It was reluctantly agreed that restoration of the existing, more traditional, sign was not practical. Quotations are to be sought for a new sign.

At the parish council meeting in the village hall on Wednesday, February 6, two new councillors were welcomed.

Cllr D. Jones gave a brief report on matters raised at the last community action group. He informed members that Norfolk Police funding had been the subject of a House of Commons debate due to the travel costs involved in policing such a vast county.

A letter from a resident, regarding parish emergency plans, was read out. As Cllr D. Jones had prior knowledge of this he had made inquiries of the borough council about exisiting arrangements. As a result the emergency planning officer had offered to attend a future meeting to speak to councillors. Members considered it would be worthwhile.

Members were informed that there was to be an open public meeting at Norfolk Rural Community Council offices on Wednesday, March 26, to discuss proposed post office closures.

The balance of all accounts at February 6 was £10,208.69. The following invoices were approved for payment: Parish plan committee, £63.15; Audit Commission, audit fees 2006/2007, £158.63; borough council, waste disposal, dog bins, £49.03; Cllr B. Ayres, travel costs, Brickyards land solicitor, £17.20; MHB Services Ltd, footway lights maintenance contract for February, £119.74 per month; PWLB, loan repayment, £1,801.17.

The accounts for 2006/2007 had now been returned by the district auditor with all regulations met. The clerk explained that the statement of assurance had now to be published. Notices will be placed on parish notice boards and the parish council website.

The following planning applications were dealt with: Gravel Bank Kennels, outline application, housing, Mr G Hotchkiss. In view of the complexity of this application, members expressed the wish that it be dealt with by the borough council's development control board; The Conifers, New Road, two-storey extension, Mr D. Titmus, application not supported as in council's view the extension is of too great a mass, and is not subservient to the main building; Eastfield Farm, Chapel Road, Tilney Fen End, change of use of transport workshop and storage building to single residential dwelling, application supported; 117 Spice Chase, two-storey extension, Mr J.