings and associated car parking at 1 Albion Terrace Front Street as there were major concerns raised by the Highways Authority regarding vehicles exiting the development.  Breckland Council had also refused the application for 2 detached single-storey dwellings and garages on land to the rear of Fourways, Mileham Road for the same reasons as the previous application; as it would urbanise this part of the conservation area. There were concerns regarding the impact on the local heritage assets and the amenity to these properties would be affected by the trees surrounding them leading to limited access to light.  The permitted development application for the change of use from agricultural building to dwelling on land at Dereham Road had been refused by  Breckland Council as the building is within the River Nar SSSI.
Highways: Norfolk County Council had confirmed that it would be resolving the lay-by issue on Tittleshall Road but could not find the problem of the hedge on Butt Lane and therefore the clerk has confirmed the position.  The finger post near to the Jubilee Hall is to have the pointer replaced with a wooden one.  The clerk had contacted the police regarding the parking outside Russell House but had not had a reply.  There were no new problems reported but the clerk will contact Norfolk County Council again regarding the hedge on Mileham Road, the footway on Lexham Road, the siding out of Back Lane.  The sign for Litcham Close had been damaged by a lorry and Breckland Council will be requested to replace this.  The County Councillor will contact the Highways Engineer regarding the post on the Common that was knocked over by the contractor for the work on the cattle grids, the posts on the footway between Front and Back Street and the BT Box on Dereham Road.
Access onto Church Street from the new properties to the rear of the post office. There had been complaints that vehicles are not stopping prior to crossing the footway and the County Councillor will contact the Highways Engineer to ascertain if any means can be erected or signed on the road to ensure vehicles stop in order to avoid danger to pedestrians.  A lengthy discussion ensued but no practical solution could be found at present so the clerk will write to all residents requesting politely that care is taken at this point.
Dog Fouling: Concerns had been raised by parishioners about dogs fouling residents’ gardens.

If you see any person not clearing up after their dog
please  report them to the Dog Warden on 01362 858500.

County and District Councillor Reports.  The County Councillor informed the meeting that the County Review is now available on the website which covers all that the County Council have undertaken in the previous financial year.  There are government grants available for those who have download speeds of greater the 10mbs but less than 30mbs.  £500 to £3500 is available for businesses and £500 to £1500 for residents.  It appears that these grants will fund fibre to property.  A further £8million has been awarded to Norfolk County Council from the government to connect 370 properties with gigabit speed.  These include schools and other important locations and the advantage is that nearby properties can piggy back onto this technology.
The Next Meeting of Litcham Parish Council is due to be held on 4th November 2019 at 7:30 p.m.at the Jubilee Hall.  All parishioners are cordially invited to attend and the first part of the meeting is set aside for parishioners to raise issues with the Parish Council.  The full minutes are available for viewing by any parishioner by contacting the clerk on 01362 861112 or on the Litcham website, http://www.litcham.org.

Bryan Leigh

 

Police Message: Oil Theft

Theft of your heating oil can be very costly and distressing, particularly during periods of cold weather. Introducing layers of security around your property and oil tank is much more effective than relying upon any one product or doing nothing. Putting appropriate security products, daily routines and increased awareness in place, will reduce the opportunity for oil theft to occur.

What security measures can I  take?
Remember the oil thief does not want to be seen, identified or caught and will most likely seek to steal your oil during the night or during the hours of darkness. The following layers will help prevent the oil thief getting to your heating oil.
 Perimeter: Ensure that boundary fencing and lockable gating is in good condition and strong enough to prevent easy access into your property, particularly when you’re not at home.
 Lighting: Fit low energy, ‘dusk to dawn’ (photo electric cells) sensored security lighting to remove dark places around your property but in particular around your oil tank. This layer will make the thief think twice as they will need to work in light and in doing so will increase the chances of them being caught.
 Property: Ideally oil tanks should be close enough to be overlooked by you in your home, where suspicious activity is more likely to be noticed and action taken than if the tank is distant or positioned out of sight. Your own natural surveillance will deter the criminal and also help increase the chances of the thief being deterred or caught.
 Tank: Tanks can be easily emptied if the criminal is given the time and where there are no effective security measures in place. Close shackle padlocks will help protect against bolt croppers and are recommended to deny ready access into the tank.
 Alarm: Some padlocks feature integral alarms which can provide you an early warning that the tank is being tampered with Security alarm devices for oil tanks are specifically designed to indicate a sudden drop in tank contents and thereby will alert you to a potential problem. Consider buying from a Police Approved, ‘Secured by Design’ member company and fit control switches that limit and control the flow of oil if the pipe is cut.
 Garden-screening and planting:  Oil tanks are often enclosed with fencing or hidden away from view. Both approaches have merit in disguising the presence of a tank. However, do not disguise the tank so that you inadvertently screen both the tank and the criminal from view. Visual access from your property to the filling point should be provided to deter the criminal. Planting thorny shrubs around the tank is considered an effective barrier and deterrent for the criminal to negotiate.
 Signage: Inexpensive warning signage that indicates you have taken security measures to combat crime will be noticed by the oil thief and help deter their interest. Signage should be displayed on the public facing side of your property
 CCTV: Surveillance cameras can be a distinct security benefit but do not fit them in preference to the other physical security features. Only fit them as complimentary to other security measures, rather than replace them.
 Neighbourhood Watch Scheme: These are recommended to form part of a communities overall neighbourhood protection strategy, where residents of like mind look out for each other and report suspicious activity to members, other groups and the Police.
Ongoing vigilance is key for the effective protection of crimes generally but is vital where heating oil theft is concerned.

