All Council meetings begin with an opportunity for parishioners to raise matters they wish to bring to the attention of Councillors. One parishioner talked about anti-social behaviour (including the alleged misuse of drugs) in the village. This is something the Council has brought to the attention of the police several times in the past. Cllr. Humpries agreed to liaise with local police, again, to reinforce the message.

On a lighter note, another parishioner, Mrs. Melissa Lloyd expressed a willingness to organise a Village Fete in 2026. I expressed the Council’s gratitude for this offer. It was agreed she would liaise with the previous organisers to take this forward.

Two other parishioners attended to follow up on their communications with the Council over the Consultation in regard to the future of the cycle track at the Thwaite Road Play Area (TRPA). It was clear from what they said that a considerable number of people, in the neighbourhood, want the track reinstated.

I expressed the Council’s gratitude because they offered to help if a project gets underway. Later in the meeting Cllrs decided look at options for the TRPA cycle track to be improved. The published agenda was then followed.

Village upkeep – Quotes had been received for the repair of the roof of the lychgate at the cemetery. The job was allocated, and work should begin soon. The post and wire fence along Cheyne Walk (the field edge footpath up Hollow Hill) is in a state of disrepair. Quotes will be sought and the work allocated at the September meeting.

Introduction of large-scale solar panel projects
Whilst Cllrs are not opposed to the provision of solar panels per se, they have concerns about their installation on large areas of farm land.
At this meeting DPC decided to join the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (Norfolk) Anti Mega Solar Alliance.
Parishioners will have seen the numerous banners in nearby villages opposing the East Pye Solar Ltd. proposed project. Although this is not on Ditchingham’s doorstep (Woodton will be impacted) the majority of Cllrs., having looked at the company’s website, have concerns. Council decided to submit its views to the current, phase 2, consultation. Cllrs. will send me their responses and I will merge them into a composite response from DPC. Some Cllrs are also intending to submit their own responses as members of the public. If you would like to know more about East Pye visit www.eastpyesolar.co.uk. 

From Keith Weston (Chair, Ditchingham Parish Council)