I have always felt proper planning requires better consideration of a community’s ‘Green’ needs – in order to preserve their rural identity in our part of the world and, more generally, preserve local physical and mental wellbeing.

That’s why I am delighted to see that Dereham Town Council has taken a crucial next step in Dereham’s ‘Green Revolution’ and completed the purchase of “the last piece of the jigsaw” – 22 hectares of land that bridge Neatherd Moor and Etling Green to create a 160-acre country park that will be accessible to the local community. (More information can be found in the EDP article here) .

There is still much more to do in tackling the shortfall of Open Space      and Play Areas for residents and young people however – particularly in the south of the town. Indeed, this is an issue I’ve supported the Town Council and its partners on in recent years and more on my work in this area can be found here .

Of course, the Town Council and about Dereham Partnership also opened the Ellenor Fenn Garden on a piece of wasteland in the town last year. To find out more, please see the EDP article here .

Our children need space to play, and our communities a strong connection to the natural environment. Great work is being done and I look forward to continuing to empower that excellent work being done as best I can in the months and years ahead.