November 2020

Speeding is an emotive issue in the village - with good reason and Councillors continue to investigate the limited options available to tackle the problem. One of these is to set up of a volunteer led Speedwatch. The intention had been to begin this in Spring 2020, however, due to the ongoing pandemic, the Police are not willing to provide the necessary training at present.

30mph sign

The Parish Council are also submitting a bid to Norfolk County Council's Parish Partnership Scheme whereby they will provide 50% matched funding for small highway improvements. The Parish Council has looked at costings for signage, road markings and additional/upgraded vehicle activated speed signs as well as additional walkways.

A significant part of the problem in Swanton Morley is the width of the carriageway in places, giving some drivers a false sense of security and a longer term plan is to hold discussions with NCC about narrowing the road along Greengate, however, NCC has made it clear that they will not allow speed bumps in the village because of potential hindrance to emergency vehicles.

The Parish Council has identified issues that require improvements in two other areas of the village and have asked Norfolk County Council to consider extending the existing 30mph limit along Worthing Road to Robertson Barracks - this being a supposedly safe route to school for children from the Barracks. Half of that footpath is currently along a road with a 60mph limit. Secondly, the stretch along Woodgate between the Doctors' surgery and Norwich Road is extremely dangerous for pedestrians and the feasibility of installing a 'trod' is being investigated with NCC.

12 years ago, Swanton Morley Primary School produced a travel plan which resulted in the pedestrian crossing being installed on Greengate. The plan identified safe routes to school and highlighted areas for concern. Both children and staff were very involved in putting it together. One of the current school Governors has very kindly agreed to look into the possibility of making a new plan, relevant to the village today with its increased housing, traffic and speed.

Due to lockdown 2.0, Swanton Morley Village Hall has to once again had close its doors. We continue to monitor the situation and will reopen with appropriate measures in place once it is safe to do so. This means that the Parish Council office remains closed and as we continue to work from home, we are available by phone or email only.

During this difficult time, the volunteer scheme that was set up during lockdown 1.0 is still available to assist anyone in the village who needs help. Please see our dedicated Coronavirus page for more details.

Watch out for the Christmas edition of the Mardler - coming soon. This extended edition will focus on some of the positives things which have happened this year despite this being a very difficult period for everyone. We hope you enjoy reading it....there might be a chance for you to test your own local knowledge too, with a festive Swanton Morley quiz for all to enjoy.