Transforming
Summer 2022
Breckland A Breckland Council publication for all residents
Mobile food bus supporting rural communities Inside this issue: Breckland celebrates Royal Jubilee - page 5 Win tickets to see Cinderella or Romeo and Juliet in Thetford - page 4 New grants to help Swaffham’s high street - page 12 Breckland Cabinet’s coming to a town near you - page 13 Public murals planned for Dereham - page 15
www.breckland.gov.uk
Transforming Breckland brings you news and information on the services and support provided by Breckland Council and its partners. Your comments and ideas are very welcome. Main contact details - email contactus@ breckland.gov.uk or call 01362 656870 If you need this magazine in large print, or in an alternative version, please contact Breckland Council on 01362 656870 Above: Previous Chairman, Cllr Roy Brame thanking Chris Riches Transport. Right: New Breckland Council Chairman, Cllr Mike Nairn
Chairman for 2022/23 selected Breckland Council has selected its Chairman for 2022/2023. Cllr Mike Nairn was voted into the role by Council members at our Annual General Meeting in May. The Chairman is responsible for managing meetings of full Council. They also represent Breckland Council at events inside and outside of the district, so if you’d like to invite the Chairman to your event, please get in touch! Cllr Nairn has a distinguished Police and military background, serving in the army during the late 60’s and into the mid-1970’s and has been an active member at Breckland Council since his election in 2012. He is the member for the Bedingfield ward, in the west of the district. After being elected Cllr Nairn said: “It is a real privilege and I look forward to championing our local businesses and communities across the district. “I am particularly keen to help shine a light on our wonderful Breckland heroes, whose generous voluntary work for the community or loved ones often goes under the radar.” Cllr Nairn takes over the Chairmanship from Cllr Roy Brame. Cllr Peter Wilkinson, who represents the Narborough ward, has been appointed Vice-Chairman. If you would like the Chairman to attend a public event, please visit www.breckland.gov.uk/ chairman-invitation
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Delivery issues? If you know someone who has not received their copy of Transforming Breckland please contact us on 01362 656870 Transforming Breckland is printed on chlorine-free paper from managed forests. www.breckland.gov.uk Information correct at time of going to print. For latest information on Covid 19, go to www.breckland.gov.uk/ coronavirus
Welcome to the summer edition of Transforming Breckland In our latest edition we are delighted to be sharing news on a host of projects, plus important service updates that will directly support you and enable our local businesses to thrive and prosper in 2022. Historic Swaffham Buildings within Swaffham’s high street Heritage Action Zone can now apply for support to help improve their facades or make repairs (page 12). Swaffham’s Jubilee celebrations have made the national news, after we illuminated the Ecotricity turbine, making it the tallest beacon in East Anglia (page 5).
Watton goes red, white and blue for the Jubilee The Platinum Jubilee saw Watton high street come alive with colour, with over 20 new Union flags flown in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. They were funded by our Market Town Initiative (page 12). The town also welcomed 100’s of new trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project (page 5).
Dereham developments We’re working with Dereham Town Council to refurbish the Queen Mother’s Garden in Dereham. It is part of our commitment to further enhancing our towns for residents and visitors alike (page 15). The town is also hosting a series of community-led street art, funded through our Market Towns Initiative (page 15).
Booming Attleborough New schools and retail units are expected to be built in Attleborough soon, as part of the forthcoming town’s extension (page 13). Meanwhile, work on a £3.4m electricity substation in Snetterton is well underway, which will secure jobs and drive business growth (page 13).
Thriving Thetford Two fantastic outdoor theatre performances – Cinderella and Romeo & Juliet – will take place at Thetford Priory this summer - and you can win tickets to be there (page 4)! After talking to local residents, we’ve drawn up some new ideas which will shape Thetford’s future, including making the most of the town’s rich heritage, enhancing the town centre, boosting the economy, and improving connectivity (page 11).