CRIME REPORTING

  • Report suspicious activity by calling the Police on 101.Always dial 999 in an emergency and where a crime is in progress.
  • Check www.norfolk.police.uk website A-Z guidance for advice on protecting against crime.
  • Consider calling Crimestoppers anonymously if you have information about any crime.

Litcham Common

The Hole!
Some people will have noticed the big square hole in the turf not far from the corral.  This is where someone has dug up and taken away a holly tree.  Contrary to popular belief all commons have an owner, in the case of Litcham Common this being Lexham Hall Estate, and the removal of plants, trees or logs without permission is theft.  In addition, Litcham Common is governed by bylaws which prohibit ‘removing or damaging any plant or other vegetation whether living or dead’ without permission.  Please ask a member of the common’s management committee before taking things from the common; we like to think we are a reasonable group of people! (And for the absolute avoidance of doubt, we have no objection at all to activities such as picking blackberries!) A full copy of the bylaws can be viewed on Litcham’s website at the bottom of the Litcham Common tab headed ‘Management’.

On a more positive front, we are very grateful indeed for the way in which many regular users of the common help care for it, for example by removing litter as they walk round or reporting any problems they spot.  Thank you.

Conservation Group
The next monthly conservation task will take place on Saturday 10th August starting at 10am.  Please contact Tim Angell on 01328 700045 if you are interested in joining us.

LITCHAM PARISH COUNCIL -July Extract

At the July Parish Council meeting which was attended by seven Councillors, County and District Councillor M Kiddle Morris and one member of the public the following was considered:

Planning: Applications. The Parish Council raised an objection to the demolition of existing garage and outbuildings and erection of 2 new dwellings and associated car parking at 1 Albion Terrace Front Street. The reasons for an objection are the highway safety issues at this point as detailed by the Highways Officer, the overshadowing and overlooking of the dwellings and the form and scale of the development as these would overshadow and overlook the dwellings on Manor Drive. The Parish Council also noted the concerns raised by several parishioners one of whom was present at the meeting. The Parish Council also objected to the application for 2 detached single storey dwellings and garages on land to the rear of Fourways Mileham Road. The members felt that the access was unsuitable and that in the future the dwellings would be sheltered from all light which could lead to the request to fell trees within a conservation area. The members could also see little change from the previous application which was refused.

Decisions: There were no decisions to report.

Parking at the Primary School. Representatives from the Parish Council had attended the second meeting to discuss the problem of transporting children from the High School to the Primary School. The police attended and had suggested whether there could be staggered dropping off times to alleviate the parking problems. The landowner is also to be approached to see if any land can be released to provide parking spaces and a re-sited footway.

Highways: The County Councillor has requested the Highways Engineer to consider a three-way junction at the Bull crossroads to stop mainly cyclists speeding into the junction on Tittleshall Road. He has also requested that improved markings on the road be installed on Butt Lane. The Clerk had received a complaint about parking on Back Street and the owner of the property is to be written to. The owner of the property on Butt Lane where the hedge is overhanging the road at the Mount is also to be written to. Norfolk County Council had confirmed that the potholes on Tittleshall Road are to be repaired. The following is to be reported to Norfolk County Council: – the cutting back of hedges on Back Lane, the footway on Lexham Road, the cutting of the verges and the spraying and clearing of paths and lay-bys

Dog Fouling: The Parish Council had contacted the Dog Warden and it is pleased that the dog fouling has reduced. If you see any person not clearing up after their dog please report them to the Dog Warden on 01362 858500.

County and District Councillor Reports. The County Councillor reported that he had little to report from County or District as few meetings had been held since May. He informed the members that it appears that Highways England are prevaricating on the dualling of the A47 and it seems as though it does not wish to go ahead with this. The County Council is bidding for a further £200 million to be added to the £300 million already received but not yet used for the improvements.

