September 2026 Update

South Norfolk Council (SNC) and Broadland Council have created a tourism website: https://yes-lets-go.org.uk. The design may look very familiar. It was developed by Red Dune building on their town websites, such as ‘Visit Harleston’. Let’s go! brings together six unique areas, each shaped by the walking routes that define them. Harleston already has some walk routes listed, along with an expanding list of shops, pubs, and tea rooms.

Food waste caddies and bins were delivered to households in the first phase of our rollout and collections are taking place. Don’t worry if you didn’t receive the caddies, there is a second phase which will run in September.

SNC held a drop-in session at Harleston Information Plus for people to help shape a heathier, more active lifestyle. Many topics were raised including our bus service, cookery classes and nutrition, a community building, and local green spaces. Thank you to everyone who took part.

A second round of Nature Conservation Funding for community projects has opened. There was a workshop on 11 August, to give an overview of the scheme and provide the opportunity to ask questions directly with the team. Harleston Greenspace CIC presented their project as a success story from last year.

I can’t write my article without a comment on the round of applause the

councillors received at their August meeting. The council voted to accept a 1.6ha parcel of land at Briarswood into council ownership rather than pass it to the managing agents of the estate. This decision was warmly appreciated by those present.

An interesting point is that the Neighbourhood Plan states 'Where, as a result of new development, land or buildings are to be made available for community use… The Town Council would be keen to consult with the local community on specific proposals'. There are many views on how the land could be used including a community building, skate park, allotments, and open green spaces. This is a large and important open space, let's hope there is community consultation on options.

I will be holding my surgery on 12 September 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