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Parish Updates

March 2023

The Parish Council meeting on the 13th March 2023 at the Church heard reports from Broadland District Council in relation to the forth coming Parish Council elections on the 4th May 2023. The Council was advised that any residents wishing to stand must submit their nomination by the 4th April 2023. Further details are on the Parish Council Website and notice boards. Should any resident wish to enquire about standing they are to contact the Clerk who can provide advice and guidance on the process. It was also reminded that voters will need to provide photo ID on polling day. The Council were advised that the budget has gone through for BDC without increase. The move to the Horizon Building due in May and this will be where Election nominations will be managed from. The concerns around the potential closure of Mayton Wood Recycling Centre were discussed and the Clerk will collate any feedback received to add weight to the objection of any such decision. The Council have agreed for a commemorative plaque to be installed at the new Jubilee Tree in Little London. Potholes in various locations have been reported and requests for hedges to be suitably trimmed before nesting season has been issued. The next meeting on the Parish Council has been agreed as Monday 24th April 2023 at the Church as a result of the Easter weekend.

February 2023

The latest meeting of the Parish Council took place on Monday 13th February 2023 at the Church. councillors discussed topics including the recent focused consultation of the GNLP, particularly the proposed sites at Eastgate Cawston. The Council were advised on the nomination process for candidates to stand during May's election. Anyone interested in becoming a Parish Councillor to contact the Clerk who can give more information. It was agreed by the Council to reinstate asset number 15 by the garages on Wathen Way and a new lantern has been ordered. Updates were received on the progress of the planting of the Jubilee Tree and the village sign restoration. It was also agreed that no tenancy of the Peewit Fields could be undertaken until a written lease is signed and agreed. The next meeting will take place on Monday 13th March 2023 7pm. 

January 2023

The most recent meeting of the Parish Council took place on Monday 9th January 2023 at the Church whereby the Council were informed of renewed community interest in the creation of a neighbourhood plan, the Council will receive updates on the progress of this as the momentum builds. Our BDC Councillor advised the Council of the proposals for a development on the edge of Aylsham is to go ahead with 255 new homes as well as a new 90 bed care home. It was agreed during the meeting, following professional advice, that the village sign is beyond cost effective sustainable repair and alternative replacements maintaining the original historic design are to be sought. This years Precept figures were agreed with no change again for 2023/24. It was also agreed to accept the 2023 proposal for grass cutting and grounds maintenance within the village with Garden Guardians. The Council were advised that Grit bins have been refilled around the village and that the installation of the new highways safety measures will be underway soon. The next meeting of the Parish Council is to be Monday 13th February 2023, 7pm at the Church.

November 2022

The latest meeting of the Parish Council took place on Monday 14th November, where it was confirmed that new white gates at the entry to the village will be installed soon to help with reducing speed. In addition, with thanks also to the NCC members grant, a new slow school speed signs and wig wags (flashing lights) will be installed at the school end of the village to again ensure suitable speeds are used by vehicles during those peak times. Confirmation of works to the bus shelters and village sign are under way with a new Jubilee Tree to be planted this season. The Parish Council heard of ongoing problems with dog fouling and wish to remind all residents to clean up after their pets to ensure we maintain our lovely village. The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Monday 9th January and full minutes and details can be found on the Council website. 

September 2022

Due to the period of mourning following the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the most recent meeting of the Parish Council was postponed to 26th September. This meeting will take place at the Church at 7pm. 

July 2022

The latest meeting of the Parish Council took place at the Church on the 8th August. The Council were updated on the ongoing impact with Broadland District Council of the Nutrient Neutrality debate which is said to continue for a further 6 months. The Council were advised that the ATC Young People Services review continues and invites residents to contribute to the collection of activities currently running in the area to create a compendium. Aylsham Climate Emergency Group meetings every first Monday of the month at Aylsham Town Hall. Post meeting the Council have been advised by NCC of funding for residents over 65 to help with energy costs. Further information to be provided in September.

