LINK
SOUTH NORFOLK
Spring 2016
South Norfolk
pages 16 - 17
www.south-norfolk.gov.uk SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 1
We have two elections coming up. The Police and Crime Commissioner on 5 May and the EU Referendum on 23 June. Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. A list of polling stations will be available on our website. If you have moved and are new to the District you can easily register to vote by going to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week access our services online. Visit: www.south-norfolk.gov.uk Main Number: 0808 168 2000 Write to: South Norfolk Council, Swan Lane,
Long Stratton, Norwich, NR15 2XE
Email: council@s-norfolk.gov.uk
2
www.facebook.com/southnorfolkcouncil
www.twitter.com/SNorfolkCouncil
South Norfolk Freephone Numbers Automated Touchtone Payments 0808 178 7146 Benefits and Council Tax 0808 178 7141 Business Rates 0808 178 7142 Car Park Enquiries 0808 178 7145 Housing Advice 0808 168 2222 Planning 0808 168 3000 Waste and Recycling 0808 168 3333 Flytipping 0808 168 2999 Fraud Hotline 0800 389 6109 Norfolk County Council 0344 800 8020
101 is the new number to call when you want to contact your local police - when it’s less urgent than a 999 call. 101 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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06 Corporate plan launched Our plans for the next five years
08 long stratton area action plan An update on the plan
09 need for speed Broadband in South Norfolk
16 community awards Celebrating our Community Champions
18 Your duty of care Disposing of your waste responsibly
20 Forget Me Not grants Making your home dementia friendly
12 centre opens soon
Message from the leader,
leader@s-norfolk.gov.uk
This February marked the ninth time that I have been responsible for presenting the Council Budget that enables us to deliver the ways in which we aim to make life better for you. In that time, I have been able to recommend a council tax freeze on eight occasions while constantly updating and upgrading the services and facilities we offer to you. As a result, the Halifax Bank ranks South Norfolk’s quality of life as the best in Norfolk & Suffolk. We’ve achieved this this by growing the local economy and enhancing our environment while making sure that those who are in need receive the help they’re entitled to quickly and efficiently. And we run the Council on business-like lines as efficiently as possible to the extent that other Councils ask us to run certain services for them. It’s what every Council should aim to achieve. Doing the right thing has paid dividends for you our residents. Investments in our leisure centres are making people healthier. Building affordable housing
has helped families stay together and encouraging growth has generated new jobs and wealth for everyone. This year, nobody would have liked to freeze council tax again more than me. Our record demonstrates that we keep Council Tax levels as low as possible. It’s in our DNA. But things have changed. The Government has made it clear that Councils will need to be self-sufficient by 2019 with their grant vanishing to be offset by allowing us to keep a greater share of the growth in business rates. It’s a step change in approach. As part of this Councils are expected to raise their precept by £5. We’ve looked carefully at our figures and have decided it will increase by £4.32 to £135.00. We’re still the 26th lowest council tax of any district council – out of a total of 201
councils, so we’ll still offer exceptional value but we have reluctantly concluded the days of tax freezes are over if we want to be maintain our service to you while being recognised as a respected and ambitious local authority, constantly aiming to make South Norfolk one of the best places to live and work in the country.
SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 3
round up of action close to you
Most active district in the County South Norfolk is the most active district in the County according to Sport England’s latest Active People Survey. The survey measures the number of residents who take part in sport at least once a week for at least 30 minutes and the results for South Norfolk show that 40%, of residents who are 14 years and above are reaching the target. That is 7% above the county average and the highest figure in the county. The result for those who are 16 and above is just under 40% but this is still the highest in Norfolk and also beats the county average of people participating in sport by 7%.
A boost for Loddon We have been working with Vodafone, BT and the parish council to improve the mobile phone signal in Loddon.
We also have the highest figure in Norfolk for residents who are 16 and over who exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week. Discover how you can get active by visiting www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/leisure
Vodafone has now installed a signal booster at Loddon Business Centre that provides a Vodafone signal, and all network emergency signal. The booster covers the high street area, helping local businesses. Two further boosters will soon be installed at other locations in the town.
