Annual Report 2009

Cranworth Parish Council

              Encompassing the villages of Cranworth, Cranworth High Common, Letton, Southburgh and Woodrising

 Annual Report 2009

The year to 30th April has seen a steady improvement in village life within our parish. First and foremost, last year's 30mph speed restriction on the main road throughCranworth village, requested by a majority of parishioners in the parish plan of 2007, seems to have created a welcome reduction in fast traffic in that area. Parish roadconditions and winter gritting routes have also been reviewed for improvement.

To help with communication in our rural area, a parish web-site has been set up containing details of all active groups and facilities within the parish giving details of
planned events and a forum where parishioners can ontribute comments andopinions. Notice-boards have all been replaced with smart practical hardwood onesobtained at little cost to the parish and remodelled free of charge to an excellent
standard by the carpentry department of H.M. Prison, Griston.

Despite a real threat of losing our red telephone boxes in an area with very poor mobile signal coverage it now looks as if we will be able to retain them although only for emergency, or use with phone-cards.

A very well attended presentation by Norfolk County Council's Countryside Access Officer provoked much discussion and as a result we are now actively seeking toobtain a definitive footpath map for public display.

Children's facilities have been vastly improved at the playing field by the dedicated committees of Youth Club and Playing Field Association working hand in hand to replace outdated play equipment with a colourful array of modern items to keep children active in a fun-filled and safe environment.

The Jubilee Hall, our only community building, is busier than ever with a well supported host of activities for children and adults. It is also the meeting place of the Sunset Club for the retired (now in its 52nd year), Carpet Bowls, Munch and Mardle luncheon group and Youth Club. It also provides a venue for band practise, dance lessons, weekly household auctions and Breckland Council's holiday sports activity
programme for children. It is currently used 5-6 days each week and although the village hall is self-supporting its trustees are active fund-raisers organising successful popular events to improve and maintain the premises and facilities within.

In order to keep up with current requirements and  responsibilities, all parish insurances have been completely reviewed with cover increased whilst cost has been reduced.

There was only one change on the Parish Council this year when Adele Cook resigned her position due to other commitments and the vacancy created is due to be
filled shortly. My thanks go to fellow councillors and to Heidi Frary who has now completed her first year as parish clerk. Heidi has worked very hard to get to know our parish and has maintained all our accounts and records in excellent order.

With Heidi working hard to achieve her Certificate in Local Council Administration, the Parish Council is now moving forward to fulfil all the criteria to obtain Quality Council Status, hopefully by the end of 2009.

As always, the council is indebted to the many active parishioners who work tirelessly on committees to serve the complete spectrum of our busy and well-spirited community.

Charles Brown, Chairman

Contact Details

  Parish Website and Forum: http://eoe.xarg.co.uk/cranworth-parish-council/

Charlie Brown, Jubilee House, Cranworth 01362 820068
Martin Lavers, Old Rectory, Woodrising 01953 850430
Robena Brown, Jubilee House, Cranworth 01362 820068
Hilary Campion, The Old Post Office Cottage,Woodrising 01953 850253
Aubrey Colchester, School Farm, Cranworth 01362 820715
Angela Lavers. Old Rectory, Woodrising 01362 850430