The Council agreed a works plans for Streetlights before Winter arrives, they also discussed unnecessary grass cuts during the drought. The Clerk to the Council is to follow up complaints made to Clarion Housing about the play area condition fence and overall upkeep.  Concerns over lack of supervision of children in the play area to also be raised. It was discussed about the ongoing issues around littering and unsafe use of the park by residents. Scope for an additional play area in the village to be explored with support from BDC potential for land near school to be used. Clerk to explore further and seek support from relevant parties. We urge all residents to use with care the park and facilities in the village. With the schools due to go back the Clerk requests that those who drop off at the school park their cars with consideration to residents. An update from Highways is still outstanding regarding the installation of speed safety equipment. The next meeting of the Parish Council will be September 12th at the Church.

June 2022

The Parish Council met at the Church on Monday 13th June, where discussion occurred around the Vice Chair position becoming vacant. The digital crime map provided by Norfolk Police was agreed to be manually shared with Councillors each meeting to discuss changes in our local area, links to the live site will also be shared on our website. The Council discussed matters around Streetlighting whilst we await the planned works schedule from the chosen contractor Wescotec. The AGAR was accepted following the Internal Audit and it was agreed by the Council to pursue Clarion Housing around the upkeep of the area around their managed properties. We remind all local residents to do what they can about keeping our local area clean and tidy and litter free. All Allotments are now let and the Council received a comprehensive update following Highways Inspection and we look forward to the quotes coming through for the new safety speed sign “Wig Wags” which are hoped to be installed near the school. The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place Monday 11th July 2022.

May 2022

May saw both the Annual Parish Meeting, where the village residents are invited to hear about the activities of the Parish Council over the past year and discuss or raise anything they wish. The Chairman delivered his report and matters such as finance were discussed. The main updates during the Annual Parish Meeting were to confirm the works on street lighting and speeding in the village. Minutes are available on the Notice board and on the Parish Councils website.

The Main meeting then took place in which they welcomed Colin Hensby to take another term in the position of Chairman before the elections in 2023. The Parish Council are due to purchase a tree to commemorate the Queens Platinum Jubilee and this tree will be placed on the triangle at the corner of Little London. Following further quotes being reviewed the Parish Council have agreed to accept a quote for commencing the works to street lights over a staggered 3 year phase. The draft AGAR was signed and Accounts sent off for Internal Audit. There remains one vacant Allotment due to a resident opting out of the plot reservation – should anyone in the village be interested in taking this plot up please contact the Clerk. The items from Highways were advised to be partially funded and will benefit the village in aiding speed reduction along high street. The next meeting of the Parish Council is Monday 13th June 2022 at 7pm at the Church.

March 2022

The most recent meeting of the Parish Council took place on the 14th March 2022 at the Church. Items discussed included receiving an update from the Queens Jubilee Committee whom the Parish Council thanked for their dedication and volunteering for such a community event, as well as having the Clerk work to help with some funding options. The SAM2 unit has been put in a new position and results will be available on the website in the coming weeks. One of the duties of the Parish Council is to contribute to the Streetnaming, of which it was consulted on recent developments. Further quotes are being sought for the streetlighting project in the village with Westcotec being consulted for Tender. Highways took up some debate, including residents concerns over speeding on the A140, the recent diversions due to roadworks impacting the bus route and Fengate, this information is to be fed back to our new Highways Inspector. The Clerk update the Council that progress was being made on the provision of the White Gates in the village and the new Inspector was very supportive. Full minutes are published each meeting on the village notice board (soon to be updated) and uploaded on the website.