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Win family tickets to see Cinderella or Romeo and Juliet in Thetford! We have 3 fun family tickets (2 adults/2 children) and 10 couple’s tickets for Romeo and Juliet, which will be performed by Chapterhouse Theatre Group at Thetford Priory on 31 August and 1 September. These events are just one of the ways we are supporting our district to thrive and will give yet another opportunity for residents and visitors to get out and about in our fine district. To win tickets to see one of the shows, simply answer the following question: Q: Which tribe, around in the Roman times, are connected to Thetford? (a) Iceni (b) The Charming Tribe (c) Montagues Simply post your answer to: Ticket Competition, Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE or email competitions@breckland.gov.uk. Don’t forget to mark the letter/email with your name, address, email/phone and which show you would like to see. Deadline for entries 12 August 2022.
Healthy fun for all the family this summer Are you looking to have fun, get fit and stay healthy this summer? Breckland has leisure facilities in Dereham, Thetford, Swaffham and Attleborough and Watton has its own independent centre, all offering a range of sports and fitness facilities.
To explore the summer camps, fun swim sessions and activities available on your doorstep, visit www.breckland.gov.uk/leisure-facilities
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Become a BreckWorld explorer! Have you tried our FREE BreckWorld app yet? Narrated by Stephen Fry, it features immersive 360° videos of our market towns and local attractions, free activities, and places to eat to help you plan a fun-filled day out in our district. It is available to download from the Android and Apple app stores to discover more amazing places to visit on your doorstep this summer.
A very happy Platinum Jubilee, Your Majesty To celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Breckland Council has helped support a wide range of events, grants, and legacy projects. Breckland illuminates the tallest beacon in East Anglia Beacons across the country have been lit to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, including Swaffham’s wind turbine making it the highest beacon in East Anglia. Reaching a height of 328 feet, the majestic illumination could be seen for miles around and helped to mark the Platinum Jubilee in spectacular style.
£12,000 grants help hold local celebrations Almost 30 neighbourhood, charity, and community organisations in Breckland were awarded a share of £12,000 grant funding through our special Queen’s Jubilee Grants programme. The money helped them hold a range of events in local communities, including parties, picnics, sports days, fetes, quizzes, and community barbeques.
A sky full of diamonds We’ve flown specialist drones over Breckland landmarks to celebrate the Jubilee. The drones used lights to ‘draw’ a crown and the Platinum Jubilee logo in the sky. Take a look at our video to see exactly how the stunning images were created in the skies of Breckland: www.youtube.com/BrecklandView
Apply now for a Jubilee bursary We’ve launched a new education bursary scheme to help Breckland residents who might otherwise struggle to access further education because of low income, caring responsibilities, health or vulnerability. Successful applicants will receive up to £1000 to help them achieve a formal qualification in subjects that provide a contribution to enhance Breckland communities, such as wellbeing or enriching the environment. This will help provide a real legacy for both individuals and the district. Find out more by visiting www.breckland.gov.uk/jubilee
A green legacy for generations to come We’ve planted over 700 trees at sites in Attleborough and Watton as Breckland’s contribution to The Queen’s Green Canopy celebrations and our environmental aspirations. Working with the Woodland Trust, the mixture of new trees will grow into a real legacy that will benefit future generations.
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Never miss a payment with direct debit! More than 80% of Breckland residents now pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit. Paying by Direct Debit is safe, hassle free and reliable with the protection of the Direct Debit Guarantee and you can choose from a range of payment dates and over 10 or 12 monthly instalments. If you haven’t already, sign up for Direct Debit today at: www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/ breckland
See it.