Poringland lakes
THE QUEEN’S 90th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
The trustees of Poringland Lakes have received a grant of £5,000 from Councillor John Overton to purchase equipment and tools. The grant is to help maintain and develop this unique conservation area situated in the heart of the village. The local primary school take study groups to the lakes on a regular basis and the trustees, who are all volunteers, are keen to enhance this valuable and open space for future generations. You can see the work that has been done at www.poringlandlakes.co.uk
Helping communities celebrate the Queen’s birthday It’s the Queen’s 90th birthday in April and to help communities mark the occasion we are offering grants of up to £400. To qualify, events must be open to everyone allowing the whole community to celebrate together. Events can be anything from a celebration lunch, a street party, a themed quiz night or even bingo as long as it is open to, and encourages all of the community to join in with the fun. Application forms are available until the end of May and can be found at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/communitygrants 4 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016
sOUTH nORFOLK ON sHOW 2016 South Norfolk on Show, the council’s biggest event of the year will be held on Sunday 17 July. The show highlights the many services that the Council offers to its residents as well as local businesses, performers, crafts and food producers. To showcase your business at South Norfolk On Show call Laura Woollacott on 01508 533615.
Reuse and Recycling success story Planting trees with Busseys We have teamed up with Busseys to plant hundreds of trees across South Norfolk. Busseys have given us a fund of £10,000 to be allocated over the next two years through our five Neighbourhood Chairs working with South Norfolk’s Tree Warden Network. If you are interested in joining the tree wardens call Henry Gowman on 07906 701 891.
Wacton, full speed ahead A grant of £1,300 from Councillor Kevin Worsley has helped Wacton Village Hall become a superfast broadband hotspot. The first meeting of the Wacton Silver Surfers and All Adult Computer Club took place in February.
Local libraries are helping us to promote the reuse of good quality, household items. A display in local libraries shows a range of goods that have either been donated to charities or handed to us at our reuse events. The display also highlights the options residents have to get rid of their unwanted items. The Council’s next Reuse and Recycle event will be held at Breckland Hall in Costessey on Tuesday 5 April. Textiles, furniture, books and board games along with toasters, kettles, TVs, hairdryers, video recorders and other small electrical items, whether working or not, can be dropped off between 9am and 3.00pm. If the items are in good condition and pass on-site safety checks, event goers will be able to take items home for free or for a small donation to charity from 11am to 3pm. To find out more about how you can recycle and reuse visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/recycling
The All Adult Computer Club will be held every other Thursday between 1pm and 3pm. There will be an expert on hand to offer guidance to anybody who would like to join and who wants help with most aspects of computing. Take along your own laptop, tablet, or device and get connected to superfast broadband.
Our Star winner Congratulations to our Star Savers Competition winner Rosemary Heylings. Rosemary and her husband who both enjoyed dinner, bed and breakfast at Barnham Broom Hotel was one of the hundreds of residents who took part in our Christmas competition to boost trade in our market towns. SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 5
investing in health and wellbeing We are investing £5 million in our three leisure centres to enhance the health and well-being of our residents see page 12
By 2017 we will have invested £2.4 million to support our Market Towns see page 11
We have supported Norwich Research Park and a new Food and Health Research Centre to secure £101 million of investment see page 9
OUR PLAN FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS Our Corporate Plan sets out our vision, corporate priorities and the way in which we will work to promote growth and continue to provide the services that lie at the heart of our communities and that matter locally to you. From collecting your bins and supporting families who fall on hard times, to securing multi-million pound investment to help grow the local economy and attract jobs into the district and the wider region, the Council is committed to making sure South Norfolk remains one of the best places to live, work and visit in the country. The new Corporate Plan is designed to be accessible as an interactive, web based document allowing users to view the plan online and acting as a gateway to additional information and content that can be found by following the many hyperlinks. You can view South Norfolk’s Corporate Plan by visiting www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/corporateplan
Since 2014 we have secured £3 million of growing business fund grants to support our businesses to grow see page 10
We collect 3,500,000 bins a year ensuring our district stays clean and tidy see page 15 By 2026 we will have delivered over 16,500 new homes to match local need see page 7
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ROSEBERY PARK MEANS BUSINESS
The new office space at Rosebery Business Park in Poringland is opening soon. Developed by the Council’s wholly-owned property development company, Big Sky Developments, the new building – called Crafton House – opens its doors to tenants next month. Through Big Sky Developments we are investing in the future of the district by building new homes and we are also investing in our local economy by providing new commercial office space and encouraging businesses and employment into the area.
The new commercial building provides 800 square metres of high specification office accommodation over two floors, and provides office suites to suit both start up businesses and those looking to expand. One wing of the Business Centre has been divided into individual office suites of varying sizes, suitable for between one and six people. Other areas have been left open, giving prospective tenants the option to occupy whole floors or take part of a floor to suit the specific requirements of their business. Crafton House provides space for networking, events, meetings and collaborative co-working - all with free Wi-Fi - and a fully equipped video-conferencing facility.