February 2022

The most recent meeting of the Parish Council took place on Monday 14th February 2022 at the Church. This meeting saw updates from Broadland around the appointment of a new Environmental Co-ordinator to tackle Climate change at a local level and interested residents were encouraged to join in the Aylsham branch. The Council were also advised the Accommodation review was on hold. Three Planning Applications were met with no objections however the Council agreed that they wished to levy their concerns over the development on the ancient Water Meadow. The full quotation for works to the streetlights in the village was presented and the subcommittee are to formulate a policy for streetlights going forward, with the Clerk to gather further tender offers for this one-off works. Following residents concerns around speeding just outside the village, investigations into a relocation of the SAM2 unit to take place to capture evidence of the offence. The concerns of speed have also been escalated to the local beat officer. The Council agreed to the purchase of the new village notice board, as well as discussing next steps with using the Village Hall for future meetings at an earlier time to work with other bookings currently in place. Highways quotes were still ongoing and the Clerk to follow up. It was noted that the play area had many old and broken toys – residents are requested to try and keep our shared areas tidy and safe please. The Clerk is to provide some quotes for the repainting of the village sign. Next meeting to be held Monday 14th March 2022 location and time TBC.

January 2022

The latest meeting of the Parish Council took place on the 10th January at the Church to adhere to latest government guidelines. The Council welcomed Col James Athill on behalf of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, The Lady Dannatt, MBE to receive the Norfolk Community Resilience Memorial Plaque, it was agreed by the Council that the plaque be installed on the village sign to be enjoyed by all the village for years to come. The Council were delighted to learn of a new community group formed for the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and have agreed for the Clerk to support in grant applications. The outcome of the results from the Streetlighting review from Norfolk County Council had confirmed next steps and quote for remedial works to assets as well as the decommissioning of old and outdated ones. The Council accepted the 2022/23 annual budget which was presented, and agreed that the Peewit Charity return would be completed and any funds ringfenced within the Parish Council. Progress on play equipment had been slow, as have the quotes for Highways work, but a new application had been submitted with more updates due February. It was agreed that the Council would write to the Village Hall to further the discussion around 2022 meeting dates being held at the Hall once Covid Restrictions supported the smaller venue being used. The location of the next meeting, due 14th February was TBC.

November 2021

Following the most recent meeting of the Parish Council, full minutes of which are posted in the village notice board and on our website, a brief outline of some of the items covered were:-  

The Council agreed a contribution towards the printing and distribution costs of the village Newsletter with a longer term plan scheduled to be reviewed in November 2022. The Village Hall correspondence was discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk to continue to negotiate a future where the Parish Council can maintain the ongoing presence of a Monday evening meeting back at hall now Covid Restrictions have eased with the hope to be back in the hall for January 2022.

The Clerk to gain a final quote for Streetlighting works to update the assets that require attention. Also arrange a site visit with contractor with subcommittee to establish feasibility of reduction in brightness during deep night hours and to reduce environmental impact of using newer LED lights, such as warmer tones and next steps around the removal of the obsolete assets listed last meeting.

The Council confirmed that the Allotments are rotavated and keys ready to be supplied to tenants with fencing soon to be erected. The play area upgrade will require addition grants that the Clerk will continue to source and the Application to the Parish Partnership Scheme will include  the supply and installation of White Gates at Cranes Lane, School slow speed sign on High Street and permanent Speed sign to replace the broken unit on High Street where there is existing electrical supply.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be 10th January 2022 – venue to be confirmed.

October 2021

The most recent meeting of the Parish Council took place at the Church on Monday 11th October 2021, once again with kind thanks to the Church, allowing this public meeting to take place in a Covid secure environment. During the meeting concerns around Fly tipping in the village were raised and these will be taken up with the District Council. The council discussed the footpath at Fengate, confirmed as an expired permissive pathway and as such the Council wishes to remind residents of DEFRA guidelines of keeping dogs on leads and respecting landowner’s livestock at all times. Children's Play area - It was confirmed that due to repair costs, quotes for whole replacement will be collected, looking at the more urban/Metal style to withstand future potential vandalism, this will include climbing frame, tower and slide for young children.

There has been ongoing work looking into the street lighting provision within the village, as residents will no doubt be aware, most of our asset lanterns have become obsolete, which means we are no longer able to simply replace a bulb, instead an entire new lantern and fitting has to be ordered – as such the Council have been working on ways to make these upgrades in both a financially sensitive manner,  as well as mitigating excess light and the change from the old warm light, to the brighter LED light. This is ongoing and the Council have drafted a proposal to discuss with the contractor. Further information of all items discussed will be found within the Minutes of the meeting which are posted both on the village notice board as well as on the Parish Council Website.