Report it! If you see a service or community issue, including anti-social behaviour, abandoned vehicles, missed bins, fly tipping, report it at www.breckland.gov. uk/reportit
Ask Bobbie! Have you chatted with Bobbie, our website’s online chatbot yet? The online customer service robot has answered more than 10,000 questions online and could answer yours too! Bobbie is available 24/7, 365 days a year and can answer a whole range of questions, so whether you need to know when your bin needs to be put out or what can go inside it, check who your ward member is, or search for local planning, Bobbie can help you. Bobbie can now answer 80% of questions automatically, freeing up our staff to focus on the 20% of queries which are more complex or people who need a bit of extra help. Ask Bobbie at www.breckland.gov.uk
Follow us on For the latest on local services, events and initiatives, search for Breckland Council on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Nextdoor
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New mobile food store serving rural communities We’ve launched a new mobile food service to provide residents with a way to shop for nutritious and store cupboard staples at a reduced price. Funded by the council and Norfolk Community Foundation and run by local charity Kickstart Norfolk, the bus is part of our commitment to helping residents, especially those who are most experiencing hardship. As well as accessing food essentials at a lower price, the friendly, expert staff on the bus are trained to offer a wide range of support to residents including advice on debt management, isolation, loneliness, and mental health. The bus is making regular visits to a number of sites across the district, including Swanton Morley, Bawdeswell, Shipdham, Carbrooke, Saham Toney, Ashill, Necton, Narborough, Weeting and East Harling. For the latest timetable, visit www.breckland.gov.uk/BMFS
A new era for Silver Social Our Silver Social arts programme has taken an exciting step forward after running for four incredible years. We have now commissioned Creative Arts East to take over the running of the programme, which brings performance, craft, music and comedy to venues across the district. To find out more about upcoming events, take a look at www.thesilversocial.com
Support for vulnerable people named award finalist We are delighted that our Inspiring Communities programme has been shortlisted for a prestigious 2022 LGC Award. The awards celebrate the outstanding work produced by local authorities across the country. We’re in the final for our excellent partnerships with local public sector bodies, delivering unique support vulnerable people in Breckland, including those needing mental health support, experiencing domestic abuse, or at risk of isolation and loneliness. The winners will be announced on 20 July – keep an eye on our website and social media to see whether we’ve won! See how the award-nominated Inspiring Communities programme can help you: www.breckland.gov.uk/community
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Delivering for Breckland
Our Corporate Plan outlines how we will ensure Breckland is a place where people and businesses can thrive.
Our priorities are grouped across four key themes: Inspiring Communities, Thriving Places, Breckland 2035 and Working Smarter. Here are just some of the ways we are supporting communities, protecting and creating jobs, enhancing our environment and delivering services in modern ways.
We want to build on our community strength, so that people can lead happy, healthy, fulfilling lives in Breckland with assistance through our targeted services that make a difference every day. Over 150 mental health champions trained as part of our new mental community partnership scheme.
We want to be a role model for sustainability and enable others to make informed choices, so together we can all make an impact and contribute to greener lifestyles. Over 24,000 households now use our garden waste collection service
Worked with The Daisy Programme to support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence Continued our crackdown on fly tipping Replaced over 130 streetlights with more energy efficient bulbs, keeping our streets safe
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We are driving investment to unlock the significant opportunities in our district, shaping Breckland to be a wonderful place to live, work, visit or do business. Delivering a £3.5 million electricity substation, enabling business and jobs growth around Snetterton Distributed £4.5 million to 1360 businesses to help them spring back from the pandemic
Spoke with residents and businesses to together shape our district through our Future Breckland and Local Plan engagement
Invested £150,000 per year to increase vibrancy in our local market towns As an innovative organisation we are embracing change and new ways of working, helping to make a real difference for our residents and businesses and we serve. Launched a new commercial waste service for local businesses
Developed a new contracts team to support five different councils procure suppliers efficiently and at the best price Launched Bobbie, our new chatbot, helping residents 24/7 online
Put in place energysaving measures at our leisure centres
Read our Corporate Plan at www.breckland.gov.uk/ corporateplan
Delivered over £100,000 in green community grants
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Our Breckland Cares programme is now well-underway, helping us make a difference to the diverse communities that call Breckland home.
