It's been a busy and very memorable month, with a huge amount going on around North Norfolk. We have saved local services, seen good progress on long-standing issues, and delivered 112 generators to Lviv in Ukraine. This last point means so very much to me. We took these generators, generously donated by people across North Norfolk, and brought them right to where they were needed most; to schools, hospitals, orphanages, and to the soldiers fighting Putin's illegal invasion on the front line - more on this later.
Saving Postal Services in Sheringham
It is fantastic news that Sheringham will see a new Post Office at Barney's in the centre of town. We said we wouldn't give up until this service was protected - and we certainly kept that promise. For the last few months, conversations have been taking place for Barney's to be the new central home for the Post Office. A huge thank you to Jigen, his team, and the town council who have all been helping to achieve this. A consultation in the town will now follow, but if all goes well we should see a mid-March opening.
President Zelenskyy's Visit to Parliament
It was an incredibly special moment when President Zelenskyy addressed both Houses of Parliament on the 8th of February. I thought it was quite fitting that he chose his second visit outside of Ukraine, since the war began, to be to the United Kingdom. It shows the incredible support our country has given and the deep mutual respect between our nations.
North Norfolk Power 4 Ukraine
Thank you to all the people of North Norfolk who donated a generator or money to help us deliver 112 generators to the people of Ukraine. To schools, hospitals, orphanages, and soldiers fighting on the front line. All of us who took part in the trip simply cannot begin to thank those of you who supported the campaign enough. My enormous and enduring thanks to Rob Scammell, Michelle Foulkes, Paul East, Jayne Morton, Leon Calder and Anna Kolomiichuk who travelled over 2400 miles me with, to see this mission achieved.
Stiffkey Bridge
A nice local story here, after many months of working together with the local National Trust team, I'm very pleased to be able to tell you that the bridge on Stiffkey Marsh is planned to be replaced! My primary concern was for safety and the risk that families could be cut off from the rising tide if the bridge was not replaced. At the time the National Trust explained that they were finalising a full review of the site. I have continued to represent everyone and lobbied to see the bridge replaced.
The National Trust said: "We can’t give a timescale at this stage as to when the new bridge will be in place, or what the design will look like. We know that it’s not a quick fix as the bridge will need to be engineered to withstand coastal forces. However, we are now at a stage where we can progress with those plans. In the meantime, signage remains in place to remind visitors that the bridge is no longer there."
Victory Homes Meeting
As you may know, I built a portfolio of cases to bring to the attention of Adrian Barber, Managing Director of Victory Homes. I raised my concerns about the mould, damp and disrepair within their properties. The meeting was constructive and there was recognition with the cases I presented that tenants had been let down. I am reassured that Victory has dedicated a team to deal with the cases we brought forward, and they have also agreed to be in direct correspondence with my office to keep me updated on these. I was pleased to see we have achieved some tangible results, and I look forward to working closely with Victory to resolve these and any future cases. If you have any specific problems and are not getting the help you need, or know of someone in this situation, please email my office or encourage the person affected to do so.
Lastly, a date for your diaries if you live in the Stalham area! I’m hosting a Jobs Fair in the town on the 17th of March following the success of our North Walsham-focused one. If you are looking for a change in employment, or just want to see what opportunities are out there, do pop in and say hello.