These facilities are available to both tenants and non-tenants alike, with non-tenants able to access them via membership of the Council’s new business club package. A Business Enterprise Officer will also be on hand to provide guidance, advice and support, and a range of networking and training events will be organised at the centre. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, please contact our Commercial Property and Conferencing Manager, Christopher Hewitt, on 01508 533951 or at chewitt@s-norfolk.gov.uk.
Work has started at Big Sky development ‘s Maple Park site in Long Stratton. 58 new homes, 800sqm of office space and recreational areas where residents can relax and have fun are planned. House buyers will be offered a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes with a choice of
design that reflects the local architecture. For more details visit www.bigskydevelopments.co.uk or call 01508 533916. Maple Park coming soon
SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 7
Supporting COMMUNITIES to realise their potential
Long Stratton High Street
A140
LONG STRATTON BYPASS COMES A STEP CLOSER After a wait of 80 years for a bypass, plans to shape the future of Long Stratton and allow the village to take back its historic centre are a step nearer. The Long Stratton Area Action Plan is now entering its final stages. After listening to the views of local residents through extensive consultations over the past four years and following scrutiny by an independent planning inspector the council will shortly be in a position to adopt the plan, which represents the vision for Long Stratton until 2026. It is proposed that Long Stratton will grow significantly and that the growth will deliver the long awaited bypass. To do this Long Stratton will have at least 1,800 new houses and land has also been set aside for commercial development, bringing much needed employment to the village. These new jobs alongside improved leisure facilities will mean 8 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016
fewer people will have to travel daily to Norwich and Diss. Councillor John Fuller, Leader of South Norfolk Council, said: “The Area Action Plan is the best way to ensure that the housing growth planned for Long Stratton over the next 10 years is absolutely conditioned to the creation of a bypass, something local people have campaigned to have since 1935.” But the plan isn’t just about a bypass. It’s also about planning for improvements to the village centre including improvements to the leisure and education facilities and increased local employment opportunities.
This controlled and co-ordinated development means that Long Stratton can become one of the best places to live in South Norfolk. Long Stratton resident Steve Cooper said.
“A bypass will be fantastic for Long Stratton. The village is beautiful and without the noise of the lorries we’ll actually be able to have a conversation in the street without breathing in diesel fumes. We’ll even be able to hear what we’re saying.” For more information, please visit South Norfolk Council’s website: www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/planning
Promoting a thriving local economy
the need for speed We have agreed to release an additional investment of £570,000 to directly boost the local rollout of superfast broadband. High speed broadband is vital to the economic and social vitality of our communities and it is essential for the growing number of home-based businesses that rely on the internet to carry out their work. South Norfolk is already benefiting from £12 million of public funding, shared across Norfolk councils, and broadband coverage and speeds have been improving steadily across our district, but there are still a number of areas where services need to be improved. At a national level, the Government has pledged to provide superfast broadband to 95% of the country by 2017. Broadband enables residents to fully access government services, health advice, learning and employment opportunities, social networks as well as entertainment.
We are also helping residents who suffer from poor basic speeds to access the Government’s new satellite voucher scheme, which could help them get connected via satellite broadband. Did you know…? When superfast broadband arrives in your parish, you still need to contact your service provider to connect to the new higher speed service. Further details can be found on the Better Broadband for Norfolk website: www.betterbroadbandnorfolk.co.uk
Norwich Research Park set for investment boost Working closely with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), we are excited to have secured Norwich Research Park as one of ten new Enterprise Zones created by government across Norfolk and Suffolk. The new Enterprise Zone area of the park will help support the key innovation sectors of food, health and plant science, offering businesses new economic benefits such as a business rate discount of up to £275,000 over five years, simplified planning and access to superfast broadband. The site will act as a powerful magnet to attract new businesses, particularly overseas companies, looking to capitalise on local expertise and knowledge. Linking to the region’s innovation centres, universities and the New Anglia Growth Hub, it will also boost innovation, productivity and help to deliver high skilled jobs.
