King’s Lynn residents fight incinerator back in May 2011 and row brewing over passenger crossing at Downham Market railway station
In our regular On This Week column, we look back to May 15-21, 2011…
The arguments in favour of the proposed Lynn incinerator are “collapsing before our eyes” claimed N W Norfolk MP, Henry Bellingham. The comment came just hours before Mr Bellingham and his South West Norfolk counterpart Elizabeth Truss were due to have a crucial meeting with environment secretary Caroline Spelman over the issue. Meanwhile, campaigners have continued to urge the public to voice their opposition to the Saddlebow scheme, especially as Norfolk County Council leader Derrick Murphy said it “would be bizarre” for the district council to oppose county policy on the incinerator project. Mr Murphy added that the county was “working hand in glove” with DEFRA on the issue.
Revellers were barred from Lynn nightspots at the weekend during a police drug-testing operation on the door of a town venue. A total of 28 people failed swab tests. They were then searched, had their details taken and were sent home during the operation. Although no arrests were made and no drugs recovered, police said the operation had sent a clear message to drug users that they will be prevented from entering licensed premises as they bid to ensure the majority enjoy safe nights out. Publicans and takeaway operators have, at the same time, been advised to work with officers or risk being put out of business.
David Beckham has given his support to the re-release of the 1980s hit single 19 to raise money for the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, set up by the widow of former Lynn soldier Corporal Lee Scott. Paul Hardcastle’s hit charted at No 40 at the weekend and all profits will go to the charity which supports children of servicemen and women who have died serving in the armed services. Beckham gave his support to the charity on his Facebook page, urging his 10 million followers to buy the song for 79 pence from iTunes. Since it was set up in 2010, Scotty’s Little Soldiers has raised in excess of £50,000.
Friday the 13th marked the final parade for XIII Squadron at RAF Marham. They took to the parade square for their final parade prior to the official disbandment on June 1. No XIII Squadron has maintained a long and distinguished record since arriving at Marham in 1960. It was involved in Gulf War I – notably 2009 saw XIII Squadron conducting the last Tornado sortie over Iraq in support of Operation Telic. In the summer of 2010 the squadron was deployed on its inaugural Operation Herrick detachment in Afghanistan, providing close air support and combat Istar capabilities.
King’s Lynn Town FC may have missed out on the glint of silverware this campaign, but club officials are not downhearted. A depleted side slipped to a 4-1 defeat against Dereham in the Norfolk Senior Cup, and it signalled a frustrating end for The Walks outfit who only six weeks ago were fighting for glory on four fronts. Joint manager Gary Setchell, disappointed at the latest set-back, pointed out the club had finished second in the United Counties League with 103 points and was looking forward to making more progress in the future.
Residents in the Lynn area have faced long delays receiving their mail after a new cost-cutting delivery system was introduced. Numerous members of the public have contacted the Lynn News to vent their anger at the Royal Mail service, with some claiming first class post had taken up to two weeks to arrive. Others say they have not been receiving mail at all and residents in the Woottons claim they are only getting deliveries every other day. Royal Mail said it was confident the service would improve once teething problems were ironed out in the next few weeks.
More schools are being encouraged to take part in the Norfolk County Council’s Children’s University scheme, which has seen the number of undergraduates reach more than 1,000. Every child on the scheme has their own Passport to Learning funded by their school and can explore and study in libraries, museums and educational centres, with certificates being awarded along the way to celebrate their progress. The county council is hoping to get more than 3,000 children on board, following successful pilot projects in Lynn, Norwich and Great Yarmouth.
The row over the decision to remove a passenger crossing point from Downham station has continued, with South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss accusing railway operator Network Rail of “railroading” through their proposed solution. The Fen Line Users’ Association has called for all parties to work together to improve the situation for passengers. Ms Truss even highlighted the issue during business questions in the House of Commons and asked for a debate on Network Rail’s accountability.
