Local Issues First

It’s been another busy month in the area.  Before I move on to specific issues for some of our Parish Councils I’d like to update you on two things which many of my constituents are watching closely

Planning application for an engine testing site at the airport - This may be submitted this autumn – I will keep you posted and, if and when we have more details I’d be grateful for your views

Reepham Sixth Form – although not strictly in my area, this sixth form will offer huge benefit to many young people in the area.  The building is almost complete and will open this September offering vocational as well as academic subjects.  This will provide our young people with the skills needed to enter the workplace in rural and other disciplines, as well as options to move on to university.

Highway Repairs – in the coming month or two, I shall be travelling round our area with a County Council Highways Engineer to look at highway safety issues.  I’ll report back to you on what I find and subsequently the action I take.

At Spixworth Parish Council real interest was expressed in the County Council’s proposal to introduce a Highways Ranger Service.  If implemented, this would provide people to proactively travel the area identifying road defects and getting them resolved promptly. 

County Issues

One of my responsibilities as a County Council Cabinet member is for the County Councils NORSE group of companies.  Last month NORSE had the following successes 

• Secured a Facilities Management contract with Enfield Borough Council worth £3.8 million a year
• .Contracts were signed to provide design services for two schools in Lincolnshire
• Event Guard won a contract to provide security service for Norwich City College
• We also won a contract to provide cleaning services for Norwich Primary Care Trust 

All of this continues to bring jobs and money into Norfolk. 

Moving forward, I will represent your local concerns at the County Council, alongside my Cabinet role, where I will seek to drive improvements and efficiencies, to benefits the whole of Norfolk.