Boughton Parish Council

Neil Matthew
Chair, Boughton Parish Council

Over the last weekend a group of nine volunteers working separately picked a combined total of about 20 bin bags of rubbish from the streets of Boughton and surrounding lanes. Many thanks to those who helped out.

The worst locations were Stoke Road, parts of Oxborough Road and the first part of Gibbet Lane towards Fincham Road. Despite lockdown restrictions people are still finding the time to throw their rubbish in our ditches and on our verges.

Please, if you are walking your dogs, take your poo bags home with you. If you are trying to quit smoking do not discard your NiQuitin packaging as litter. If you are fond of Polish Cherry Brandy, do not throw your empty bottles at the side of the road.

Neil Matthew
Chair, Boughton Parish Council
chair.boughtonpc@gmail.com

Vacancies for 2 Parish Councillors

Closing date for applications Fri 5^th Feb 2021

For further information or to apply for Co-option

Contact the clerk: boughtonpc@gmail.com

or 01366 683017

Residents, in the midst of one of the wettest winters for a long time we face another heavy downpour and the land and drainage system is already saturated and at capacity.

It is important that you take your own preventative precautions to protect your property, covering airbricks, house drains creating barriers at susceptible doorways, raising perishable items from floor level and consider moving valuables upstairs etc. Sandbags are pretty poor and authorities no longer issue them, they advise instead that you consider buying modern solutions that are relatively cheap, easier to deploy in a hurry and easy to recovery and dispose of afterwards, for eg https://www.homestratosphere.com/alternatives-sandbags-flooding/

You might also consider ensuring you have adequate supplies of food, prescriptions and bottled water should you be cut off for a couple of days. We are not suggesting hoarding or adopting a Cold War shelter mentality nor seeking to over react but a few simple precautions and proactive measures could save much heartache.

Land owners also have responsibilities known as Riparian Rights, this often comes a surprise to landowners and keeping drains and pipes clear of debris and silt to ensure that water can flow freely is key to being a good neighbour.

Whilst Boughton sits outside of the major flood risk areas in the region there is a real risk of surface water flooding in low lying areas of the village. Contrary to a lot of peoples belief there is no real immediate help at hand and the authorities will be prioritising situations where there is risk to life, followed by flooding of properties. Roads, ditches and gardens will not be attended to but nevertheless reporting remains crucial to ensure they are tended to when the situation permits and to build a picture to provide the Parish Council with information to base any future plans for local initiatives that may be required or to escalate to higher authorities. Climate Change or just a weather cycle, the situation doesn’t look like getting better any time soon.

So please report to the appropriate agencies, registering to receive updates and a registration number, which you can forward to the Clerk to collate and follow up.

Reporting:

Surface Flooding of property	Norfolk County Council	https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/safety/floods/report-a-flood
Blocked Road Gullies and surface flooding	Norfolk County Council	0344 800 8020 https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roads/report-a-problem
Sewage Problems	Anglian Water	08457 145145
Help with a Flooded Property	Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service	999 if an emergency*
Help with Evacuation	Police	101 or 999 if an emergency*
Pollution	Environment Agency	0800 807060
Checking Electricity Supply	UK Network Power	105
Suspect Gas supplies	National Grid	0800 111999
Checking suspect water supplies	Anglian Water	03457 145145
Clearing Up Assistance	Borough Council	01553 616200 or 616601 out of hours #

* During the COVID-19 pandemic the emergency services are being utilised to assist the NHS and due to the restrictions will only respond if there is a risk to life.

#The Borough Council have many staff diverted to assisting the NHS for COVID-19 in non-clinical roles and track and trace and so are unable to respond as quickly as they might ordinarily.

Scheme to help victims of domestic abuse access help is rolled out across Norfolk

Victims of domestic abuse are being urged to use the code ‘Ask Ani’ at a number of pharmacies across Norfolk by the police, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, councils and health organisations to enable them to get access to help.

The Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) scheme was launched by the Home Office earlier this month to allow those suffering from abuse to discreetly signal they need help and support at a time where many victims are isolated at home with little opportunity to go out and access services.

The scheme has so far been adopted by all 2,300 Boots stores across the UK and includes stores across Norfolk (see full current list attached) and is growing in momentum with independent pharmacies signing up.

The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Group in Norfolk (DASVG), which involves Norfolk Constabulary, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCCN), councils and health organisations, is encouraging anyone who may be struggling to access support during lockdown to Ask for Ani – pronounced Annie – at participating pharmacies.

Gavin Thompson, Chair of the DASVG, said: “Home should be a place where people feel the safest particularly in the current climate.

“However, we know the lockdown restrictions caused by the pandemic can be very difficult for those affected by domestic abuse.

“It is vital we do all we can to ensure those who need immediate help and support are able to access it in a way which doesn’t put them at further risk.

“We welcome the introduction of this scheme and hope as many pharmacies as possible across Norfolk will take part – we must do all we can to protect those for whom home is not a safe space.”

Andy Coller, head of safeguarding for Norfolk Constabulary and Vice-Chair of the DASVG, said that the police are prepared for the Ask Ani calls coming in through the pharmacy network.

He added: “Throughout the pandemic we have worked with partners to reach out to victims of domestic abuse and have promoted various ways to get in touch with support services. Ask Ani provides another opportunity for victims of this terrible crime to seek help.”

Participating pharmacies of the scheme, which went live on January 14, will be displaying Ask Ani posters in their windows. When someone uses the code words, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can speak freely and contact the police or get access to support services or a domestic abuse helpline.

