About Michael Hill

Wreningham Parish Council Chair

Winter Power Cuts

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The EDP recently carried an article about UK Power Networks preparations for the Winter. The article is here. In summary:

  • A new number to call in the event of power failure 0800 316 3105 (free) or at the local call rate from a mobile, 0333 323 2105.
  • A free Priority Services Register for vulnerable customers entitling them to extra help such as updates or home visits or help during a power cut.
  • The Surviving Winter Appeal, led by Norfolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Norfolk, raises money to help those who can’t afford to heat their homes. To request support from the Surviving Winter fund, contact Age UK Norfolk on 01603 787111.
  • Remember that Wreningham Fuel Trust is there to help villagers – contact Christine Minns.

Advice should there be a power cut:

  • Notify UK Power Networks on 0800 316 3105.
  • Have a corded phone available to plug in; cordless phones won’t work without power.
  • Dress warmly in several layers of clothing, stay in one room or even get into bed.
  • Take care if using candles, tea-lights and other naked flames.
  • Switch off electrical equipment, except one light so you know when the power comes back on.
  • Street lights may also be off so take care if you go out.
  • Look out for elderly/vulnerable neighbours.

Ducks dead

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Ducks killed outside the School

Driving out on Wednesday evening 24 September (about 7.45pm), I noticed two objects in the middle of Ashwellthorpe Road, just outside the school.

On returning home about 10.30pm, I noticed that they were still there and looked to be two ducks.

Early the following morning, someone had kindly moved the deceased to the road side, but unfortunately this was directly outside the school, where children would be walking past on the way to school.

I removed them out of the way before school started.

It would appear that these were run over by a vehicle sometime the previous evening, the driver of which did not stop to attend to the dead birds.

In the five years I have lived in the village, this is the first time I can recall such an incident of “road kill”, so can I ask as a concerned member of the village, and especially considering the children who attend the school:

  • Reminder to all that there is a 30 mph speed limit (which is a maximum speed!) – Ashwellthorpe Road seems to be an attractive stretch of road for some to ignore this requirement;
  • To advise those who have staff who work in the village; or anyone expecting visitors, including companies; delivery drivers, etc; that ducks are always in or around the village, and especially in the stream next to the school, and to take extra care;
  • If in the unfortunate circumstance ducks, or any other animals, are run over, that the bodies are at least removed to the side of the road.

Many thanks

Ian Dunlop, Ashwellthorpe Road

Site Notices

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South Norfolk Council Changes to Site Notices for Planning Applications

Site Notices will no longer be erected for householder application unless there is a statutory requirement to do so i.e. it is in a conservation area or is a listed building (in both these instances South Norfolk Council also have to put and advert in the local press), or is adjacent to open land (i.e. where there is no address point)

South Norfolk Council will continue to notify in writing all neighbours adjacent to the boundary of the site, or opposite the site if it relates to any front alterations or new access, the selection of any other neighbours will be a judgement call by the case officer (as is the case at present), and whether they are materially affected by the proposal.

Site notices for all other types of applications will still continue to be posted and neighbours notified accordingly.

Bonfire Advice

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Bonfires (and your neighbours!)

It is perfectly legal to have a bonfire and there are no restrictions as to when you can have it. However, you must comply with the Environmental Protection Act.
Following a complaint to the Parish Council and in the interest of good neighbourliness, the following might be useful:

  • Timing – Choose a good time for you and your neighbours. Avoid weekends and bank holidays!
  • Frequency – Try to have as few bonfires as possible.
  • Management – Never leave a bonfire unattended.
  • Materials – Avoid wet or green materials as they will produce excess smoke. Do not burn anything likely to produce excessive, pungent and toxic smoke, e.g. rubber and plastic.
  • Weather – Wind can blow smoke towards the neighbours; stronger winds could impact neighbours further away.

Gritting, Grit Bins and Snow Clearance

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We have received information from NCC Highways regarding their approach to gritting and snow clearance in inclement weather. On the Wreningham council page you will find NCC’s FAQs about to snow clearance and grit bins (there are none in Wreningham).

Here is a link to the Highways page which gives further detail and has an interactive map identifying the routes prioritised for gritting/snow clearance. If you are a driver please note that Church Road is the only Wreningham road marked on this map.