Norwich Research Park Image Courtesy of HexCam
For more information contact Julian Munson on 01508 533763 or email prosper@s-norfolk.gov.uk
SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 9
PROMOTING A THRIVING LOCAL ECONOMY
Mirus Aircraft, Hingham
AIRCRAFT seating takes off in Hingham We have worked with Mirus Aircraft Seating, an aircraft seating manufacturer which recently launched its business in Hingham, secure more than £360,000 from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growing Business Fund. Mirus approached South Norfolk Council to find out what funding options were available to help them invest in their factory and workforce. Our Economic Development team, which provides practical help to businesses at all stages of development, worked with the New Anglia Growth Hub to get them the support they needed. The firm, which has won a multi-million pound contract to manufacture tens of thousands of aircraft seats for an international airline, will use the LEP grant to create a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ironside Way. This will result in 40 new jobs, including production technicians, engineers, supply chain and administration staff. Ben McGuire, Chief Operating Officer at Mirus said:
“The support from New Anglia LEP and South Norfolk Council was instrumental for getting the business off the ground. The funding gave us credibility which helped to secure more investment to equip the factory and invest in product development and tooling.”
skilled and experienced engineering staff has been extremely important to us.” South Norfolk District Councillor for Hingham and Deopham, Yvonne Bendle, added: “This is fantastic news for Hingham in terms of employment opportunities, and also bolsters the area’s standing as an engineering hub. It is vital that we continue to support firms like Mirus who contribute so much to the economic prosperity of the district.” Mirus will unveil its lightweight economy seat at an aviation exhibition held in Hamburg, Germany in April this year, with production beginning soon after.
Councillor Yvonne Bendle
The team at Mirus established themselves in South Norfolk because of its proximity to the renowned cluster of engineering and manufacturing businesses along the A11 corridor.
“We’ve benefited hugely from our location in South Norfolk,” Mr McGuire continued. “Having a supportive local council and a pool of locally based, 10 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016
Our Economic Development team can be contacted on 01508 533921 or email prosper@s-norfolk.gov.uk
BOOSTING TRADE IN OUR MARKET TOWNS
South Norfolk
INDEPENDENT RETAILER AWARDS 2016 Thank you to the hundreds of you who have voted for your favourite local shop, restaurant, boutique, and café in our Independent Retailer Awards 2016. This is the second year that we have run the Independent Retailer Awards as part of our initiative to support our market towns and celebrate the unique range of independent retailers in Wymondham, Diss, Harleston and Loddon and the quality of service that customers can expect in South Norfolk. Councillor Martin Wilby, Deputy Leader of South Norfolk Council said.
“We can be justifiably proud of the work done by the independent retailers to make our towns feel warm and welcoming. This competition celebrates the qualities that make our market towns stand out as unique and valued shopping destinations, drawing visitors into the district.” Customers voted for their favourite business by filling in a form from one of the participating businesses or by voting online via our website or through our Facebook page.
The competition, which started in February was open to Independent Retailers with five or less shops, with awards in three categories: • Most Creative Window • Best Newcomer • Excellence in Customer Service
The awards which are sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses will be given to the winners at our Best Practice Business Workshop on 24 March, an event organised to help businesses attract people into our towns, helping to keep them vibrant and successful. The event will include guest speakers from local businesses and advice on how to market your business and use social media. It is not only the shops who will be winners. We will also be holding a prize draw to include everyone who nominated a business, with four lucky winners receiving a £50 voucher to spend in their Market Town.
Find out more about the competition and our winners at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/ awards SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 11
investing in health and wellbeing
Wymondham Leisure Centre Artists Impression
the wait is nearly over, the countdown has begun Just over a year after we announced that we were investing approximately £4 million in our leisure facilities across the district the doors to the new Wymondham Leisure Centre will soon be opening for the first time. Customers will be able to enjoy a first-class leisure facility and community hub with a much wider appeal for all ages and abilities. There is a new two-storey gym with 100 stations, three times more than before, a new fitness studio with a sprung floor and a café area where families and friends can spend quality time together. The new centre also has a separate spa area, complete with changing rooms, a steam room, sauna and offering salt and ice experiences, an ideal place for customers to relax. South Norfolk Council’s Deputy Leader, Martin Wilby said.
“I would like to thank our Wymondham members who have stayed with us and supported us while the redevelopment work was being done. The new 12 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016
Leisure Centre will be fantastic for the people of Wymondham who will be able to use the new facilities for many years to come. This is a very exciting time for the Council as we continue to invest in all of our leisure services to help improve the health and wellbeing of our residents. “We look forward to welcoming new customers and all of our members back to Wymondham Leisure Centre.” Councillor Martin Wilby
As a Council, we recognise the importance of providing quality leisure facilities which will help ensure our residents become active now and remain active in the future. Our ultimate aim when making this investment was to provide appealing yet affordable leisure facilities that can be used by the whole community. The centre is full of state of the art equipment. There is a new entry system to stop customers having to queue and the online booking system has already proved to be a winner. Councillor Wilby added.