#StandWithUkraine We have been overwhelmed by the incredible support and kindness shown by Breckland communities to refugees fleeing their homes in Ukraine. We’ve been working with our partners to support people coming to our district so they can join life in Breckland as smoothly as possible. We’re also helping the fantastic and caring residents who have signed up to host Ukrainian individuals and families in need of a home. Our officers have been out and about across the district to check on people’s welfare and put them in touch with a range of other services, including education and leisure facilities. A huge thank you to everybody who has played a part in our district’s response. Find out more at www.breckland.gov.uk/ukraine-conflict
£100K grant scheme launched We’ve launched our Inspiring Communities match funding scheme, to help local groups deliver exciting projects across the district. The new 50% match funding grants could see projects receive up to £5,000 each to help them tackle the needs of the local community. Find out if your group could be eligible at www.breckland.gov.uk community/funding
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For example, we’re putting in place policies and services that focus on supporting armed forces personnel and their families, provide equal opportunities to people regardless of background, sexuality or race, and take action to protect the environment and our most vulnerable residents. Breckland Cares covers seven key strands: • Armed Forces • Mental Health • Climate Change • Diversity and Inclusion • Pride / LGBTQ+ • Personal Safety / Domestic Abuse • Chairman’s chosen charity Find out more www.breckland. gov.uk/corporateplan breckland-cares
Thriving Breckland Over the last year, we’ve been going to each market town to ask people how they’d like to see their district develop in the coming years and we’d like to say a big thank you to everybody who shared their views. Our Future Breckland programme concluded in Thetford in the spring and we’re since been using your feedback to develop our priorities for the future. For Thetford, these include making the most of the town’s rich heritage,
enhancing the town centre, boosting the economy, and improving connectivity. We’ve already made a start, including looking at how we might be able to improve the look and feel of the train station and surrounding area, so it is a welcoming gateway to the town for residents and visitors. Also, we’ve been discussing future investment along the A11 junctions around Thetford with Norfolk County Council, Greater Thetford Partnership and National Highways. We hope this will lead to initiatives which ease congestion along the A11. You can read the draft delivery plans for each of our towns online at www.breckland.gov.uk/future-breckland The plans for Attleborough and Thetford are still open for public feedback, so if you have any innovative ideas for the area please get in touch: TDPS@breckland.gov.uk
Our inspiring green generation Well done to pupils at The Bishop’s CE Primary Academy in Thetford, who swapped textbooks for gardening tools to work on a new ‘Keep Breckland green and tidy’ project. Pupils have studied how to grow flowers and vegetables in a sustainable and cost-effective way, while learning how dropping litter affects our community. #TopMarks
£1.8m temporary accommodation centre officially opened The Lord Lieutenant for Norfolk, Lady Dannatt MBE, has officially opened our new £1.8 million temporary accommodation centre in Thetford. Elm House offers high-quality temporary accommodation to families, couples, and single people who have been made homeless or are in of need of short-term support while they find a permanent place to live. We invested in creating the unit as part of our commitment to caring for some of Breckland’s most vulnerable people.
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New grants to help enhance Swaffham’s high street
Business support helps Watton business to expand Watton high street has welcomed the opening of the Norfolk Gift Company, which has been supported by a £9,400 grant from Breckland Council.
Swaffham buildings within the high street heritage action zone (HSHAZ) can now apply for support to help improve their building facades or make repairs. In partnership with Historic England, the new grant scheme runs until March 2024 and aims to support building repairs and the reinstatement of traditional features in this historic area. Landlords and business owners who wish to take advantage of the building repairs grant scheme could receive funding for up to 80% of the cost of repairs to the façades and up to 85% for the reinstatement of traditional features. Find out more at www.breckland.gov.uk/heritage-action-zone
Did you know...? Our Market Towns Initiative has helped fund new flagpoles and flags along Watton high street, bringing some jubilee cheer over the summer and ahead of future celebrations!
Shop owners Amanda Crossley and Natalie Hutchings were previously running local market stalls but were keen to develop a high street shop presence. Amanda said: “We both feel that opening on the high street, with grant support from Breckland Council, has helped us reach a far wider customer base”. Find out how your Breckland business could benefit www.breckland.gov.uk business-support
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Breckland Cabinet’s coming to a town near you Our Cabinet are back on the road in 2022/23, holding their meetings in each of our market towns over the course of the year. They’ll also be answering questions from the public, so make sure you come along to see democracy in action! Work is well underway on construction of a new primary electricity substation that will ‘switch on Snetterton’.
After holding our first on the road meeting in Attleborough in June, the Cabinet will be visiting Thetford Carnegie Rooms on 19 September, Swaffham on 14 November, Watton on 6 February 2023. Dereham sessions will be held at the Conference Centre at Elizabeth House.
By increasing the power supply at Snetterton Heath, it will become easier for businesses to set up and grow, safeguarding existing jobs in the area and creating even more.
