Thread by @TownCloseEmma

This evening, for a change of scene, I'm at #Thetford Town Council meeting

First 15 mins are open to public questions / concerns

member of local environmental group describes litter picking incl dealing with lots of microplastics on patch of land beside Thetford Grammar School

talks about challenge of privately owned land and what powers or influence there is to try and get private land-owners to deal with litter on their land

member of the public also asks about holding network rail / rail operator to account over dealing with litter etc on their land on the approach to Thetford Station

would help deal with environmental issues as well as giving a more positive image of the town

allotment holder rep speaks about the risk to the 100+ year old allotments to be lost to development, and asks for support for allotment holders to protect green spaces and the Mundford allotment holders

another resident asks about boundary changes moving them from area they feel more aligned to to an area they feel less connected with.

he says there has been no consultation

obvs the boundary commission has to consult, however there is the challenge.....

Cllr Jermy reminds people of the process that was taken by Breckland Council "community governance review" consultation process and suggests that disgruntled residents take that up with their Breckland district Cllrs

the district councillor who represents the area the disgruntled residents are from is Tory leader of Breckland Council, Sam Chapman-Allen so suggests that residents take it up with them.

now going through minutes of previous meetings / committees to agree as true record and consider recommendations

now on to Mayor's remark and report...

covers events attended by the outgoing Mayor

Current mayor has attended "A Modern Manufacturing Town" event - and asks that Breckland Council keep this high on the agenda

now on to reports from County and District Cllrs

Cllr Jane James gives county cllr report...

says that she feels as a cabinet member she can champion the voice of Thetford.

Talks about ongoing flooding issues & her pledge to keep pressure up & acknowledges Cllr Jermy work too

She says where residents don't get a satisfactory response from County highways team to let the county cllrs know so they can take it

Talks about work on apprenticeships

talks about SEND survey currently open "to improve these services where necessary"....

spoiler alert....... it all needs to be improved! Children living with a disability and their families in Thetford been getting a shoddy deal for far, far too long

Cllr Jermy talks about his work on lack of lighting on uderpasses and flooding. has shown highways engineers first hand the issues

describes the confusion for residents & services as some responsibilities are county, some breckland, some town and all need to work together

cleaning drains and gulleys and lighting need addressing (county), grafiti (breckland), street furniture and lack of bins (town council)

Norfolk highways are going to Breckland scrutiny cttee next meeting to go through the many issues thetford residents are experiencing

Cllr Jermy wants to see how via ammenities cttee they can support volunteers who are trying to keep their community clean and tidy

Question asked about why opening times to recycling centres have been cut. Cllr Jermy points out he objected to the decision, but it was a decision made by the County Council following last budget

Cllr Terry talks about the positve weekend of the international market and events over the bank holiday weekend

expresses his frustration that the bins weren't emptied so the extra foot-fall brought extra rubbish

is added challenge of private bins (eg outside businesses)

and concern raised about businesses using community bins for trade waste.

Cllr Jermy raises the issue of private landlords selling up because of interest rate rises, which has pushed demand on to Breckland Council

He has challenged the council on their void rate

meaning ppl left in unsuitable and costly temp accommodation

People are being put in temp accommodation away from Thetford impacting on access to work and education

Cllr Jermy response to County Council on 20 minute neighbourhoods scoping.

He highlights the lack of investment in Thetford on sustainable travel, and recent fatal accidents of pedestrians.

Many opportunities to improve things for Thetford residents if there is investment

now on to Flagship Abbey regeneration plans

Cllr Land outlines written response to Flagship to object to their proposals in line with clear mandate from recent local elections

Cllr Jermy sets out the framework for council priorities

Thetford has so much going for it, but we need action not words.

We gave residents something positive to vote FOR

time to stop talking thetford down and celebrate and enhance what we have

says that although it is a Labour manifesto and mandate he wants the council to work as one council and willing to accept ideas from other cllrs.

Residents will be able to point to tangible change in the next four years or we will have failed.

Adopted unanimously

now on to outdoor licence for Wetherspoons pub

one cllr says doesn't feel has enough information on the issue, asks for deferral

previous licence was granted for 12 months

Mayor apologises if information not circulated

Current licence expires on 3 july, so deferred

on to telecommunications mast at charles burrell. 3 cllrs declare non pecuniary interest as invovled with charles burrell centre.

deputy town clerk sets out the advice they have received

the town council is the intermediary for the lease of the building from the county council