Author: marthampcclerk

Would you be willing to pay more to help fund your police service?
Norfolk’s PCC Stephen Bett will soon have to decide whether to increase or freeze the policing element of Council Tax – and he wants to know what you think.

“The Government has said that police funding will be protected but that’s on the assumption that PCC’s increase the policing element of the Council Tax by 2% each year. There are, of course, still major financial pressures on the force as they carry the burden of past funding cuts, and the demands on our police continue to increase and, crucially, to change. There is an unprecedented surge in demand in areas such as rape, serious sexual offences and child sexual exploitation as people feel more confident to come forward. Cybercrime is another area of serious growth for the constabulary – and an expensive one.

The Parish Council has been informed of the potential cuts to the Fire Service affecting Martham.

Consultation is currently taking place and the Parish Council is keen to draw attention to the consultation taking place.

The report can be found here;

and feedback can be sent in in a number of ways;

The Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service draft Integrated Risk Management Plan.

Find out more and have your say online by clicking on the feedback form below.

You can also give your views:

• by email at haveyoursay@norfolk.gov.uk
• on Twitter using #norfolkbudget
• by phone on 0344 800 8020
• via your county councillor – contact details at www.norfolk.gov.uk/councillors
• In writing to Freepost Plus RTCL-XSTT-JZSK, Norfolk County Council, Ground floor – south wing, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2DH.  However, if you want to help the council save money please use a stamp and send to this address: Budget Consultation, Norfolk County Council, Ground floor – south wing, County Hall, Martineau Lane, NR1 2DH

The parish Council will be writing to the County Councillor, and copying in Brandon Lewis, to oppose the cuts.

Weekly crime summary 22 December 2015

 Norfolk Police urge communities to think about home security and extend the ‘gift of safety’ to vulnerable people this Christmas

 Police in Norfolk are asking residents to give the ‘gift of safety’ this Christmas, by looking out for vulnerable relatives and neighbours, in addition to thinking about their own home security.

At this time of year some people may feel more vulnerable as it gets darker earlier and they may feel more confined to their homes, having less interaction with family, friends and neighbours.

By taking the time to check on the welfare of someone you know that may be in that situation you can give them the reassurance that they are not alone and help to make them feel safe.

Checking that they have good home security measures and procedures in place will help make them less likely to be a victim of crime. This includes ensuring that they have adequate physical security such as robust door and window locks and that they routinely keep them secured.

Due to the mild weather residents are leaving windows open for fresh air and opportunistic thieves are using these open windows as a way of entering property; with Christmas presents on display we can only imagine that this will continue to be an issue.  Police are reminding all residents to use the ‘close it, lock it, check it’ system for home security, double checking that windows and doors are properly secured to help prevent burglary.

With the festive period approaching Norfolk Police also want to remind residents not to advertise their homes to thieves by leaving their property in darkness.

A house left in total darkness is an advertisement that the property is empty, Leaving a light on is effective in making burglars think twice. It may be worth investing in timer switches which can be fitted to lights and radios, especially if you are planning on being away over the festive period.

Do also make sure that ladders or tools are not left insecure in your garden as these can be used to break into a property.

Lastly, do of course double check that all your doors and windows are properly locked.

Police rely heavily on information from members of the public about crimes being committed. Officers continue to encourage everyone to remain vigilant to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods, reporting anything they see or hear that seems out of place and help our communities to have a safe, crime-free Christmas.

If you believe a crime is in progress you are asked to call the police immediately on 999. For less urgent matters call 101.

The village is fortunate to receive a lot of support to decorate the village Green and the Parish Council would like to offer their thanks to all who contribute.

The Scarecrow Committee very kindly donated the money to purchase the new lights which are on the trees on the Green.

These were installed by Mr Alan Moore, and are supplied with electricity by three generous householders.

The tree on the Green is sourced by Mr Alan Jeavons, and paid for by Cllr Mary Coleman from her ward budget.  It is erected by the local firemen, and lights are in place with the help of Mr Alan Moore.

The Kings Arms kindly refreshed all those who put in so much work to make it such a wonderful display.

There will be carols on the Green on Christmas Eve as always.

Happy Christmas

The Youth Club is now closed, and will re-open on the 8th January 2016.

Happy Christmas to all of the members.