Welcome to 2026, a new year with new hopes for the future. Elections and Democracy . Starting with this one may go against the whole concept of new hopes for the future. You will have heard much news about the postponement of the Mayoral elections which were scheduled for May next year. This can be seen as expedient to avoid unnecessary costs before the new structure is known, or an erosion of the right of people to have their say. It is for everyone to form their own opin

This month I highlight some of the announcements which have been made by South Norfolk Council (SNC). Nominations are now open for the 2026 Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards . These awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of local businesses across both districts. Nominations are open until Friday 12 December: https://www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/businessawards The formal public consultation on the draft Design Code Supplementary Planning

I must start with expressing sadness at the fire in St John’s Church. Not only is this a place of worship but it provides community space for many groups within Harleston and has been a warm room over the colder months. I would like to convey deep appreciation to the emergency services for their quick response without which the damage would have been much more severe. Hopefully, St John’s will return to our community as soon as possible. Local Government Reform. South Norfo

Community Events. It was good to see the collective spirit of Harleston on display at Heritage Open Days with many groups hosting events and activities. The town again had the most entries in the Norfolk Booklet. Thank you to Harleston Information Plus for designing and printing local fliers and to the many volunteers who delivered them through the town. The opening organised by Harleston’s Future was a great showcase for our town. I was pleased to do my bit by delivering

Harleston Greenspace. I have added my support to a planning application for change of use to a field at Rushall Road to create a publicly accessible area. This is a precursor to creating a nature conservation area and enhancing the community’s good work on nature recovery. The application will be discussed at a DMC meeting as it relates to SNC owned land. Unfortunately, I will not be able to take part as I must declare an interest and would be predetermined in my opinion.