Correspondent: Margaret Spicer, Sandy End Farm, Outwell. Tel: 01945 773356. AT the latest meeting, chaired by the vice-chairman, Councillor H Allen, members learned that a resident was concerned about the petition circulating the two villages of Upwell an

Correspondent: Margaret Spicer, Sandy End Farm, Outwell. Tel: 01945 773356.

AT the latest meeting, chaired by the vice-chairman, Councillor H Allen, members learned that a resident was concerned about the petition circulating the two villages of Upwell and Outwell as being misleading. The council supports the fact that traffic-calming measures are required in the village to prevent accidents. It also considers there is a problem with HGVs particularly during the beet season, whereby lorries use the village as a short cut to the Whissington Factory.

It does not want to restrict traffic use for local businesses and sympathises with people who live close to the heavy traffic that has increased over the last few years. The council does not want to jeopardise small businesses that rely on through traffic but considers small measures can be implemented. Many highways issues were raised, including potholes and grass overgrowing pavements. These issues will be raised with highway authority.

Also, it has come to council's notice that many residents let their vegetation and hedges grow on to the pavements and roads where it can cause inconvenience to pedestrians and drivers. All homeowners are responsible for making sure vegetation does not encroach on to public highways.

A local resident has offered to keep the phone box on the boat basin clean if the council can get BT to paint the outside and make it more attractive.

Councillor P Brenchley said the Village Hall Committee was still looking at grants to help with raising funds to furnish the hall. It was agreed to hold the next meeting at the venue and the councillors and public to look round after the meeting. Small acts of vandalism are still occurring. The first function has been held at the hall and donations made at the open day purchased 80 chairs.

Norfolk County Council has confirmed a commitment to

re-establish the footpath which passes through number 15 Wisbech Road. This was a Millennium project the council proposed. The application is with the legal team which will carry out the formal consultation. Next meeting: October 3, village hall (7pm).