The Ask for ANI scheme is part of the national #YouAreNotAlone campaign, launched by the government, and supports local partnership campaigns, such as the See Something, Hear Something, Say Something initiative launched by partners in Norfolk, to help those affected by abuse to get help during lockdown. As part of the campaign the DASVG funded the roll out of 300,000 stickers for pharmacy prescription bags to signpost victims of abuse to help and support.

To find out more:

You can visit the Home Office website: www.GOV.UK/domestic-abuse.

For information on how to adopt the Ask for ANI scheme, go to: www.gov.uk/homeoffice/pharmacy-codeword-scheme.

Ask for ANI is available at Boots pharmacies across the county. Please visit the Boots website to find your nearest store.

 How to get help:
If you need to speak to someone about domestic abuse then please call 999 in an emergency or to make a report to police, call 101.
Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care offer a 24hr support line for immediate emotional and practical support for all victims of crime. Call 0300 303 3706.
For more information on help numbers for organisations and charities that can offer tailored DA support visit the Norfolk Police , Norfolk County Council or OPCCN websites for more help.

Your village needs YOU

Dear Neighbour, we are posting to ask for your help.

We are in need of new councillors and volunteers for our village.

Can you spare an hour or two a month to help out?  

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What the Parish Council does:

Manages Boughton pond
Maintains the playground
Takes responsibility for Boughton Fen
Manages villages assets (e.g. mower, marquee)
Provides liability insurance for volunteers
Supports village events
Facilitates the Parish Meeting to set priorities
Runs village improvement projects
Manages our Speed Awareness sign
Arranges litter picks
Liaises with local farmers and landowners
Raises highways issues
Considers planning applications
Contributes to churchyard maintenance
Maintains websites for Fen and village
Manages “All About Boughton” Facebook group
Receives reports from Borough and County councillors
Co-operates with nearby villages on matters of common concern
Is consulted on county and national issues

What volunteers do:

Mow the grass around the pond and playground
Inspect, repair and maintain playground equipment
Clean village signs
Repair and paint village gateways
Paint roadside railings
Maintain the Wishing Well and collect donations
Take part in council litter picks
Rotate speed sign through agreed locations
Erect and dismantle village marquee
Take part in Boughton Fen working parties
… and more

If you would like to be considered to become a councillor, or you are able to volunteer, or you’d like to know more please get in touch.
Contact clerk Mike Inder boughtonpc@gmail.com or 01366 683017

Closing Date for Applications is 27^th January 2021

How the Council operates:

Raises a precept on council tax for funding
Has a council of seven volunteer councillors
Councillors elected every four years
Employs a qualified clerk
Boughton Fen is managed by a council committee
Relies on a group of volunteers for maintenance
Meets six times a year (public most welcome, held virtually currently)
Takes priorities from Annual Parish Meeting
Actions subject to “best practice” policies
Decisions are open and transparent
Accounts are open for inspection and audited

Useful Information

Chair: Neil Matthew chair.boughtonpc@gmail.com
Clerk and RFO: Mike Inder boughtonpc@gmail.com or 01366 683017
Councillors: Glen Cooper, Paul Coulten, Tam Payne, Sue Pogmore
Boughton Fen Committee Chair: Sue Pogmore
Councillors’ E-Mail: cllrs.boughtonpc@gmail.com

Web sites:
    https://boughton-pc.gov.uk
    http://www.boughtonfen.org.uk

Facebook:
    @boughtonpc
    https://www.facebook.com/boughtonpc/

Borough Council:
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk
Councillor Colin Sampson cllr.colin.sampson@west-norfolk.gov.uk

County Council:
Norfolk County Council https://www.norfolk.gov.uk
Councillor Martin Storey martin.storey.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk

Police:
Norfolk Constabulary, King’s Lynn Engagement Officer
PC 1070 Lee Anderton Lee.Anderton@norfolk.police.uk

 

NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL

(Barton Bendish) (EMERGENCY NOTICE)

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTION 2021

Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984 – Section 14(2)

In accordance with the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, the Norfolk County Council HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that owing to an AW burst water main the use by vehicles of Fincham Road from a point 450 metres south of its junction with the A1122 for a distance of 30 metres south in the PARISH OF BARTON BENDISH will be temporarily prohibited from 13^th January 2021 to 19^th January 2021 for the duration of the works, expected to be about 7 days within the period. If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 21 days.

Alternative route is via: Fincham Road, Swaffham Road, Main Road, High Street, Boughton Road, Gibbet Lane, Mill Hill Road, Boughton Long Road (Wereham/ Boughton/ Fincham/ Barton Bendish).

(If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 18 months from the date of the Order)

Penalty: £1000 maximum fine on conviction and/or endorsement for contravention.

The person dealing with enquiries at Norfolk County Council is Adrian Stout (Community and Environmental Services Department) Telephone 0344 800 8020.

Dated this 14^th day of January 2021

There are 2 vacancies for councillors on the Parish Council which we are seeking to fill.

If you are interested or wish to know more please contact the clerk

 

Thank you to everyone who has been helping us gather local queries and concerns about the roll out of the Covid Vaccination programme in Norfolk and Waveney. The latest version of the myth buster is now available on our website https://www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-programme.  Please promote this on your networks and with people you support.

As the situation is currently changing so rapidly, we will aim to keep updating the myth buster and other information on our webpage, so please check back for regular updates and continue to let us know of any concerns and issues that you think should be included.

We are also working on easy read and different language versions which we will upload to the webpage as soon as they are ready, and our website uses Browsealoud software to help make our information more accessible.

Thank you once again for all your help and support.

Best wishes

Rebecca Champion and Oliver Cruickshank

Engagement Managers | Norfolk and Waveney CCG 

nwccg.haveyoursay@nhs.net | www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk