Council saving even more businesses money
Breckland Council is now collecting rubbish from more than 400 businesses across the district, providing a reliable and cost-effective service for businesses large and small.
Our affordable Business Waste Collection Service is collecting waste from town councils, takeaways, schools, and even for one-off events. The team is based in the district and can provide bins and containers ranging from 240, 360, 660 and 1100 litres.
Why sign up with us?
99% of our customers have renewed with us
If you run a local business, are part of a community group or sports club, or are organising a public event, make sure you get in touch to discuss your waste collection needs.
The team can provide a no-hidden-charges quote or even just provide a free, no-obligation assessment of your waste needs.
To find out how we could save your business money, go to waste.breckland.gov.uk
• Affordable service • Responsible waste disposal • Tailored service • Extra collections for one-off events
• No hidden charges • Seasonal collection programmes
• Breckland-based Customer Services Team
"Breckland’s Business Waste Collection Service provides us with a consistently reliable service and excellent customer care. And competitively priced too!"
Bev, Green Parrot Health Foods
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Did you know that you can sign up to receive your annual Council Tax bill or Business Rates bill direct to your email inbox, which is not only more convenient but environmentally-friendly too?
Once you’re registered, you will receive all future bills securely and easily by email, which means you can access them whenever you need to, with no need to log into an online portal account or dig through piles of paperwork and letters!
So why not make the switch today? All you need is your Council Tax account reference number or Business Rates reference number (found on your latest paperwork) and your postcode. Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/3ur3tb5u
Debt advisors save residents £350k
A free debt advice service funded by Breckland Council has now helped residents to save over £350k in benefits claimed and written off debt.
As part of our Inspiring Communities initiative, we have funded a Debt Advisor post to work from our office in Dereham and another based at our Thetford office. They work under the supervision of Citizens Advice and are Financial Services Authority (FSA) accredited.
The Debt Advisors give financial advice to residents struggling with money, offering guidance on reducing debt and how they might access more income, such as benefits for which they are eligible. By helping people to get their financial situation back on track, we can help reduce their stress, boost people’s confidence, and help them sleep better. For free financial advice, call Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848. Alternatively, you can arrange an appointment or just drop into our Thetford office Monday-Thursday (10am-2pm) or our Dereham office on Monday, Tuesday or Friday (10am-2pm).
The Shelf Pop-Up Pantry
Breckland Council, in partnership with Citizens Advice Diss and Thetford, The Pantry in Kenninghall, and the Norfolk Community Foundation, is proud to have introduced a new food and support service to residents across the district.
The Shelf Pop-Up Pantry is bringing affordable food to rural communities throughout Breckland, as part of our Inspiring Communities initiative to support the district's most vulnerable residents. This project is also a key component of the Nourishing Norfolk network, delivering fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled goods, and pantry staples at reduced prices to local villages.
In addition to affordable food, The Shelf Pop-Up Pantry offers a range of support services, including advice on benefits and grants, connections to local support groups, employment and training opportunities, and mental health resources. The service was initially visiting North Lopham and Old Buckenham, with further locations being added. For updates on when The Shelf Pop-Up Pantry will visit a location near you, search for ‘The Shelf Pop-Up Pantry’ on Facebook. You can also find out more about other food hubs in Breckland, some of which are also supported by the Council, by going to www.breckland.gov.uk/ communities/breckland-food-hubs
Schoolchildren visit local manufacturers
Breckland Council recently arranged for hundreds of local schoolchildren to visit manufacturers in Thetford for a sneak peek behind the scenes and to hear about potential future employment paths. The visits were part of National Manufacturing Day, an annual UK-wide event during which manufacturing businesses welcome members of the public into factories and sites to see how manufacturers' facilities work. Breckland Council has worked with local manufacturers, Boniface, Peerless Plastics and Warren Services, to bring this experience to hundreds of local schoolchildren in a bid to open their eyes to the world of manufacturing and the many career opportunities that the sector can provide. It is part of our Thriving Places commitment to promote Breckland businesses and encourage local people to consider a career path in the district.
This year, the event included almost 300 pupils from The Bishop's Primary, Glade Academy, Admirals Academy, Drake Primary, Norwich Road Academy and Queensway Academy. You can find out more by listening to our National Manufacturing Day podcast by visiting www.breckland.gov.uk/podcast or search for ‘BreckCast’ where you get your podcasts.
A ‘Boost’ for young people’s careers
Breckland Council has launched a new training scheme which is supporting young people to improve their career prospects.
Working in partnership with Norfolk County Council and with support from UK Government funding, the initiative offers 16–30-year-olds a comprehensive range of free training, confidence-building resources, and employment support.
