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.

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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>

SCAM ALERTS

Warning about drivers being targeted with  ‘fake’ fines
We are highlighting a warning from Action Fraud about an increase in reports and intelligence where elderly victims are being targeted by individuals purporting to be police officers or traffic wardens.
The victims are being approached whilst parked in a car park and are told by the suspect that they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and a photo has been taken of their car for ‘evidence’.
Victims are advised that they will face a substantial penalty fine unless they pay a smaller upfront fee immediately.  Victims, who opt for paying the smaller penalty, will be directed to a parking meter and asked to enter their card and PIN.  These parking meters have been tampered with by the suspect in order to retain the card.
Once the victim inserts their card and are asked for their PIN, the victims are shoulder surfed for their PIN by the suspect.  Once victims input their PIN, the card is retained by the machine and victims are told by the suspect to seek help from the company who operates the parking meter or their bank.

Action Fraudare providing the following advice to protect yourself from this fraud:
* If you are suspicious about the authenticity of the fine, do not pay
it until you have verified it with your local council
* Always shield your PIN from view when using an ATM or payment
machine, and never share your PIN with anyone
* If your bank card is retained by an ATM or payment machine, contact
your bank immediately to inform them
* You can have been targeted by this fraud contact Action Fraud using
their online form
<https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime>
or by telephone on 0300 123 2040

Telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Mastercard’
We have received a number reports from Norfolk residents about recorded message telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Mastercard’.
During the call the message states that a large payment, usually several hundred pounds, has been made to a foreign account.  The message then provides options to ‘block all further transactions’ and to speak to the ‘fraud team’.
There may be a number of variations to these calls stating different amounts or reasons for the call.
We always advise people to be very wary of claims made during telephone cold calls.  If you receive this or a similar recorded message call our advice is do not interact with the call and hang up.
If you are concerned about the security of a credit card account contact your card provider directly using the Customer Service number printed on the card – never use details provided in a cold call.
If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06
To manage your contact details, additional information and subscriptions, please login through the member portal <https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736722380>.

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:

• Sanders
• Lynxbus
• West Norfolk CT
• Konectbus

 

Golden Cockerel Flies Again

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.

LITCHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Annual Parish Meeting
was held attended by six Councillors, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris, District Councillor E Gould and six members of the public.  Reports were received from local organisations, the Chairman of the Parish Council and the County and District Councillors.

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Parish Council Meeting
At the March Parish Council meeting which was attended by six Councillors, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris, District Councillor E Gould and two members of the public the following was considered:
Planning: Applications. The Parish Council raised no objection to the application for a proposed two storey extension and porch to front at 23 Church Street. The application for a replacement dwelling and double garage with storage above at 29 Church Street had been withdrawn. Decisions:Approval had been granted by Breckland Council for the proposed demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension and cladding externally to existing house at Coppice Lexham Road. No decision had yet been received from Breckland Council for the 16 houses between Weasenham and Wellingham Roads and the District Councillor will request from the planning department at Breckland a reason for the delay.
Highways: The Parish Council had received a response from Bespoke Construction but as the problem has not been resolved the Parish Council is to write again complaining about the lack of consideration. The members were very disappointed that Norfolk County Council had not enforced BT to repair the ironwork near to the pumping station. The County Councillor informed the meeting that the County Council cannot force BT to repair the road. The culvert under the road on Dunham Road will be repaired as soon as a road closure notice has been completed. The footway outside the school on Church Street and opposite near to the telephone box will be reported as will the potholes on Back Lane. The hydrant signs that have been damaged on the Green and near to the Jubilee Hall will be reported to Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. The County Councillor is to investigate the ownership of the footway between Front and Back streets as this is being damaged by cars driving across it on Back Street.
Litcham Primary School:  A letter had been received from Litcham School to state that the Primary Phase children had raised over £500 over the past few years and the children have suggested that a bench be installed in Manor Drive. The County Councillor is to investigate the ownership of the land so that a decision can be given at the next meeting.
Elections:  Elections for the Parish Council will take place on 2 May at the same time as elections to Breckland Council.
Dog Fouling: There has been a significant increase of dog fouling especially along Lexham Road. The Parish Council is to contact the Dog Warden who if necessary will use covert surveillance to reduce the problem. If you see any person not clearing up after their dog please report them to the Dog Warden on 01362 858500.
Next Meeting – 13 May, which is the Annual Parish Council Meeting following the elections at 7:30pm 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. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP

As you may have noticed we have a problem with dog fouling in the area again and we need your help to catch whoever is responsible.
If you witness anyone failing to clean up after their dog please report them on:
Call or Text  01362 858500
Dog fouling is not only socially unacceptable; it is also a criminal offence. We are working hard to catch everyone who continues to break the law.
Although we will be utilising covert surveillance and patrols in the area over the next few months, we would also love your help as a local resident. We are trying to get as many people as possible to join our fight against dog fouling.
Together we will get these irresponsible people to clean up their act!

On another note, if you have a dog it may be worth mentioning that bagged dog waste can be disposed of at home. Simply place bagged dog waste in your wheelie bin. Please don’t take it to the small roadside dog bins. These bins are to help you when out walking.

If you have any questions or need help please feel free to call us on 01362 858500

Litcham Drop In

The ‘Drop In’ is held at the Jubilee Hall on Tuesdays in term time.
We are changing our opening times to 10am – 12 noon
The Drop In is for everyone, from all our villages.
Caring for someone with dementia?
Lonely or feeling isolated?
At home with young children?
New to the area?
Looking for information about debt?
Like to knit?
Just would like coffee, cake and a chat.
£1 includes coffee, refills and cake.
Come  and join us, we are a friendly bunch
Heather 700071, ring if you would like to know more.