September 2021

The Parish council met on Monday 13th September, at the Churchwhilst we continue to mitigate Covid-19 Guidelines of space and ventilation. 

Members of the public joined, raising concerns around road safety provision, safety of public footpaths near loose dogs, as well as a route blocked by fencing near Fengate. Requests were received for support for the village defibrillator and newsletter. 

The Parish Council discussed streetlights in the village whereby assets on Le Neve Road and Wathen Way were identified as requiring attention. It was agreed that the subcommittee would review the quotes and update next meeting given the number of assets that require updating. 

The full minutes are available on the Parish Council Website and posted on the village notice board. 

Next meeting was agreed to again be held at the Church on Monday 11th October 2021. 

August 2021

The most recent meeting of the Parish Council took place on Monday 12th July, whereby items discussed included issues around parking at Cranes Lane and the Plough Inn. With patrons of the Public House using the Grass verges for parking the Parish Council contractors were finding it difficult to maintain the grass cutting in the area. 

It was also acknowledged that with parking at Cranes Lane impacting the view of the SAM2 Unit, the speed checks may not be as successful. 

The Parish Council were pleased to confirm tennancy of all three Allotment plots and works will be aimed to be completed by October for the new Tennant's. 

Next meeting to be held September 13th at the church. 

June 2021

May 10th saw the Parish Council able to meet once again face to face, within Covid Secure setting, with thanks to the kind permission of the Church for the use of the venue.

The agenda covered many areas that residents have expressed an interest in and as such the minutes of the meeting (which can be found on our website usually within a week of the meeting, as well as on the Public Notice Board) can confirm that our newly elected County Councillor Steve Riley, will be taking on an investigation into the new proposed changes at the Compost site, to help understand what will happen to it now it is set to close it’s doors in the next six months. The Parish Council also welcomed their newly co-opted councillor Mr Paul Gladden. During the meeting it was discussed that their would be three new plots provided at the Allotments, and should any residents have a serious and committed interest in taking a plot to please get in touch with the Clerk using marsham_pc@outlook.com email address. The minutes also confirmed outcomes of the Speed Sign SAM2 unit, the Highways Inspection in June, the investigation into additional playing field space and that quotes are being collated for the play area. Should you wish to view a full copy of the minutes these are available in the Notice Board and on the website.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on the 14th June 2021 once again at the church, the Agenda for this meeting will be shared on the village notice board, and on the Parish Council Website, with the minutes again to follow a week or so later.

April 2021 

I'm sorry to say it's been a rather flat and quiet month for the Parish Council, whilst we await further National Guidelines on the safe operation of local councils and face to face public meetings recommencing. 

We hope that by May we will be able to host a face to face meeting, and are still exploring if it is safe to operate in April. 

As with previous month's, urgent, and unavoidable matters have been attended to under delegated powers, such as concerns raised to the Parish Council about the works on the Village Green - namely Cadent, of which the restorative works to the grass area leave much to be desired. This has been reviewed and reported to Cadent and we hope rectified in due course. 

Concerns over litter, potholes and footpath obstructions have been reported and where possible resolved, as have emergency works to street lights. 

Once a date is agreed for the next Public Meeting, a full Agenda will be posted online and on the Public Notice Board at the Village Hall. The meeting will most likely be held at the Church given the better suitability with Covid Security. 

Items will include provision of additional Allotments in the village. As well as investment in the play areas. 

March 2021

For now, a brief update from the Parish Council.

The Parish Council has been completing bare bones background works during this most recent lockdown, ensuring that reported incidents are seen to and, where possible acted upon under delegated powers whilst we await the next public meeting. As residents will no doubt be aware, over the Christmas break the village experienced a run of lamp failures around our streets, which were reported and where possible bulbs replaced. Where replacement bulbs have not been possible due to the lanterns now becoming obsolete – a common problem across all of Norfolk, these will be upgraded to new LED lanterns, proving much more energy efficient.

