November 2025 Update

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 Norfolk Council (SNC) voted to propose a two unitary model for our County. Harleston would be part of a new Norwich and East Norfolk authority. Harleston currently has two district councillors for the Harleston Ward: Cllr James Eddy and me, and a county councillor for the East Depwade Division: Cllr Martin Wilby. Under the proposal, Harleston would have two councillors instead of three, and they would cover the Division. Elections for the new authority are scheduled for May 2027 with a vesting date of May 2028.

Environment. A planning application for conversion of the grassland off Rushal Road from agricultural use to public amenity space was discussed at a planning meeting of South Norfolk Council. I was not impartial and therefore couldn’t vote, but I spoke in support of the application. I am glad to report that the application was approved unanimously. Bunwell Parish Council is considering adopting the community nature recovery principles, as already supported by the Town Council. The movement is growing.

Long Stratton Bypass. The long-awaited bypass has opened. A new section of the A140 stretches from a roundabout to the north, at the junction of Church Lane, for 2.4 miles before rejoining the existing A140 to the south. Norfolk County Council collaborated with SNC and Norfolk Homes, aided by developer contributions and major funding from The Department for Transport, and Greater Norwich Growth Board.

I will hold my next surgery on 8 November at Harleston Information Plus on Exchange Street in Harleston at 10:00. It would be great to see you there.

Cllr Trevor Graham

South Norfolk Council

Member for Harleston