Parish News 146 (April 2009)

Parish Council Meeting The meeting held on Monday 9th March 2009 was attended by 7 parishioners and covered the following:

Parish Councillor Co-option Mr Stuart Cuttler of Dereham Road was co-opted on to the Parish Council; a vacancy exists for a further councillor.

District Councillor Report Dawn Wakefield indicated that much of the Council's time has recently been taken up balancing the budget which has been allocated less central government funds this year.

The affordable housing scheme proposed for Hempton is still under review and the NNDC have promised a consultation within the Parish before any further plans are submitted.

County Councillor Report David Callaby said that the Council Tax increase had been kept below 3%, but that this would mean that our public services would be under greater financial pressure. Financial cuts and the reduced accident rate at the Dereham Road cross roads would probably mean that a roundabout at this junction has been given a lower priority and is not likely to be built in the near future.

Bullock Hills Vehicle Bye-Law Prior to the Parish Council being able to create a bye-law to further assist the Police in stopping motor traffic on the "Bullock Hills" supporting evidence is required by the NNDC. Therefore, anyone who is directly affected by the noise created by these vehicles is asked to contact Mr Rob Lewis at the NNDC environmental health offices on 01263 516198.

Next Meeting The next Parish Council Meeting will follow the Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 11th May 2009 in the Memorial Hall. The Annual Parish Meeting will start at 7:30 pm; all parishioners are most welcome to attend.

Goal Posts The goal posts on the playing field are currently in a poor state of repair. The Parish Council is seeking a volunteer to clean off the rust and repaint the goal posts. If you are willing to help our community please contact one of the listed councillors or the Parish Clerk.

Parking It has been bought to the Council's notice that a number of vehicles legally parked on the village's roads have had notices placed on them stating that the car should not be parked at the location. According to the Norfolk County Council (NCC) records all the roads in Hempton are adopted (paid for and run by NCC). Therefore, so long as the vehicle is not causing an access obstruction and they are legally road worthy their drivers are as entitled to park on the village roads as any resident. Clearly, if a vehicle, whoever may own it, is causing an obstruction it should be moved. In summary, property ownership does not give an on road parking entitlement.

Speed Watch The speed watch teams have begun operating in Hempton and the surrounding areas. Their aim is to reduce residential traffic speeds to, or below, the advertised speed limit, not to raise additional money for the government. The frequency of Hempton speed monitoring is limited by the number of volunteers. So if you could spare 1-2 hours per week and would be willing to help by joining one of the teams please contact Dawn Wakefield on 01328 856582 or dawnwakefield@btinternet.com.

Environment

River Wensum Restoration Strategy Yet again the Environment Agency is looking at how the River Wensum between Fakenham and Great Ryburgh can be improved. They are proposing the removal of the sluice gates at the mills on the river. They are interested to know the factors that might constrain or influence the restoration and whether you know of any opportunities for the river restoration. If you have ideas or comments please contact Guy Cooper on 01473 706743 or via river.restoration@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Environmental Awards 2009 NNDC annually present awards in recognition of environmentally beneficial achievements within the community and are looking for nominations from the public. Details of the awards can be obtained from your local councillor or Hetty Selwyn on 01692 400937 or via env.awards@north-norfolk.govuk.