AP Meeting Report
Posted
This year's Annual Parish Meeting generated some interesting discussions.
There was a good turnout for the Parish Meeting held on Thursday at the Village Hall. The meeting received reports from the Chairman of the Parish Council and from our County and District Councillors, including news of impending increases in Council Tax, but much of the time was spent in discussing some significant local issues.
The Community Composting Scheme has been running very successfully for 12 years. A pioneer in its field, there are now a number of similar schemes running elsewhere in Norfolk and further afield. Unfortunately the scheme has hit two problems at the same time - a change of ownership has forced a move away from the site in Darrow Green Road and the need for more volunteers to work on the scheme has become critical.
It was clear at the APM that most people wanted the scheme to carry on and several offered to contribute their time. The first requirement is to identify a new site. Part of the allotment land behind the playing field has been suggested but it will require improved vehicular access.
A working party to pursue this and to resolve the other issues in establishing the new site is being formed. Regrettably it seems likely that the scheme will have to be suspended for this year.
The meeting received a report from PC Chairman Peter Hill on the prospects of improved broadband in the village. It seems that the County Council's programme for exchange upgrades will not get to Denton until late 2017. However it appears likely that this might involve a new "green box", with a fibre-optic link, located more centrally in the village. This could make a significant difference to the quality of service in some parts of Denton.
One topic raised from the floor was concerns about speeding traffic in Norwich Road and Trunch Hill. It was suggested that the speed limit was regularly being ignored. The PC will be contacting the police to try to improve enforcement. Problems arising from bad parking in Norwich Road were also raised.
Another issue discussed was the management of Rogerson's Wood by the Woodland Trust. It was suggested that after 16 years some significant thinning was required.
The meeting closed with a vote of thanks and a presentation to the Parish Clerk, Pauline Sandell, who is retiring after 12 year's service, and thanks to the Chairman of the PC, Peter Hill.