Norfolk Live, Norwich (2025)

21/09/2025

Businesses in Great Yarmouth are struggling due to a 1.2pc increase in National Insurance contributions, councillors have warned.

The Conservative group called on the government to reconsider the rise, which they say is harming local firms.

The council has also felt the impact, with external contractors raising their costs by around £186,000 this year. Last week, members supported a motion for leader Carl Smith to write to the chancellor and pledged ongoing support for affected companies during this difficult economic period.

Councillor Daniel Candon said: “This policy is having a profound effect on businesses in the borough. It has caused job losses, wage stagnation and higher contractor costs for this council, increases that have a detrimental effect on its finances.”

Councillor Smith noted many small businesses in Yarmouth had contacted him about the increases. Ivan Murray-Smith described the tax as the “biggest scam ever made” in the country.

The motion sparked debate, with Labour councillors arguing the government’s financial position was strained after “14 years of austerity”. Tony Wright, a former MP, said: “The Labour government is trying to sort out the mess we were left with when the Tories went out of power.”

Labour representatives highlighted that other Labour policies had helped protect small businesses and noted that National Insurance revenue supports the NHS. Trevor Wainwright mentioned it helps reduce patient waiting times at James Paget Hospital.

✍Original copy via Local Democracy Service by Owen Sennitt

21/09/2025

More than 90% of rivers in the Norfolk Broads are classified as being in ‘failing’ health, according to a recent report by the Campaign for National Parks (CNP). The study found that pollution within this protected area is twice as severe as outside it nationally.

The report highlighted that the Broads suffered the second-highest number of sewage spills from storm overflows, totalling 768 hours per outfall. Experts point to complex causes, mainly agriculture and land management practices, as key contributors to the pollution.

Storm overflows, used to prevent flooding, are responsible for significant water contamination, with nine overflows spilling for an average of 768 hours. Despite improvements since the 1980s, water quality remains a concern, with campaigners calling for urgent government action.

The Broads Authority expressed disappointment at the findings, noting the challenges posed by agriculture, sewage systems, and urban proximity. Water companies like Anglian Water are investing heavily to reduce spills, but critics demand tougher regulation and stricter enforcement to protect this vital wetland.

✍Original copy via Local Democracy Service by Owen Sennitt

20/09/2025

Villagers fighting to safeguard a Norfolk woodland have faced a setback after High Court judges ruled it cannot be recognised as a community asset.

West Norfolk Council had earlier declared Pentney Woods an Asset of Community Value (ACV) following a request by the local parish council.

The designation was intended to shield the 25-acre site from further development, especially plans to convert it into a holiday park by Forestscape, the site owner.

However, decisions have now overturned this status, allowing the proposed eco-lodges to proceed.

Government officials had already approved an appeal to permit the lodges, and the High Court has upheld an appeal against the ACV listing. Judge Harris stated that the woods are exempt under the Caravan Sites Act as Colin Pennington, Forestscape’s owner, has planning permission for eco-lodges.

The villagers have expressed shock at the ruling and are considering their options, including a possible judicial review of the planning permission. A meeting is scheduled for September 25 at Pentney Village Hall to discuss next steps, with concerns raised about local wildlife including bats, badgers, and otters.

✍Original copy via Local Democracy Service by Owen Sennitt

20/09/2025

A man has been ordered to stay away from flags following his arrest during a city incident.

Dean Copping, 42, of Holmes Close, Norwich, is now barred from possessing a flag in public and socialising with anyone carrying one.

These restrictions are part of his bail after being charged with using threatening behaviour to cause harassment or distress.

He was detained after an incident on Dereham Road on September 12, where locals clashed over a mural on a construction site’s hoarding.

The graffiti, created by nearby families, was quickly scribbled out by an opposing group within hours.

The dispute arose amid tensions over national flags displayed on lampposts, which some residents described as intimidation.

Flag supporters claim their aim was to promote unity, not division.

Labour councillors have called for Norfolk County Council to remove the flags, but the council states they will only do so if found during routine maintenance.