Public questions to Cabinet Members will start at 9.30am at each meeting, with the Cabinet meeting commencing at 10 am. For more meeting details visit www.breckland.gov.uk/yourcouncil
Breckland Council is leading the project, working in partnership with UK Power Networks. Grant funding totalling £3.43 million has been received for the upgrade from New Anglia LEP and the business rates pool.
Trail winners receive a royal day out Congratulations to our five lucky winners who have each won a family day out in Breckland. The winners of our high street trail competition spotted at least 10 crowns in our local market towns. The trail was organised to celebrate the jubilee and bring visitors to our high streets. Find out about the winners at www.breckland.gov.uk jubilee
New school and retail units planned for Attleborough extension The first stages of the urban extension in Attleborough is set to deliver a new primary school and a new local centre containing elements of retail and community facilities and 1198 homes. Homes England, a government body established to accelerate housing provision on strategic housing sites, will deliver the first 1198 homes within this project.
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Supporting local pet owners Our friendly dog warden service, which has won numerous RSPCA awards, is here to help residents who are experiencing dog fouling or stray dog issues in their area. Our team can also offer expert advice on how to keep your pet’s microchips updated, ensuring if the worst does happen, our Officers can help reunite you with your best friend! Find out more at www.breckland.gov.uk/environment/dog-warden
Tackling empty shops in our high streets Are you a landlord who is struggling to fill your commercial unit? Are you an enterprise or community group looking to expand? We would like to hear from you! We are looking to join up with landlords, local businesses and community groups to help fill empty shops in our market towns. Find out more by emailing regeneration@breckland.gov.uk
New cameras helping us catch even more fly tippers We are Norfolk’s leading authority for catching and issuing fines to fly tippers. Our Officers regularly patrol our towns, respond to reports from residents, and use CCTV to identify people dumping their rubbish. Now we’re installing covert cameras in rural fly tipping hotspots to help catch even more fly tippers. The cameras have been paid for through fixed penalty notices that we’ve issued to previous fly tippers. If you see a fly tip in Breckland, you can report it online at www.breckland.gov.uk/flytip
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£1000 FINE
£400 FINE
Queen Mother’s Garden refurbishment underway We’re working with Dereham Town Council to refurbish the Queen Mother’s Garden in Dereham. It forms part of our commitment to further enhancing our towns for residents and visitors alike. The new-look garden, off St Withburga Lane, will include new flower beds, picnic benches made from recycled materials, sensory planting areas and a new access path. The garden is set to reopen in autumn 2022 and will help mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
New public murals planned for Dereham
Our Market Towns Initiative programme is helping to fund a series of community-led street art across Dereham town centre. A local steering group has been formed to direct the work, including local community groups, retailers, students, and residents. The group has decided that the artwork will be themed around local intergenerational story telling. Watch out for updates via our social media channels, website and local press!
Not sure who does what?
As a district council, Breckland Council provides a range of services for local people, including housing, leisure, economic development, planning, and waste collection. But did you know that the county council leads on issues such as major roads, education and social services? And your town or parish council’s remit includes local markets, play areas, allotments and more.
County Councils: These are responsible for services across the whole of a county
Education
Highways
Strategic Planning
Fire & Public Safety
Social Care
Libraries
Waste Management
Trading Standards
Birth, Marriage and Death Registration
District Councils: These provide services to their individual district
Benefits
Housing
Licensing
Wellbeing & Leisure
Economic Environmental Council Tax Development Health Collections
Rubbish and Planning Recycling Applications collections
Town & Parish Councils: These manage a number of local issues
Community Centres
Play Areas
Consultation on Neighbourhood Planning
Allotments
Public Clocks
Cemeteries
Town Halls and Venues
Events
Markets
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Find out services, submit applications, make payments and report problems at www.breckland.gov.uk
Apply for it
Report it
You can apply for lots of things on our website at www.breckland.gov.uk/applyforit Direct links to some of the most commonly used application forms are below:
Come across an issue? Let us know using our Report It tool: www.breckland.gov.uk/reportit A number of key issues are listed below for ease of reference, but you can do more on our website.