Sadly we have received a number of complaints around dog mess being left, and, almost worst, bagged dog mess being left around the village. The Council wishes to remind residents that we have 7 dedicated bins spotted about and should these not be possible to use, please take your waste home.

We have also addressed issues around the gas works on high street impacting the green, fallen trees due to high winds and lastly wish to gently remind residents that the grit bins provided by Norfolk Highways are to be used to grit the public highway within that vicinity, sadly we have had reports of residents utilising this resource for their private driveways, please do help us retain these essential public resources.

Moving forward, subject to Government guidance, the Parish Council look to provisionally meet next on Monday 8th March, the Agenda will be posted on the public board should this meeting go ahead, if not this will be deferred to 12th April 2021.

December 2020

Please see below a brief November update from the Parish Council. 

November saw lockdown put paid to the meeting of the Parish Council once again and therefore the Agenda items have been postponed until we can get a new date together in line with local guidelines. This will be announced as soon as possible on the local board and on the Parish Council Website. 

In the meantime, we are pleased to note that the SAMS2 unit is up and running, and we will be able to share the latest data collected from that in the coming weeks - hopefully the presence of the unit will have an impact on any speeding in the village. 

The Parish Council have been made aware of a number of street lights being out in and around the village, these have all been reported to our lighting contractor who, where possible will get them going again, however a larger overhaul and upgrade of the lanterns is potentially required as many lanterns are becoming obsolete and impossible to find bulbs for. This was on Novembers Agenda, and will be discussed at the earliest opportunity. 

Concerns raised of mud on the pathways particularly on Wathen Way have been escalated to Highways, who will be conducting reviews and rectification in due course. We hope that everyone in the village continues to support each other during these unprecedented times, and we encourage you all, if you can to do your bit to keep our village a clean tidy and safe place to live. 

October 2020

VACANCY FOR PARISH COUNCILLOR - Contact Clerk in the first instance to apply to be Co-opted on to the Parish Council, deadline for applications is 9th November 2020. Advert is attached below. 

October 2020

Parish Council update for October - 

Minutes from September Meeting confirmed the appointment of the new Permeant Clerk to the Parish Council, Rachel Scarff, Rachel has provided clerking services to a vast array of organisations for ten plus years, and will be the Parishioners first point of contact for anything they feel they would like to address with the Parish Council. Best method to contact Rachel is via email "Marsham_pc@outlook.com" for all quick questions, informing the Parish Council of note worthy information or Agenda Item requests can all come through to this. 

During the September meeting, the Parish Council covered planning items relating to the development of land at the rear of 42-46 High Street, and overall these were accepted by the council. It was confirmed that during the Covid-19 / Summer recess of meetings, a remote objection to the planning amendment made to works at the Old Pig Farm next to 51 Fengate, given that approval had been granted for the conservation of existing structures, the parish council wished to voice their objection on behalf of the local area.  

The Parish Council confirmed that, with the support of the County Officer, Internal Audits, Annual Governance Return sent off and Annual Accounts for 2019-20 completed, this is of particular credit to the Vice Chair who has undertaken this without a Clerk - not an easy task! 

Moving on to the Fields, Playground, Allotments etc, The playground inspection took place in June 2020 and was deemed in order by ROSPA with all items listed as low risk. Specific details to be debated at the next meeting to consider potential investment into the playground. Post meeting there has been reports of a high number of disused broken toys and particularly bicycles left outside the play areas in George Edwards Close, the Parish Council will be arranging collection / disposal of this waste as they pose a risk to the children using the park. A sign will go up advising of the collection - if these are yours, please may we remind you to keep our shared areas tidy and litter free. 

During the September meeting it was agreed to review the provision of the Bottle and Paper Banks. Prior to wider recycling provision, these were a great way for the village to raise money, whilst ensuring our waste was recycled, however, in recent years, these are no longer financially viable, and with the Broadland District provision of the Grey recycling bins which collect glass bottles and paper they no longer provide a useful service. Thank you to all who used them and we will welcome any suggestions for future ways to raise funds for the village charities. 

