Cranswick Country Foods are one of the largest employers in Norfolk, contributing considerably to our local area through jobs, wages and the company’s associated supply chains. Their Watton plant also plays a major role in Norfolk and the UK’s vital pork industry, providing valuable food products to our national food supply chain which in turn help avoid even higher price rises for consumers.

However, it’s vital that the local community nearby feel listened to by, and can directly engage with, Cranswick when there are issues of concerns.

That’s why I welcomed Cranswick’s suggestion (at the meeting I convened with them, town, district and county councillors, the Environment Agency and Breckland Council back in September to discuss odour issues that had affected nearby residents and businesses – see here) to establish a Community Liaison Group moving forward – with the aim of enabling the community to speak directly with their site management about problems, concerns or opportunities to work together.

Last week, I chaired the inaugural meeting with that group – which consists of councillors, agencies and community resident representatives. The conversation was incredibly positive and I look forward to supporting these collective efforts moving forward. Indeed, I’ve accepted their request to chair the next such meeting in the spring.

Rest assured, I will continue to support these conversations in the weeks and months ahead.