The Rev David Evans, vicar of St Mary's Church, has requested details of the machinery from the failing clock reportedly declared obsolete. He is still hopeful that repairs can be completed by specialist clockmakers rather than a costly replacement of the whole system.

Councillor Marilyn Robinson with parish clerk Mrs Jane Cowell chaired the March parish council meeting at the village hall. Four members of the public were also in attendance.

Reporting back on matters arising from the previous meeting, Cllr Robinson was able to record that the pothole situation in Feltwell Road had improved. Anglian Water Authority will be attending to the reported loose hydrant cover.

The risk assessment survey of the current condition of the older gravestones at the burial ground has been completed. The council has received a copy of the regulations governing such surveys and anticipates the results of the current one.

Information about the annual West Norfolk inter-village games for 2008 was noted, and will be passed onto Southery School office for their consideration.

Rural Community news, and publicity on meetings and future events, will be displayed on the parish notice board in Westgate Street. Also displayed will be information relevant to people who find themselves struggling to care for elderly or infirm relatives.

The highways department has reported that the old-style cobbles used to define the road edge in some parts of village roads are no longer available. The authority feels that it may not be cost effective to re-cover the cobbles for future use or retain existing ones during any future resurfacing. Cllr Robinson will discuss the situation with the local road engineer at the next road survey.

The council again discussed village road problems. Some councillors felt that road surfacing repairs, particularly around manholes, deteriorated very quickly, and there was consensus that sometimes the end product did not comply with the Roadworks Act. The council agreed that in general, village roads were not adequate to carry the level of traffic imposed on them. Cllr David Everitt will meet with the local roads engineer.

Local faults reported included road kerbs which need replacing at Lynn Road, grass encroachment at the Wearing pavement, a failed street light near 81 Feltwell Road, and a light cover having fallen off at Westgate Street. The cover has been found and is available for re-use. The parish clerk will contact the relevant authorities.

The linings of three rubbish bins have gone astray. The council will attempt to locate suitable material to create makeshift linings. The alternative will involve finance for replacement bins at the Cemetery Ruins, Campsey Road and the playing field.

The council discussed a query about parking control in Westgate Street.