The next meeting of Litcham Parish Council is due to be held on 2 September 2019at 7.30 p.m.at the Jubilee Hall. All parishioners are cordially invited to attend and the first part of the meeting is set aside for parishioners to raise issues with the Parish Council. The full minutes are available for viewing by any parishioner by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or on the Litcham website, www.litcham.org.

ROGUE TRADER ALERTS

Doorstep cold callers offering to ‘pressure  wash’ driveways
We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of a doorstep cold caller in the Dereham area offering to ‘pressure wash’ driveways.
Never deal with anyone who cold calls at your property offering to undertake work on or around your property.
Anyone concerned about possible rogue trader activity in Norfolk can contact Trading Standards through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline via their online reporting form <https://ssl.datamotion.com/form.aspx?co=3438&frm=general&to=flare.fromforms> or by telephone on 03454 04 05 06.

Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. To search our directory and read feedback from their customers visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader<http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader>

Doorstep cold callers offering to lay tarmac
We are warning residents to be on their guard after receiving reports of doorstep cold callers in the Dereham area offering to ‘lay tarmac’. The cold callers are claiming the tarmac is ‘surplus’ from another job ‘nearby’.
Never deal with cold callers looking to undertake work on or around your property. If you are looking to have this type of work done only deal with reputable companies you have researched and chosen yourself and have obtained a written quotation from.
Anyone concerned about possible rogue trader activity in Norfolk can contact Trading Standards through our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline via their online reporting form <https://ssl.datamotion.com/form.aspx?co=3438&frm=general&to=flare.fromforms> or by telephone on 03454 04 05 06.
Looking for a Trader you can Trust? Try a Norfolk Trusted Trader. To search our directory and read feedback from their customers visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader<http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader>

Litcham Common Conservation

Our next conservation task with be on Saturday 20th July starting at 10am, when we will continue the work of digging up ragwort. New recruits will be welcome and tools/protective gloves supplied. Please contact Tim Angell on 01328 700045 for more information.

Guided walk on Litcham Common
Monday 8th July: 10am to 12noon

As part of Commons Week Nick Acheson from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be leading a “wildlife wander” on Litcham Common showing you the wildlife that makes this site so special. No need to book; just turn-up and join-in.
Meet in the car park on the Dunham Road, PE32 2NT

LITCHAM JUBILEE HALL

There have been numerous enquiries regarding plans for the hall.  Mary Anderson has kindly produced a chart of our progress which you can see pinned up around the village.

One reason for the delay is that the plans have been in the hands of the council and only recently have they given permission to get quotations, for which we are now waiting.

As it proved popular, there will be another Brunch around September. Watch this space!

June Bevan (01328) 700 274

Changes to Local Bus Services

There will be a number of service changes to local Bus services from April 7th.
Some services are being withdrawn as coach operators like Peelings and Carters after many good years of service have decided they no longer wish to provide bus services when new laws come into place from January 1st 2020 which does not allow coaches to be used on local bus services. As a result of the review passenger will see low floor more accessible vehicles used on many services.

  • Some villages currently serve by the Swaffham area flexibus will now be served by a timetabled service linking passenger to both Swaffham and Kings’s Lynn with no need to either pre book or connect to onward services.
  • The Carters services to both Dereham and Norwich have been amended and merged into one service to each location.
  • The Sanders 24 service to Norwich will change the day of operation to Monday.
  • The West Norfolk Community Transport 22 service has been changed significantly as a result of a commercial registration from Lynxbus who will now be providing an improved service through the Massingham area to both Fakenham and Kings’s Lynn.

All service changes are based upon past usage and passenger feedback through consultations last year.

From April 7th some passengers may not be able to travel exactly like they currently do, however this service change reflects the council procuring contracts from an ever decreasing base of providers, restricted by changes to laws around accessibility and licensing which has limited the outcomes that could be achieved for passengers.
Attached is a list of the new provision by village, and 7 passenger notices for the services changing. I have designed bespoke information for some villages where there will be significant changes which will be sent soon to share, if you like something bespoke for a particular village, or you have any queries around the changes, please ask.

Village List

Links to websites:

 

Golden Cockerel Flies Again

Spire cockerel

On a gloriously sunny day the Litcham All Saints cockerel, looking resplendent in his new coat of gold leaf, was hoisted to the top of the tower.  Te cockerel has been fully restored by S.  Michlmayr & Co in memory of Christopher Hanson-Smith, 1927-2018, through the kind donations of his family and many friends.