Mr Copping is also banned from entering Dereham Road and attending protests in Norfolk until his court hearing at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on November 4.

✍Original copy via Local Democracy Service by Owen Sennitt

19/09/2025

Temperatures down slightly on today, but still warm ☁

19/09/2025

A Broads tradition could soon disappear due to rising water levels.

Pilot services once took about 13,000 boats a year through Potter Heigham’s medieval bridge on the River Thurne.

But this year, just one vessel was guided through.

The landmark, built in the 14th century, is a notorious navigational hazard and has about 6ft of headroom to pass through.

Pilots are required to be used for hire boats to pass through and the river crossing is a frequent focus of videos showing failed attempts at passing through.

In recent years, high water levels have made it nearly impossible to fit under, except for smaller craft.

The matter came up at a recent Broads Authority navigation committee meeting, in which members discussed how it should decide its priority areas for dredging and plant cutting.

Some members stated that maintenance of areas easily accessible by motor cruisers and hire boats should take priority, as more money is raised from toll fees from such vessels.

Sue Cadamy, who operates a hire boat firm based in Hoveton, said: “Pilots once took 13,000 boats through Potter Heigham Bridge in 1997.

“In 2023, it was three, in 2024, it was zero and in 2025, they took one.

“About 99pc of boats are not getting through anymore.

“The only thing going through Potter Heigham Bridge now are day boats and sailing yachts.”

Robin Richardson, who runs boat-building firm Phoenix Fleet with his brother Patrick, confirmed their pilot services had “fallen steadily” since 2000, blaming rising water in the Bure system.

He added: “This year, the driest on record, water remained high all year with an average height under the bridge of about six feet.”

Speculation about the cause has led some to wonder if deeper dredging of the lower Bure would help drain the amount of water in the system.

But an Environment Agency report found that dredging the section of the river between Yarmouth and Reedham, known as the Bure Hump, would not be cost-effective due to the minimal benefits it would have upstream.

During the navigation committee meeting, it was also noted that the size of hire boats may have increased, adding to the challenges of passing under the bridge.

A NORFOLK LANDMARK

The bridge, along with St Benet’s Abbey, is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Norfolk Broads and adorns countless postcards.

It crosses the River Thurne, which divides the parishes of Potter Heigham and Repps with Bastwick.

Each summer it is a popular spot to watch the Three Rivers Race, as sailors ‘shoot’ the bridge – lowering their sails and masts to pass below without stopping.

The structure is also said to be haunted by a coach which crashed or caught alight as it passed across one night in 1742, taking local noblewoman Lady Evelyn to her death on her wedding night.

According to local legend, the clatter of a carriage thundering past can be heard at midnight each May 31.

✍Original copy via Local Democracy Service by Owen Sennitt

19/09/2025

The director of a construction firm tipped to be the top bidder to buy a seaside venue previously ran a firm that collapsed owing £1.7m.

Bespoke Construction Group, based in King’s Lynn, is understood to be the front-runner to purchase the Ocean Room in Gorleston from Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC)

However, the news has sparked concern, due to director Stuart Deadman’s past business falling into liquidation owing huge sums of money.

Bespoke Norfolk Ltd went into liquidation in May 2020, with Mr Deadman and colleague Ben Day blaming the effects of the pandemic, which led to the cost of building materials skyrocketing.

Liquidator McTear Williams and Wood revealed once its 30 staff members had been paid, the construction firm had assets of just £10,000 left to cover £1.679m of debt, owed to more than 100 creditors.

The liquidator’s document revealed that Bespoke Norfolk Ltd owed £680,000 to tradespeople, £55,000 to employees and £375,000 to another one of Mr Day’s and Mr Deadman’s companies.

The biggest creditor was HMRC, which was owed £387,000 for the 2019/20 tax year.

But 11 days before the company was put into liquidation, Mr Deadman and Mr Day became directors and owners of a different company, Bespoke Norfolk Group Ltd.

The firm is still registered on Companies House and is understood it trades by the name Bespoke Construction Group publicly.

Mr Day has since resigned as a director.

