Update on Unitary
Unitary is not happening for Norfolk, the Conservatives have said they will ‘legally unpick’ the process.  But, during the early days of this controversial idea it was suggested that district councils would be replaced by area partnerships based on market towns or large villages in Norfolk. 

Even before this the West Norfolk Partnership was involved in seeing if it was possible for villages to work together in partnership and the West Norfolk Parish Fund was established with this in mind.  Today five parishes have come together in looking at footpath development in the region.  The local Police Local Action Groups have now changed their name to Safer Area Neighbourhood Panels. They are also developing as local Area Partnerships based on the Safer Neighbourhood team areas, which involves parishes coming together to consider joint initiatives and issues.

If you are a local group or individual who would like to be involved in this work of enhancing the work of local people towards the betterment of life in rural areas, then get in touch with Peter Morris on 01553 760568 or by emailing peter@westnorfolkvca.org. Back in March 2010 the Commission for Rural Communities published  a survey called Rural Insights which suggests that people who live in rural areas are  ‘more doubtful of their ability to influence decisions and decision makers to understand local needs and circumstances’ .  

Together in rural areas we are able to influence change, as not one of the eighteen villages consulted to in the initial stages of this development spoke against it. 

Introduction from Marie
Taking over from Daisy Line is a hard act to follow so I decided that the saying ‘In for a penny, In for a pound’ would be my philosophy during my first few weeks in my new role.  After 15 years with  the City of London Police, being the ‘new girl’ was a difficult experience for me – but everyone at the WNVCA made me feel very welcome and I can’t believe how  the last 4 weeks have flown by.   

I have spent some of my time getting to grips with the Partnership set up at the Borough Council, reading strategy documents and action plans and understanding the set up and working relationships at the WNVCA.  I have also been out and about meeting people from voluntary and community groups to get an understanding of the work they do and trying to get my face known and recognised across West Norfolk.  I moved back to Norfolk last year with my husband who is retiring from the Police Force at the end of this year – but having been born in Kings Lynn and living on Fairstead during my childhood is an obvious advantage as I am in familiar surroundings and also have an understanding of some of the issues that are giving cause for concern.

My travels have so far taken me to visit Jonathan Toye from WNDiS – next door, Chris Lindley from Churches Together, Margaret Mason at the College, Superintendant Nick Davison at Norfolk Constabulary, to County Hall in Norwich to meet the County cohesion Officer, Claire Bailey and to Paula Hall at the Purfleet Trust.  I have attended a couple of training events and conferences that all serve to increase my knowledge and understanding. 

With more meetings in the diary over the next few weeks, I am hoping that in the not too distant future, I can begin to deliver an efficient and effective service for the WNVCA, The Partnership Team at the Borough Council and for all the voluntary and community groups in West Norfolk that may require my support or assistance. To contact me please telephone 01553 760568 or email marie@westnorfolkvca.org.