“We know that Wymondham is going to grow with more than 2,000 new houses being built. The improvements we have made to Wymondham leisure Centre means that we are ready for the increased demand that this planned growth will bring.� Our investment in Wymondham Leisure Centre will also see 17 new jobs created.
Wymondham Leisure Centre will re-open fully on 11 April. For more information about our Leisure enhancements visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/leisureupdates
Keeping active for longer To help you keep fit and active at a time that suits you, both Diss and Long Stratton Leisure Centres have extended their hours and Diss has added extra public swimming sessions to the timetable. From Monday to Friday both the pool and gym at Diss Leisure Centre now open at 06:30 and extra public swimming sessions have been added. On Wednesday night public swimming has been added from 20:45 to 22:00. On Friday public swimming has been increased from 20:15 to 22:00 and on Saturday a new public swimming session has been timetabled from 16:00 to 18:00. On Saturday and Sunday there is also a new Fun and Float session from 14:15 to 15:45. While at Long Stratton Leisure Centre opening times have been extended to 06:30 to 22:00, Monday to Friday and 08:30 to 18:00 at the weekend. You can see the opening times for our three centres at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/leisure SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 13
your EASTER Bin Collection You can find out the date of your bin collections by logging on to My South Norfolk on our homepage www.south-norfolk.gov.uk. Usual Collection Day Monday 21 March Tuesday 22 March Wednesday 23 March Thursday 24 March Friday 25 March
Revised Collection Day Monday 21 March Tuesday 22 March Wednesday 23 March Thursday 24 March Saturday 26 March
Change No Change No Change No Change No Change 1 day late
Monday 28 March Tuesday 29 March Wednesday 30 March Thursday 31 March Friday 1 April
Tuesday 29 March Wednesday 30 March Thursday 31 March Friday 1 April Saturday 2 April
1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late
YOU CAN RECYCLE THESE ITEMS in YOUR green bin
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MATERIALS ARE
Paper and cardboard
Glass bottles and jars
Plastic bottles
Empty aerosols
Plastic pots, tubs and trays
Waxed food and drink cartons
Shredded paper, envelopes, wrapping paper and greetings cards
Aluminium foil and foil food trays, including those from takeaways and ready meals
Food and drinks cans
CLEAN AND PLACED LOOSELY in YOUR bin
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Businesslike, efficient and customer aware
FOR VALOUR
Waste and recycling service Route reorganisation
Driving investment in our waste service From June our waste and recycling collection routes will be reorganised and it is likely that the day we collect your bins will change. At the moment there are three disposal facilities where our vehicles can tip the rubbish collected on their rounds. This will soon be changing due to new County Council disposal contracts and as a result all of our vehicles will have to travel to the refuse disposal point in Costessey. This meant that we were going to have to make changes to the rounds and as we also know that the amount of planned housing growth in the district will soon be adding pressures to our waste and recycling routes it made sense for us to make changes now. The new routes will ensure that our waste and recycling service is as efficient as it can, that we are ready
for future demands and that we are able to continue to offer our residents a first class service. Our new routes will also make the service more customer friendly with the changes based around a move to a four day collection week, with no household waste collections being made on a Monday. This means that future collection dates will not have to change when a bank holiday falls on a Monday and fewer changes will result in fewer missed bins. We will be contacting all of our customers in May to let you know if your collection day will be changing and if it is when your new day will be and what time your bins should be put out ready for collection. As the routes
change so might the time that we empty your bin. Look out for the new bin calendars that will let you know if your collection day will be changing and if it is what your new day will be. We are the only Council in Norfolk who operate our own refuse and recycling service and over the last two years we have invested more than ÂŁ2.5 million pounds in new vehicles and equipment in order to stay reliable, efficient and to provide a safe working environment for our staff. For information about the changes or to order a larger green bin for your recycling visit www.southnorfolk.gov.uk/recycling SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 15
South norfolk COMMUNITY AWARDS
a night to remember Local heroes and community champions have been honoured for their outstanding contribution to the district in our fifth annual South Norfolk Community Awards, sponsored by local businesses. Over 250 people attended the prestigious ceremony, hosted by BBC Look East journalist and presenter Louise Priest on 25 February at the John Innes Centre on Norwich Research Park. The awards paid tribute to the vital role that volunteers play in our communities, whether through charity fund-raising, holding events or running community facilities and clubs. An array of speakers highlighted the huge difference that funding and volunteering make to the community, including Graham Tuttle, Chief Executive of Norfolk Community Foundation and Sue Lowe from the voluntary sector of the Cabinet Office. 16 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016
Louise Priest commented: “I have been involved with these Community Awards for three years. In that time I have seen the interest and commitment of local people towards their communities continue to grow. I feel privileged to meet so many people who feel passionately about their surroundings and who care about the people they live close to.”