Called BOOST, it aims to equip individuals with new skills, enhance their career opportunities, and provide essential guidance. The programme is open to 16–30-year-olds who:
• are in employment looking to gain new skills
• would benefit from further training
• live, work, or study in Breckland
Participants can choose from a variety of accredited and non-accredited courses and modules, from obtaining their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to a wide range of industryrequired qualifications.
In addition to training, the service offers free employment support and advice, as well as signposting to other relevant services within Breckland. Boost forms an element of our Thriving Places work to provide skills and enhance employment opportunities within Breckland. For more information and to apply, visit www.breckland.gov.uk/ business-growth/ skills-training
Investing in our communities
Breckland Council is supporting local residents and community groups by investing up to £300,000 in Breckland-based schemes and initiatives until 2027.
This includes recently releasing around £30,000 to support some of our most vulnerable residents by helping local partners provide essential transport services and schemes which improve local people’s health and wellbeing. Among the recipients are Thetford Vineyard Church, which received £5,000 to support the Growkids project, offering children’s clothing and The Kids Matter parenting courses in the town. Another £5,000 grant was given to Wellspring Family Centre to help people of all ages suffering from chronic health issues. Other grants went to:
• Caring Friends for Cancer: £3,500
• Home-Start Norfolk: £4,648
• Norwich City Community Sports Foundation: £2,500
• Dereham Cancer Care: £500
• Love Dereham Ltd: £5,000
• Breckland Children's Clothes Bank: £500
• Caring Friends Mid Norfolk: £500
• A Little More Kindness CIC: The Kindness Cabin: £500
• Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice: £500
• Dove’s Nest Ministries: £500
• Keystone Development Trust: £500
Check our social media for the latest funding opportunities or visit www.breckland.gov.uk/community/funding
Backing for businesses
We are supporting the local economy through our Thriving Places programme, aiming to make sure local businesses go from strength to strength and jobs are protected.
Recent funding support has included awarding Garboldisham Post Office and General Store money to improve the storefront of their building, making it more enticing to potential visitors. The Local Centre Improvement Grant Scheme was also used to support Plowright Place in Swaffham, to replace windows on the frontage of the building.
As part of our Growth Grant Scheme, Bowles & Walker in Watton was given money for machinery and solar panels, while JC Frost & Co in Attleborough received money to help redevelop a grainstore. It was also used to help Norfolk & Waveney Mind to fund office IT equipment and furniture, helping in their
work to provide mental health advice and support at the Breckland Business Centre in Dereham.
Through the Community Infrastructure Grant Scheme, we released funding to enable Rickshaw Thetford to purchase a new bike, supporting the business to thrive and give new transport options in the town.
Finally, the Rural Diversification Grant Scheme enabled Wooster’s Bakery in Riddlesworth to obtain new equipment for milling of grain, helping them grow and securing local jobs.
The Rural Grant Scheme was used to provide the Black Horse Pub on Magdalen Street in Thetford with funds to carry out exterior decoration of the building, while the same pot enabled Farmyard Fit to purchase outdoor gym equipment.
Find out more about support available at www.breckland.gov.uk/business
Tackling damp and mould
Healthy Homes Service
Breckland Council has launched a brand-new initiative to combat damp, mould, and condensation in the district’s homes. Our new Healthy Homes Service aims to further improve the quality of homes in the district by working closely with people living in private rented housing and their landlords to identify the causes of mould and ways to prevent or get rid of it.
Mouldy properties can potentially cause or worsen respiratory illnesses and allergies. Inhaling or touching mould spores can cause a reaction, including coughing, sneezing, red eyes, skin rash, and asthma attacks.
Our pilot scheme is funded by Central Government and jointly-led by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Work and Pensions. It has made extra support available from Breckland Council’s specially-trained Housing team. This includes providing people who have experienced mould and damp at home with ‘damp detectors’ to monitor humidity and other readings. This information is
then used by Housing officers to tackle the issue with tenants and provide advice to landlords on their responsibilities to prevent mould or get rid of it from their properties for good.
The council’s Housing team are also holding a series of Landlord Forum events and training opportunities to guide landlords on a range of issues, including tackling mould and upcoming energy reforms. To speak to one of our specially-trained officers, borrow a data logger or sign up to attend an upcoming Landlord Forum event, complete a Healthy Homes service request form at www.breckland.gov.uk/housing
Could you be eligible for help with your heating bills?
If you are over State Pension age, did you know you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit even if you own your home or have savings? Pension Credit tops up pension income and can help with day-to-day living costs.
If you claim Pension Credit, you may also be able to get help with winter fuel costs, help with Council Tax, a free TV Licence (if you’re over 75), help with the cost of NHS dental treatment, and more.
