local-government
Historic day for Norwich?
Norwich City Council is a step closer to unitary status. If approved by parliament, the new unitary will come into being on 1 April 2011. Charles Clarke (Lab), MP for Norwich South has welcomed the decision, saying: “At a time of great change, Norwich needs the power to determine its own future, including in the vitally important areas of planning, transport, education and social care.” Read More…
Schools warned to tighten their belts
Headteachers in south Norwich have been warned to expect a fall in their budgets by County Hall. As they wrestle with their finances, we look at the impact it could have on schools in the area. Read More…
Homes deadline: one week to have your say
If you care where homes are going to be built in south Norwich, you’ve got one week to submit your view. Dozens of sites are under consideration. Find out if they’re on your doorstep and have your say on the effect they could have on your corner of Norwich. Read More…
Anger at street light switch off
Hundreds of street lights will be switched off from midnight to five am across south Norwich. The Conservative-led county council backed the proposals, which will save the authority over £160,000 per year and reduce its carbon footprint. Dubbed a “Tory blackout” by some opposition councillors, the decision has provoked anger at the lack of consultation.
Where grit will go, if we get more snow
A network of key roads in Norwich has been identified, in the case of another cold snap before the city’s salt supplies can be topped up.
The City Council has drawn up the priority routes (shown in blue) which will be gritted. The Government has asked councils to halve the amount of road salt they use. Read More…
Lights to go out across south Norwich
Hundreds of street lights could soon be switched off across south Norwich, from midnight to five am. It could save Norfolk County Council £200 thousand each year and reduce CO2 emissions. Their own research shows the move is likely to make people feel less safe.
Backing for blanket speed limit of 20 mph
Long-awaited advice on speed limits has been issued by the Government. Today councils were told they can introduce 20 mph speed limits, without the need for costly traffic calming measures.
This will be welcome news to Norwich City Council, who’ve been considering introducing the limit on all residential roads, but faced a bill of £350,000 to pay for speed bumps. Read More…
City Hall wants greater powers
Norwich needs to change the way it’s governed, if it wants to push forward economically, according to the City Council. Three years ago, they bid to become a unitary authority. Today, it looks like a possibility again.
