Local information about where you live is just a click away – visit South Norfolk Council and type your postcode into My South Norfolk.

From here you can find any amount of information relevant to where you live -  rubbish and recycling collection,  council tax banding,  planning applications, nearest surgeries – to name but a few!

Well worth bookmarking in your browser!

The Jubilee Hall tennis courts can be hired for just £5 per hour – and if you don’t have a racquet you can hire one as well!

To make a booking just ring the Jubilee Hall on 01508 528588.

South Norfolk Council believes it is important for communities to influence and shape the services delivered in their area.

You can have a say in the level and scope of services in the Loddon area by taking part in an online vote being held by the Council.

Online voting is open until 16 April.

For more information and access to the voting process please follow this link – http://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Loddon Scout Group have been given about 60 tree saplings from the Woodland Trust to be planted in the Loddon area to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

If you know of any suitable planting sites please get in touch with the group on 528996.

Thank you

Norfolk Constabulary has introduced a new telephone number for people who want to talk to the police about non-urgent issues.

The introduction of 101 in Norfolk is part of a nationwide initiatlve which will see all forces adopt the number.

It is designed to offer one easy way to contact your local police force to report non-emergency crimes, disorder or anti-social behaviour or to speak to your local police officers.

When should I use 101?

The new number should be used to report issues which don’t require an emergency response. For example, people should ring 101 if:

• their vehicle has been stolen
• their property has been damaged
• they suspect drug use or dealing
• they want to give the police information about crime in their area
• they would like to speak to a local police officer.

101 will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When calling 101, the system determines the caller’s location and connects them to the police force covering that area.

A recorded message announces which police force the caller is being connected to – and gives them a choice if they are on a boundary between two or more forces.

Police call handlers in the local force contact centre will then answer the call and respond appropriately.

There is also an option of speaking to an operator, if the caller wishes to contact another force.

Calls from landlines and mobile networks cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day or the duration of the call.

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can textphone 18001 101.

If it’s an emergency – dial 999

The new 101 service is not for emergencies.

In an emergency, people should always ring 999 for immediate police assistance.  An emergency is where:

• life is in danger
• a serious offence is in progress
• a suspect is at a scene
• an alleged offender is identified at any location
• there is an imminent likelihood of violence/damage to a person’s property
• there is a serious road traffic collision.

South Norfolk Council is conducting public consultation, until 16th March, on key issues and options that need to be considered when preparing new Development Management policies for South Norfolk.

If you would like to know more or would like to respond to the consultation please follow this link – http://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/planning/1952.asp – or visit South Norfolk Council offices.

Would you like to promote your business?

Work together to improve local prosperity?

Speak as one about local business issues?

Then please join us at the inaugural meeting of Loddon & District Business Association
to be held at 7pm on Monday 23 January at The Mill House, Bridge Street, Loddon – the home of Loddon Mill Arts

Loddon Players, a theatrical group which has been running very successfully for 35 years is looking for additional people to help them expand.

The group usually present two productions a year, a comedy/drama and pantomime, their speciality.

Like any theatre, lots of different skills are needed to put a production together and the group is looking for anyone who would like to get involved, whether in performing role, backstage, front of house or publicity.
You name it there’s a role for you!

Interested? – Then please contact me through the Comments page and I’ll forward your message, or you can visit the group’s website

Loddon Farmers Market are starting an initiative to identify the positives and negatives of shopping in Loddon and Chedgrave with a view to addressing the negatives and improving the overall shopping experience.

To quote directly from their latest newsletter -

“We are looking for volunteers who live locally who would be willing to commit to shopping locally in Loddon and Chedgrave as far as absolutely possible for one month in January.

It should highlight Loddon and Chedgraves strengths, which we as a community can build on, and any weaknesses which may be able to be addressed to improve your shopping experience in Loddon and Chedgrave, help our businesses and the environment.”

If you would like to participate in this positive community initiative, or would like further information, please email Melanie Spelman at loddonmillmsncom

The British Legion’s Poppy Stall will be on Church Plain from Monday 7th November till Saturday 12th November inclusive.