“Volunteers are the shining stars of our community, inspiring others and helping to make South Norfolk a great place to live. It is so important that we recognise their work and that local businesses continue to give their support.” On the opposite page we profile the winners, who received grants of £250 to give to their chosen local charitable organisations.
The judging panel was impressed by the number of fantastic nominations we received. Councillor Martin Wilby, Deputy Leader of South Norfolk Council said:
Councillor Martin Wilby
South norfolk COMMUNITY AWARDS ANNE STEWARD
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR sponsored by
OWEN LEEDER
YOUNG VOLUNTEER sponsored by
HETHERSETT DEMENTIA SUPPORT
COMMUNITY GROUP sponsored by
Anne is always willing to help others and put them before herself. She organised a cricket day at Hethersett and Tas Valley Cricket Club, and always goes that extra mile in order to raise money and improve people’s lives.
Aged 13, Owen is an inspiration. He helps Nelson’s Journey improve their services for bereaved children, after the charity supported him when he lost his father. He has even climbed Mount Snowden to raise money for them.
They have worked hard to make the village a dementia-friendly community. Together with Age UK and Alzheimer’s Society, they enlisted the support of local businesses to launch the Hethersett Café.
HEATHER WILLIAMSON
TOPCROFT CRICKET CLUB
RACHEL EVANS (TEAM RACHEL)
LIFETIME COMMUNITY HERO sponsored by
COMMUNITY WELLBEING CHAMPION OR GROUP sponsored by
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER sponsored by
At 88, Heather has been involved with Hethersett’s clubs and societies for years, especially those that help the elderly or disadvantaged. Always caring and approachable, she is also co-founder of the Hethersett Environmental Action Team.
The club is managed by 14 dedicated volunteers and has nearly 100 members. They host weekly coaching sessions and are planning a disability cricket day, promoting cricket for everyone and bringing the community together.
Team Rachel raised £2,300 for Leeway by Zumba dancing in ball gowns and trainers, and £4,000 at a Zumbathon for the Big C Appeal. She has also raised money for Nelson’s Journey and other causes.
JOHN HEASER
BOND STREET GREENGROCERS
RAY YOUNGMAN
ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION sponsored by
BUSINESS COMMUNITY CHAMPION sponsored by
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
John combines a passion for recycling with technical skills, helping to develop the Norfolk Freegle website. He also actively maintains the toad population in Little Melton, and takes part in regular litter picks.
Janet Raybold makes a real difference in her local Hingham community. She drives people to and from hospital, delivers groceries and even takes meals to isolated residents, going out of her way to help other people.
For the last 63 years, Ray has maintained the playing field and football pitch at Hempnall, alongside his day jobs, at one time even doing all of the paper work for 17 teams. Now retired, Ray always put the club first.
SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 17
supporting communities
Don’t fall foul of rogue waste collectors Many of the fly tipping cases reported to us are caused by residents using unlicensed or rogue waste collectors. All householders have a legal obligation to take reasonable measures to ensure that their waste is disposed of properly. A householder could be fined up to £5,000 if they pass their waste to an unauthorised person and this waste is then illegally dumped.
How to comply with householder’s duty of care.
suspicion. Residents have ended up paying again to have their fly-tipped waste removed and disposed of correctly. It is a Council priority to make sure that our environment is protected but we need the help of our communities to keep South Norfolk looking the best it can be at all times.
If you are arranging for anyone other than South Norfolk Council to collect any waste from your home: •
Ask to see their waste carrier licence issued by the Environment Agency. Anyone removing waste from your property must have a licence. To check a license you can contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506.
•
Ask what is going to happen to your waste. You have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent someone dumping your waste unlawfully. A legitimate, professional waste carrier who wants your business should not object to being asked reasonable questions.
•
Record the vehicle registration numbers of any vehicle used by a private waste carrier to take your waste away. If waste is found dumped illegally and traced back to you, investigators will have more information to trace the culprits.
