Police: Sgt Kett, of Norfolk Constabulary, addressed the Council regarding recent problems in the village and the efforts of the police to counteract same. Attention would be paid to the Mill area to combat the excessive noise and some rowdy behaviour which sometimes occurs at weekends. To date, Horstead, in the context of reported crime, is a peaceful and law abiding community. Irresponsible parking on Norwich Road, in the Homers Terrace area, Rectory Road and Green Lane would be dealt with.

Pond and Reading Room Site: Correspondence had been received which now permitted the Parish Council to formally register the land in their name and that of the residents. To prevent any mistakes, solicitors would be engaged to draw up the relevant documents.

Low Flying Aircraft: The Council still awaits the MOD report, but RAF Coltishall have now arranged to inform the Clerk when any low flying practice by the exhibition aircraft was to take place. 48 hours notice would be given so that the residents of Glebe Way might be informed. Notices will also be placed in the Parish Council Information Boards. Mr Thurling of Glebe Way will act as Liaison Officer with the Council.

Finance: Repairs to the Green Lane Notice Board had cost the Council £32.56 for materials only, a disappointing consequence of silly behaviour by, perhaps, some of our younger residents.

Plans: The outline Randalls application was proceeding and was likely to be approved by Broadland District Council. The drainage problem has been resolved following the discovery of a culvert

running under the recreation ground into the water meadow dyke from the site.

Mill: It was agreed that the installation of car park barriers, to prevent use of the area at night, was impractical both from a physical and financial point of view. It was hoped police attendance would improve the situation. A letter would be sent to Highways seeking advice with regards to traffic calming measures near the Mill and whether the 30mph area could be extended to Green Lane to give some protection to pedestrians around the Mill Pool.

Playing Field: The Council was concerned that there had been no response from parishioners during the consultation period regarding the replacement of the aerial runway. Therefore, no action would be taken until at least the September meeting. The Council also noted the financial implications of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 with regards the equipment currently installed when the Act comes into force in October 2004.

Tithe Barn/Mulberry Nursery School: The Chairman and Clerk had received a number of letters and telephone calls from parents with children attending the Nursery School whose closure, it was understood, was imminent. The Chairman pointed out that the dispute between the proprietor of the Nursery School and the Tithe Barn Committee was a matter that could not fall within the terms of reference of a Parish Council. The arrangement between the parties concerned was purely financial and not a matter for mediation by the Council, although it was felt by all members that it would be to the Community’s benefit if the dispute was resolved amicably and the Nursery continued.
Youth Challenge: Mr Gowlett reported that this was continuing. Meetings had been held between the Vicar, Councillors from Coltishall and Horstead, two volunteers and 15 to 20 youngsters. There were, however, difficulties in finding a suitable venue for the Club to meet.

Glebe Way Housing: Following concerns raised by a parishioner, the Council agreed to seek a meeting with Wherry Housing, Broadland District Council’s Housing Officer and Councillor Mallett with regards to the way the specially adapted bungalows and houses in Glebe Way were being allocated. Mr Thurling would also attend in the capacity of Liaison Officer for the residents.

All Residents / Parishioners are given an opportunity to raise concerns/matters at Council Meetings. It would ease the Clerk’s administrative burdens if anyone wishing to speak would contact 01603 738804 within a reasonable time before the Meeting, detailing the subject matter etc.