The village's regular Norfolk Police officer made the comment after presenting his monthly report on criminal incidents in the Southery area.

With low levels of most commonly occurring crimes listed, the officer said he felt Southery could be regarded as an "amiable" community, adding that the recent assault on a local builder at his own property, recorded as wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, was still under investigation and hopefully a one-off incident.

In the incident, reported in the Lynn News last month, 58-year-old Robert Clements was knocked unconscious with a plank of wood when he disturbed would-be thieves in his garden, suffering serious head injuries.

Questioned about police action on reported crime, the officer said he felt that concerned residents should be vocal, make a point of contacting Downham Police Station and, if possible, attend local district meetings with the force. He added that without information the police are hampered. All reported incidents are recorded and collated from both telephone and email.

Discussing local anti-social problems, the officer again repeated that all reports are relevant and recorded; registration numbers and names of offenders with motor cycles/racing vehicles, can be checked out with householders and parents. Persistent offenders can have their vehicles impounded and crushed.

The message from Norfolk Police and community police was for residents to be secure and vigilant at home, business and in their personal actions. The authority does accept that they are thin on the ground but is in the process of extending community police cover. The officers were thanked for their attendance and advice.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Marilyn Robinson and attended by eight other councillors, three members of the public, the police officer and his two colleagues from the community policing service.

Councillor Robinson reported that alternative contractors, approached about the village street lighting, will only quote if offered a three-year contract. West Norfolk Council has advised it will undertake a one-year contract and the parish council accepted this. The current contractor will be paid the outstanding three month accounts once all the failing lights have been satisfactorily fixed.

Councillors Mike Bird and Walter Cornwell were thanked for their fence repairs at the cemetery.

The parish clerk has been informed that the requisite safety checks for structures at the cemetery are considered to be parish council's responsibility. The clerk is contacting stone masons. who are not already connected with local cemetery work, for prices to supply suitable testing equipment. The council will also have to contact an operator for the testing equipment and checks.

The parish council recorded its appreciation for the completed car park surfacing at the playing field approach. The contractor completed the work at last year's quoted price.

The borough council has confirmed that road sweeping will continue at the regulated, once every 13 weeks, cycle.

The clockmaker for the failing St Mary's Church clock has confirmed that spare parts for the clock are available at approximately £350.

Granta Housing Association reports it has undertaken some garden clearing in Westgate Street and will be sorting a similar situation in Hall Close.

The parish clerk reported that a glass recycling bank agreement has been settled. The receptacle will be for mixed glass and emptied quarterly.

The borough council has furnished paperwork requesting details of existing rubbish bins, their location and the parish council's consideration for extra bins.

The parish clerk will contact householders concerned where foliage overhangs and impedes pedestrians at the Feltwell Road-Ringmore Road footpath.

In response to local complaints, the householder at Stocks Hill, 2 Westgate Street, has confirmed that the pavement entrance in Upgate Street will be fully rehabilitated once the heavy machinery involved has finished at the site.

Perusal of former parish council minutes has confirmed that Southery Bowls Club owned its land prior to 1954 when the parish acquired the playing field area. The car park was acquired in 1964 and the outside car park in 1969.

Vandalism of walls/windows and water taps at the former Nicolson Engineering workshop in Westgate Street was noted. Nicolson's management was aware and the police have been informed.

Completed repairs at the fencing of the Old Rectory in Churchgate Street were noted.

Painting will be undertaken at Trapp's Gate railings, benches at the Wearing and the cemetery shed.

Mr Colin Horne, the contractor who supplies and installs skateboard park structures, presented some information to the parish council. Prices of between £10,000-£15,000 were discussed. The council would expect to contact local residents and interested youth groups before proceeding with grant aid and fundraising.

There is a vacancy for a parish councillor.

Mr Mcfarlane, 4A Westgate Street, Southery. Tel: 01366 377340.