At the time, people who were owed money complained of phone calls and emails being ignored by the firm.

The process of folding a company and then setting up a new, similar one is known as ‘phoenixing’.

Several members of the public have highlighted Mr Deadman’s business background and raised concerns, after it was revealed BCG had been picked as the top bidder for the Ocean Room.

Labour sources are understood to be seeking reassurances from the Conservative cabinet that due diligence is being carried out by GYBC.

Mr Deadman has acknowledged the past criticism but says his firm has worked hard to rebuild relationships.

He said: “This was an emotionally and financially difficult time for all those involved.

“However, I am now at a point where I can confidently say that the hard work in rebuilding relationships has been a testament to our commitment to the local community.

“We went back to projects that had been affected and rebuilt relationships with contractors and traders who continue to work with us today. Many of the staff from that time remain with our company as well.”

Mr Deadman added that the experience was a “valuable learning opportunity” and it is now in a strong and stable financial position, delivering projects across East Anglia.

Bespoke Construction Group (BCG) is collaborating with architects Feilden + Mawson, and the pair have promised to deliver “a new and exciting space for the local community”.

But further details remain a secret while negotiations continue with the council.

A spokeswoman for BCG said: “Feilden+Mawson are committed to revitalising this much-loved Art Deco landmark.

“The project is about more than construction; it is about creating a vibrant destination that celebrates the building’s heritage while generating new tourism and job opportunities for Gorleston.

A spokesman for Great Yarmouth Borough Council has said it would be “inappropriate” to say anything further about the sale but it insists the process is being carried out with “due diligence”.

A spokesman added: “The council wants to make sure the site is brought back into use quickly to benefit the community and that any regeneration is sustainable, robust, cost-effective and offers the best possible value for council taxpayers.

“The Ocean Room has been empty for two years and would need a huge amount of expensive repair work – including a new roof and major structural work – but doing nothing and leaving it to deteriorate is simply not an option.

“We want the site to have a viable future and following any sale there will be further public consultation through the planning process.

“As you can imagine, the council can’t go into detail about financial negotiations but, rest assured, when there are updates we will share them.”

✍Original copy via Local Democracy Service by Owen Sennitt

19/09/2025

Highs of 27C today 🌡

18/09/2025

Highs of 26C tomorrow 🌡

18/09/2025

Fresh details have emerged over the potential future of a seaside Art Deco venue.

It is understood that the top bidder for the Ocean Room in Gorleston, which has been put up for sale by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, is a company named Bespoke Construction Group.

The firm is based in King’s Lynn and run by managing director, Stuart Deadman.

Heads of terms for the sale are currently being drawn up and details remain scant about what the firm’s intention would be for the property.

Bespoke Construction Group offer a range of services, including commercial renovations and house building.

Crowds gather to see Blur at the Ocean Room in Gorleston, September 1995

The venue, which once hosted Pink Floyd and Blur, is in need of extensive repairs, thought to cost millions of pounds.

GYBC decided to sell the building, built in 1939, due to the extensive costs needed to bring it back into use.

A spokesman for GYBC said it would be “inappropriate” to say anything further about the sale.

He said: “Following the marketing of the Ocean Room, a number of bids for the building were received and those were properly considered.

“The council’s cabinet last week agreed in principle to sell the venue and a detailed process of due diligence is currently under way and, once that is completed, a decision on moving forward with a potential sale to one of the bidders will be made.

“It would be inappropriate to say more at the moment without jeopardising commercially sensitive negotiations with all of the interested parties.

“The council is absolutely focused on ensuring the site is brought back into use as quickly as practically possible to benefit the community and that any regeneration – including full community consultation – is sustainable, robust, cost-effective and offers the best possible value for taxpayers in the borough.’’

Graham Plant, Conservative cabinet member for property and assets, has indicated the site could be opened again by 2028.

✍Copy via the LDRS by Owen Sennitt.
📸via the LDRS

18/09/2025

Sunny spells with a chance of some showers 🌦

17/09/2025

A warmer day tomorrow, highs of 25C 🌡

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