A number of villagers had expressed concerns over speeding in the village, the Parish Council have confirmed that the SAMS2 unit will be up and running again soon once the volunteers are in a position to do so. If there are local villagers out there that who are interested in committing a few hours each week to support this cause, please get in touch with the Clerk. 

In preparation for the next meeting, the Clerk will report on the GNLP in relation to the village, to advise further action, such as the creation of Neighbourhood Plan based on previous success storied from other local councils.   

The Chairman advised of a request to rent the Sheep field in Little London, the council agreed in principal with a tenancy agreement to be drawn up accordingly. 

Discussion around fence height on property on High Street and its impact on residents. Clerk to investigate enforcement with BDC. 

Post meeting, the Council was informed that as no proposals were received for the Casual Vacancy that exists on the Parish Council, the Council wishes to actively recruit to Co opt a new Councillor. Should this be of interested to anyone within the village, please contact the Clerk in the first instance who can provide you with more information. Keep an eye out for the posters in local board or on our website. 

Best to all and we look forward to giving you an update next month. 

Rachel - Clerk to the Parish Counci

 

August 2020

Hopefully within the very near future we will have a new Parish Clerk in place. Interviews are taking place imminently and we can then get back to some semblance of normality with monthly meetings etc.

During lockdown and the subsequent period to date, Council business has continued to be dealt with as best as possible and all Councillors have been involved in this. Planning applications have been dealt with, invoices paid and correspondence replied to.

Mrs Lesley Wilcocks has tendered her resignation from the Parish Council. The Council would like to thank Lesley for her contribution during her time served and wish her well for the future. 

October 2019

Further to the Parish Council consultation on 14th October.  It was decided that the parishioners of Marsham would like to look at a neighbourhood plan for the village.  If anyone would like any further information please contact the clerk.

19th March 2019

Notice of Elections 

http://www.broadland.gov.uk/elections

15th January 2019

The Parish Council have agreed to change the Parish Council Meetings to the new start time of 7pm.  The meetings will continue to be held on the second Monday of the Month in the Village Hall.

10th July 2018

Update on play area slide:  The damaged slide which was removed mid May due to damage was unfortunately damaged further by the slide being set alight.  The Parish have now had the side removed from its location at a further cost to the parish.  After the Parish meeting on the 9th July, it was decided that the slide will at present not be replaced due to cost and the clerk will look for funding for replacement.  The total cost to replace the side in the play area is over £4000.  

15th May 2018

Unfortunately the slide at the playarea on George Edwards Close, has been removed due to damage that has been caused to the main area.  The Parish Council are currently looking at replacing the slide as soon as possible.

 

15th May 2018

Show you’re a responsible dog owner by signing up to Top Dog and leading by example

Broadland Top Dog is calling on responsible dog owners to lead the way and help us to encourage every dog owner to clear up after their pet.

Sign up to the campaign and receive a pack containing a ribbon for your pet’s lead or collar, some dog poop bags and information on how to report those failing to clear up after their pet.

The ribbon is clearly visible and sends out a message to all those who let their dog foul and fail to clear up that they are in the minority and could be being watched – the more ribbons out there, the stronger the message to those fouling the footpaths.

Packs are available from your parish council please contact the clerk for more information. 

20th March 2018

The Parish Councilors and local residents have been busy over the past few weeks at Little London.  The small triangular reservation has had its wooden posts reinstated and the ground has been prepared ready to be re seeded later in the month.

18th March 2018

Marsham Parish Councillors will be holding a Parish Clean up on Saturday 28th April 2018.  

If you would like to help with the parish clean up, councillors will be meeting at Marsham Village Hall at 10am, on the Saturday morning, it litter pick the village. All equipment will be provided.  For more information please contact the clerk.

 

03rd March 2018

The Marsham Parish Village Sign has been undergoing a refurbishment over the winter Months.  This is now finished and will be reinstated at the end of the month.  The Parish would like to thank HMP Bure for taking on the project and doing a wonderful job of bringing life back into the sign.  Pictures of the sign to follow.