February 2026 Update

Elections and Democracy. On 18 December the Government wrote to 63 County councils asking their views on a further postponement of the elections due to take place on 7 May. By the time you read this article a decision will have been made on whether the Norfolk County Council elections will go ahead.

South Norfolk Council is making great progress in reducing its carbon footprint. Sustainable and certified Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is widely used for the waste collection vehicles and air source heat pumps and solar panels have been installed at Diss and Long Stratton leisure centres which has significantly reduced carbon emissions.

Recycling. All councils are required to collect domestic food waste by April. This is a huge undertaking which will require new vehicles and bins. Currently about 35% of residual waste is food, so you will see that finding a way to separate and process food waste will substantially reduce residual waste. South Norfolk Council (SNC) are on track to meet the deadlines.

I have downloaded the new SNC Bin Collection app and thoroughly recommend you do the same. It not only gives you your bin collection dates, but information on what can and cannot be recycled, and latest information on waste collections.

The Community Action Fund should now again be open, but there is a tight timeframe during which to complete an application. All forms must be submitted by 22 February. I have submitted one for a new lighting system for the Sancroft Academy. While I was successful with two applications in 2023, I was not successful in 2024 or last year, so fingers crossed for more funding for Harleston this year. I also still have £450 remaining from my Members Ward Fund, so if your group has a funding request, please get in touch with me.

Heritage Open Days. While not part of my Councillor role, I will again be helping the Harleston and District Historical Society with Heritage Open Days. Many groups and organisations will be working as a team to create a collective programme. I am sure that the Historical Society will be publishing more details in the coming months.

I will hold my next surgery on 14 February at Harleston Information Plus on Exchange Street in Harleston at 10:00. So, if you have any questions, it would be great to see you there.

Cllr Trevor Graham

South Norfolk Council

Member for Harleston