A request was also made for a traffic survey in Dunnetts Close.

There was a long debate over traffic speeding through the village and several suggestions were made regarding calming measures but as this has been pursued for many years without any result it was felt that it was time for action.

It was agreed to wait until the results of the survey are completed to request the repeater signs for Hale Road.

Disappointment was expressed that after spending so much money on the footway in Swaffham Road weeds are already growing through.

The footway in Dunnetts Close is to be resurfaced from May 12 and work to the footway in Fir Park is imminent.

The play equipment is now in a poor state of repair but it is hoped that when the Goose Green site is sold some of the proceeds will go towards replacing this.

The council is awaiting the 106 Agreement for Goose Green allotments to be completed by solicitors. Once this is received the land can be put out for tender, but the chairman expressed concern that as this has taken so long it may well have lost a large amount of money.

Hastoe Housing Association has now been granted planning permission for the site and work will commence shortly. Within the next four to six weeks Hastoe will hold an open meeting so interested people can see plans and put their names forward. It is also asking for suggestions for a name for the site. These should be submitted to the clerk at 23 Fairholme Close.

Two residents of Dunnetts Close objected to the new Hastoe site having its own name. They could see no reason why this should not be included as Dunnetts Close. This was noted.

Anglian Water says an overflowing sewer is due to fat being obstructed by tree roots in the pipes and has agreed that remedial action will be carried out. It was pointed out that cooking oil should be placed in a bottle and can be taken to the recycling centre and should not be put down drains.

Anglian Water has assured the council that the sewer is adequate for the additional housing proposed.

It was stressed that if this problem continues people should phone Anglian Water and environmental health to report this and even contact press and TV. Mr Monson suggested that the parish council employs a consultant to give extra weight to the case. The meeting was informed that when a garden is polluted the soil has to be replaced free of charge.

The Safer Neighbourhood Scheme has proved to be successful with public meetings held at Swaffham every two months.

Mrs Ball reported that Breckland Council has funds available for matched funding and that villages should apply for help.

Mr Ketteringham said work carried out at the Common had been very successful and a launch was held at the Community Centre to celebrate.

At the same time a presentation was made to Mr Goodwin for his years of dedicated work to Ashlink.

It is hoped that the parking problem on the Green will be resolved when Peddars Way build on land to the rear of cottages.

The Trustees are proposing to sell a one-metre-wide strip of The Green to Peddars Way to provide a layby opposite the row of cottages for parking. The Charity Commissioners will allow this but the village has to be consulted. After much discussion a vote was taken which showed that those present were not in favour of this.

The parish council meeting followed the annual parish meeting. It was reported that the problem of standing water in Dunnetts Close is due to the drain being blocked and this will receive attention. The water problem in Swaffham Road is due to a blocked drain and this will receive attention.

It was agreed to remove the roundabout in the play area and take it away for repairs as the edge is in dangerous condition.

The clerk reported that she had collected the warning sign for the pond and Mr Ready offered to get this sited.

The clerk also reported that she had contacted the person in charge of the football team and had been told the team had disbanded and was unable to pay for the times it had used the field. It was felt that this is unacceptable when the Ashill Harts team have ensured they paid every time. In future teams from outside the village will be charged a fee before they are permitted use.

Mrs Forsyth reported that Project Rainbow still hopes to get under way in the area for youngsters in Watton and the Learning Centre has received funding.

Dog fouling is still a big problem throughout the village and has now spread to the playing field.

A reply had been received about problems with post deliveries.

Residents are still experiencing problems with mail being incorrectly delivered and some missing. The clerk to write again.

A letter from MP Christopher Fraser asked for support to get a 20mph speed limits wherever there is a school situated. A petition is to be taken around the village.

There were also concerns that the post office is not offering a good service, with customers being turned away. This could result in the loss of the post office.

Objections were raised to an application from Mrs T. Rous for conversion of redundant agricultural buildings at Old Hall Farm Cressingham Road. There were concerns about vehicular access and that the façade would be lost.

Objections were raised to an application from Mr G. Rose for temporary residential accommodation on land adjacent Old Garage site Swaffham Road. The application from Swaffham Gospel Hall Trust for a worship hall has been refused.