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Housing and council tax Benefits Apply, manage or pay for Breckland Council benefits and services: www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/ breckland
Abandoned Vehicles: Let us know about a vehicle that has been abandoned on public land without lawful authority: www.breckland. gov.uk/article/3080/Report-anabandoned-vehicle
Building Control Inspection: Request a site inspection from our Building Control department: www.breckland.gov.uk/ building-control-inspectionbooking
Anti-Social Behaviour Affected by it? Don’t tolerate it, report it: www.breckland.gov.uk/ noise-or-nuisance
Bus Pass: The passes are available to residents who meet the age or disability requirements: www.norfolk.gov.uk/ roads-and-transport/ public-transport/ buses/concessionary-travel-pass Garden Waste Collection Service Create or renew a subscription to have your garden waste collected every fortnight: www.breckland.gov.uk/ gardenwaste Library Service: Find your nearest library, search for a good read, and more! www.norfolk.gov. uk/libraries-local-historyand-archives Register for E-billing: View your account and receive Council Tax bills online: www.angliarevenues.gov. uk/breckland Postal Vote request: If you can’t get to your polling station on election day, you can still vote by post: www.breckland.gov.uk/ postalvoterequest Register to vote: To vote in future elections you must be on the electoral register: www.breckland.gov.uk/ individual-electoral-registration
Pay for it Visit our website to pay invoices, council tax, business rates or benefits overpayments online. You can also set up a direct debit to pay your Council Tax on a monthly date that suits you. You’ll be able to pay for more things online soon, reducing the need to call during office hours or visit us in person. www.breckland.gov.uk/payforit
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Benefit Fraud: Suspect a resident of Benefit or council tax fraud? www.breckland.gov.uk/ report-suspected-fraud Change of Address: For when you are moving and staying in the district or moving out of Breckland: www.breckland.gov.uk/ tell-us-youre-moving Change of Circumstances: Let us know if something changes eg. you get married, have a child, your partner moves in, your pension is different: www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/ breckland Compliments, Complaints, Comments: Let us know what’s working well and how we can improve further: www.breckland.gov.uk/ article/7806/ Compliments-Complaints Damaged Wheelie Bin: We’ll repair or replace your wheelie bin ASAP: www.breckland.gov.uk/ damaged-or-replacement Dog fouling: Let us know of any incidents of dog fouling in public areas: www.breckland.gov.uk/ litter-and-dog-fouling Faulty Street Light: Pass on details about street lights which are damaged or not working: www.breckland.gov.uk/article /3089/eport-a-faulty-street-light
Find out first!
Want to receive the latest information as soon as possible? Receive email alerts about the things that matter, from news and events, to council and committee papers, consultation documents and job vacancies. Subscribe/amend your existing preferences at: www.breckland.gov.uk/ email-updates
Fly Tipping: Let us know if you see fly tipped waste or saw somebody dumping rubbish: www.breckland.gov. uk/flytip Full Public Litter Bin: Has a litter bin near you been filled but not emptied yet? www.breckland.gov.uk/ full-public-litter-bin Highway Problem: Report problems with roads, pavements, cycle paths and Public Rights of Way: https://apps. norfolk.gov.uk/highwaysdefect Litter: Seen piles of dropped litter? Let us know: www.breckland.gov. uk/litter-and-dog-fouling Missing Wheelie Bin: Has your wheelie bin been lost or stolen? www.breckland.gov.uk/ damaged-or-replacement Noise or Nuisance: Report loud music, barking dogs, industrial noise, bad smell, artificial light, smoke or bonfires, and more: www.breckland.gov.uk/ noise-or-nuisance Street Name Plates: Tell us if you’ve seen a street name sign that is unreadable, missing letters, missing the name plate, or damaged: www.breckland.gov.uk/ street-name-plate-problem
Waste Enquiries For complaints about missed bins or new bin orders, contact Serco on 0330 109 9220
Keep in Touch! If you need help or advice, contact our expert Customer Contact Centre staff at: contactus@breckland.gov.uk Breckland Council @BreckCouncil @Breckland Council breckcouncil Post: Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE Customer Contact Centre: 01362 656 870 Local centres: www.breckland.gov.uk/visitus
Sign up for Direct Debit Paying your Council Tax by Direct Debit is safe, hassle free and reliable with the protection of the Direct Debit Guarantee. Sign up for Direct Debit today at www. angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland
