October 2026 Update

I am sure that you will have heard that next year’s planned elections for the proposed Unitary Authorities have been paused. People of Harleston would have ended up in East Norfolk, one of the poorest authorities in the country. I made my view against the proposal clear throughout, and I am very pleased that this decision has been made.

South Norfolk Council (SNC) did not roll over and accept the decision forced upon our residents by the Government. Thanks to SNC and other authorities across the country the government decided to step back.

I was delighted to be the host for a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing in Harleston at the end of September. While it could be seen as doom and gloom, everyone left with small actions that they can take themselves to make some contribution. It starts at home; we all have a role to play. Thank you to all involved.

Funding remains within the SNC Community and Open Spaces Grant fund. This supports Town and Parish Councils and community organisations in delivering significant capital projects that provide lasting benefits for South Norfolk communities. Projects must have a minimum total value of £200,000 and align with the Council’s strategic priorities. Could this be the source of funding for something in Harleston?

Norfolk County Council have funding to improve bus shelters, and SNC recently approved and part-funded a mural design on an underpass in Wymondham. I am in discussion with Cllr Joseph Kerrison to find out whether we can work collaboratively with the Town Council to fund a replacement for the previous mural on our bus shelter in Broad Street at no cost to the Town Council.

Residents have contacted me regarding concerns over parking enforcement. Parking on pavements and forcing people onto the roads, abusing the 30 minutes limit on the parking bays in town, and parking on double yellow lines. Enforcement is a responsibility of SNC and a recognised problem across the district. The Scrutiny Committee discussed items to review over the coming months, and we identified this as an important issue. While this may not be the immediate response people desire, I hope that it shows that it is being taken seriously.

I will not be holding my surgery in October but will return on 14 November.

Cllr Trevor Graham

South Norfolk Council

Member for Harleston