•
Ask for a proper invoice and receipt and get more than one quote. An unusually low quote, or an offer to take rubbish away for free in order to profit from any scrap metal that may be among it, should be treated with
18 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016
Illegal fly-tipping
To report fly-tipping please call 0808 1682999
clean up with 2016
Planting bulbs in Hingham
Working with our local communities, schools and community groups our Big Litter Pick helps reduce litter and improve the appearance of the district, ensuring that South Norfolk remains one of the best places in the country to live, work and visit. Last year a record total of 80 litter picks took place involving over 900 residents from across South Norfolk and nearly 2,000 bags of rubbish and recycling were collected. Councillor Kay Mason Billig, cabinet
member for the Environment and Recycling said:
“It is great to see so many children getting involved and learning at an early age how important it is to dispose of your rubbish responsibly. We want to continue working with our communities and encourage others to care about and take a pride in where they live.”
Every school and community group that takes part in a litter pick has the chance of winning £200 to be spent in their community. There are four £200 prizes up for grabs in each of the five neighbourhood areas. That’s 20 prizes across the South Norfolk district but every group who takes part will be given a £20 voucher to be spent on their group, charity or local community.
We will provide posters and leaflets to help publicise your community litter picks and we will also provide advice and the equipment you need. When the event is finished we will then come and take the recycling and rubbish away.
The Big Litter Pick 2016 runs until the end of May so if you’re interested in organising a litter pick in your community, get in touch by emailing litterpick@snorfolk.gov.uk or by calling 0808 168 3333
How long does it take to biodegrade? PAPER BAG
1
MONTH
ORANGE PEEL
2
YEARS
BANANA SKIN
2
YEARS
PLASTIC BAG
10-20 YEARS
CIGARETTE BUTT
12
YEARS
PLASTIC BOTTLE
450
YEARS
GLASS BOTTLE
NEVER
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SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES
Making your home dementia-friendly Our Forget Me Not grants provide up to £1,000 to make adaptions and improvements to the home of someone living with dementia. Making small changes to homes can significantly improve the health and wellbeing of those with dementia, helping them to live independently for longer and continue doing the things they enjoy. One of our residents in Diss, whose husband has dementia, contacted us to find out if she could have a key safe and bathroom grab rails fitted by our Handyperson service. She explains:
“While carrying out the work, they told me that changing the flooring could help reduce the risk of my husband falling, especially as his dementia gets worse. “I didn’t know that avoiding heavy-patterned flooring and changing the colour of walls could make such a difference.”
She was delighted to have the flooring throughout her kitchen, bathroom, lounge and hall changed by our Handyperson, thanks to a Forget Me Not grant of £1,000 to cover the work. She’s also having her walls redecorated to increase the contrast with doors and floors.
“The changes will help my husband as his dementia gets worse,” she said. Other ways we have helped residents create a safer and more dementia-friendly home environment are changing the lighting to increase the brightness of rooms, and changing toilet seats to provide more contrast. The grants cover the cost of works up to £1,000 for residents on means-tested benefits, and up to £500 if not. If you think a grant could help someone you know, please contact our Independent Living Team on 01508 533705, or email independentlivingteam@s-norfolk.gov.uk
Did you know….? South Norfolk’s Early Help Hub provides a single point of contact for families to access advice and support from over 27 council and community-based services. These include Debt and Welfare Advice, Children’s Services, Police and Health Visitors, Housing, Benefits, Substance Misuse and Mental Health. You can contact the South Norfolk Early Help Hub in confidence on 01508 533933. Our voicemail box is secure and we will contact you within one working day. A Handyperson at work
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Alternatively you can email: earlyhelphubsouth@s-norfolk.gov.uk
Mahler’s ‘Symphony No. 8’ A one-off spectacular not to be missed! Saturday 21 May 2016, 8pm The Arena, Norfolk Showground Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra , Academy of St Thomas, Norwich Philharmonic Chorus, Norfolk & Norwich Festival Chorus, Kings Lynn Festival Chorus, Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Matthew Andrews conductor, Kirstin Sharpin soprano, Katherine Broderick soprano, Catherine May soprano, Anne Marie Gibbons alto, Anna Burford alto, Peter Wedd tenor, James Harrison baritone, Richard Wiegold bass Mahler Symphony No. 8 To celebrate its 175th Anniversary, the massed ranks of the Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus are joined by eight outstanding soloists and choirs from across Norfolk for a spectacular staging in the vast Showground Arena of Mahler’s epic and rarely-performed 8th Symphony, the ‘Symphony of a Thousand’. The concert will be given as part of this year’s Norfolk & Norwich Festival on Saturday 21 May 2016. The ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ is so-called because it is scored for a vast orchestra, multiple choirs, organ, off-stage band and eight solo singers. Indeed it is conceived on such a large scale that the Norfolk Showground Arena, one of South Norfolk’s premier venues, is the only place big enough to be transformed into a 2,200 seat concert hall especially for the
Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus
occasion, the first time an event of this kind has been held there. It promises to be one of South Norfolk’s cultural highlights of the year and a musical experience that will live long in the memory. Tickets are available from the Theatre Royal Box Office, Norwich, priced £28, £24, £18, £12 Tel. 01603 766400 www.nnfestival.org.uk
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Your chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to the Mahler ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ concert performed by Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir on Saturday 21 May 2016 at 8pm Norfolk Showground Arena Norwich. The prize winning tickets are from the mid-price range £24 per ticket. Experience this epic concert by entering our prize draw. Simply answer the following question - In what year was Mahler born? Email your answer to events@s-norfolk.gov.uk Include your name, email address and phone number. The competition runs from 21st March – 29th April 2016 and five lucky winners will be contacted on 4th May 2016. Advertorial SOUTH NORFOLK LINK SPRING 2016 | 21
Now is the time to plan ahead Taking control of your future and planning ahead for your funeral gives you the opportunity to share your ideas on how you would like to be remembered, and how your life should be celebrated. It can also provide you with the comfort of knowing your family won’t be faced with financial strain and worries in the future, making planning ahead for your funeral all the more worthwhile. East of England Co-op Funeral Services has been trusted by local families since 1925 to provide excellent levels of service, care and reassurance when helping to create unique and personalised tributes.
