Upwell parish councillors had sympathy for the victim of the fire attacks and decided not to pursue the matter, assured that while the gates were locked across a private roadway there was ample access at the side to a public footpath,

The resident, who had suffered two arson attacks on his home, attended the meeting to explain his plight and the reason for his actions.

He was anxious to protect his home from further attacks and was unhappy at having to leave the gates unlocked.

Cllr Chris Robinson reported on a meeting with Outwell Parish Council to look at ways in which both parishes could tackle traffic speed through the villages.

A number of issues and ideas were discussed, although it was agreed that the two villages needed separate approaches to the same problem due to the different nature of the locations in question.

The issue of repairing and maintaining the railings alongside the river in Upwell and Outwell remained on the agenda, but with very little progress once again this month.

The railings were installed by the old Isle of Ely council decades ago. Now that the area is part of Norfolk County Council, its highways department denies ownership of the railings. The parish council is keen to keep the characteristic railings but cannot assume liability for them. There is therefore a stalemate where nothing can be done to repair or maintain the current rails, which are falling apart.

Anyone with written evidence that Norfolk County Council has maintained, repaired or made charges relating to these railings should contact the parish clerk.

Cllr Short presented the meeting with the latest minutes from the open gardens group meeting. The open gardens event, timed to coincide with the annual flower festival at St Peter's Church, Upwell, was due to see see 12 local gardens opened to the public for the first time over the weekend.

The chairman thanked Cllr Short, on behalf of the council, for all her hard work in organising the event.

There was a discussion about the need to carry out a new risk assessment for the village hall, following an overhaul of health and safety documentation and procedures.

The possibility of siting a recycling centre in the new car park at the village health centre was discussed. Cllr Crofts spoke in support of the scheme, which would initially see glass and clothing collected. Although all agreed that, in principle, the council supported and would like to encourage more recycling, there was vociferous debate about the location and the likely problems it may cause, with vandalism, loss of car parking, unsuitable surface, maintenance and lack of consultation all being cited as concerns.