By combining their knowledge and experience they have created five pre-payment funeral plans for you to choose from. Alternatively, a member of their team can help you create an entirely bespoke plan, so you can rest assured that every last detail will be just as you wish so you can get on with enjoying life. Clearly priced, and with no hidden costs, their plans allow you to pay for your funeral in full now, or in manageable monthly payments over a time that suits you. All of their funeral plans are completely inflation proof, so by planning ahead you pay today’s price no matter how much costs may rise in the future. If you are a member of the East of England Co-op you can also collect dividend points on your pre-payment plan, which you can use visiting new places, treating yourself or doing things with friends and family.
Find out more about East of England Co-op pre-payment funeral plans, or order a brochure, call 0800 0744361. Alternatively, you can contact your local funeral branch who can arrange a home visit for you, to find your nearest branch www.eastofengland.coop/ funeralbranches
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Advertorial
Plan for the future today... with our pre-payment funeral plans
£100 off
with this voucher
To order a brochure and find out more, call our funeral plan advice line on 0800 0744361* or visit your local funeral branch. As a member you can earn dividend points on your funeral plan. Not a member yet? You can join in branch or online at www.eastofengland.coop/joinus Valid for the purchase of East of England Co-op funeral plans taken out before 30/6/16. Terms and conditions apply ask in branch for details. *Free from a landline, mobile charges can vary.
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Order a brown bin online today for just ÂŁ39.50 a year when paying by Direct Debit. Visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/garden or call 01508 533830. Plea remem se ber already if you have a brown bin you r payme nt date is 1 April
Working with you, working for you
Kids Camp Trusted by local families since 1925 St Stephens Square Norwich 01603 625495 Aylsham Road Norwich 01603 483060 Witard Road Norwich 01603 431797 Caister 01493 722380 Great Yarmouth 01493 842464 Gorleston 01493 440838
Long Stratton 01508 532645 Lowestoft 01502 511580 George Bush Oak Street, Norwich 01603 764157
Keep the kids active this holiday Aged 5-15 years Wymondham and Long Stratton Leisure Centres View our programme and book online visit:
www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/kidscamp Discounted rate for leisure passport holders. Kids Camp is Ofsted registered. Childcare vouchers accepted.
eastofengland.coop/funerals
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NORWICH
TO STANSTED Airport Transfers
£75 From
Norwich2Stansted Analem’s low cost car service to Stansted Airport. Prices from £75 when you book online at norwich2stansted.co.uk
Terms & Conditions Apply Please see website for more details
NOW 50 weeks a year Helping your children stay safe, get fit and build confidence every day.
Established for 8 years, Analem offers pre-booked travel at any time, day or night. Why drive when you’re tired after a long day travelling? Travel with us safely and comfortably with our relaxing door to door service.
Swim school offers affordable classes in a friendly environment.
Call Wymondham 01953 607171 or Diss 01379 652754.
For all other destinations please go to analem.co.uk or call 01603 434 464
www.norwich2stansted.co.uk
Call or email us to arrange a free, no obligation sales or lettings market appraisal
T 01603 964777 info@bartonand.co.uk
www.bartonand.co.uk
B&Co Advert Design.indd 1
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£500 off our selling fees
6% full management
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