You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 (or a combined £332.95, if you live with a partner). The qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances. Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 a year, so if you think you may be eligible, it is worth checking at www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
Earlier this year, the new Government changed the Winter Fuel Payment scheme from being universal to ‘means tested’, which means if you receive Pension
Credit, you should automatically also receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 a year
The cut-off date for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December, so make sure you’ve applied for Pension Credit, if you are eligible and not already claiming.
To apply, you’ll need your National Insurance Number and information about any income, savings and investments. Go to www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
In addition to our Debt Advisor service (see page 3) we are also offering other support for people struggling with the cost of living, including the Government-funded Household Support Fund which can help with essentials such as food and utilities. Find out more at www.breckland.gov.uk/community
If you receive Pension Credit, you should also receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
Breckland
Wardens helping to keep our streets safe
A new trial has been helping to provide a reassuring presence on our streets while preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour.
Breckland Council received funding from the Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner to put in place two Street Wardens, who regularly carry out paired foot patrols in and around Thetford.
The Street Wardens work closely with the CCTV control room and police and seek to encourage positive behaviours in our communities by having a regular visible presence and by speaking with residents about any concerns they may have. They can also take enforcement action to address things like persistent street drinking and can issue Fixed Penalty Notices or Abandoned Vehicle Notices.
Hear more from our street wardens about their role
The approach is part of a trial due to run until April before the impact is fully assessed. The wardens are committed to making Thetford a brighter, safer place to live, so if you see them in the town make sure you say hello! Find out more at www.breckland.gov.uk/environment/safer-street-wardens
Keeping our high streets vibrant
Breckland Council’s Meanwhile scheme is breathing new life into high streets across the district and supporting local businesses to thrive. The scheme provides advice and funding to businesses looking to move into a vacant shop in one of our towns. That provides more choice for our residents, attracts more shoppers to our towns, enables up-and-coming businesses to become established with a physical shop, and reduces the empty shop space in our district.
Since launching in summer 2022, we’ve received more than 100 applications and helped a total of 21 businesses across Dereham, Swaffham, Watton, Attleborough and Thetford. This includes 17 entrepreneurs who needed a little help to open their very first shop, plus four businesses looking to expand. We made more than £175,000 of investment available to help these businesses to thrive, which has helped fill more than 1,000 square meters of empty shop space and created 20 jobs. Businesses helped include:
Attleborough: Omega
Computing; Turners
Occupational Therapy; Coffeesmiths
Dereham: New Belles Beauty Academy; The Willmaker Group; Flowcraft Café; Norfolk
Mantiques; The Hair Hut; Remedium Pharmacy
Swaffham: Holey Moley Crafts; DSB Tools Ltd; Wartime & Vintage Store; The Twisted Broomstick; Hare and The Bear; Radiant Vibes
Watton: Smokeybullz
Grooming; Beestro
Thetford: Puddin; Naked Fish; The Playroom Ltd; Equals Studio
Show your support for these and other independent businesses by choosing to shop local whenever you can. We continue to offer support to new businesses and those looking to grow through our Meanwhile initiative and other schemes. Get in touch to see how we could help your business: www.breckland.gov.uk/business
Christmas
Breckland residents and visitors to the district will be able to step into a winter wonderland this Christmas, as the festive period gets underway with an assortment of magical events. Here are some of the highlights, but you can check all the latest event information at www.breckland.gov.uk/whatson
Attleborough
Attleborough town centre will host a dazzling Christmas Fair & Carnival on Sunday, 24 November (1-6pm), providing an excellent opportunity to carry out your Christmas shopping while supporting local independent retailers. The event will also see the town’s Christmas lights switched on at 3.40pm. An additional Christmas market will also be held on 14 December, featuring a Santa’s grotto, crafts and gift stalls, hot food, mulled wine, and entertainment.
Dereham
Dereham’s Christmas Lights event will take place on Sunday, 24 November from 1pm, at the Market Place and on Church Street. This event will be an ideal day out for the whole family, with Santa’s Grotto opening in the Assembly Rooms from 1.30pm. There’ll even be a funfair and donkey rides, so you can guarantee the kids won’t get bored!
The town will host stalls from artisans, local groups, and businesses in the Market Place –the perfect chance to get your hands on some beautiful, locally sourced gifts. There’ll be plenty of entertainment to wrap up the evening, with local groups performing on stage from 2pm and the town transformed with the lights switchon at 4.30pm.
Swaffham
The Christmas Light Switch-On in Swaffham is set for Friday, 29 November (4-7pm) in Swaffham Town Centre. Children can meet Santa and
there’ll be music playing at the Buttercross to help stir the festive spirit. For a dreamy fairytale Christmas, why not come along to a performance of the Sleeping Beauty pantomime on Sunday, 1 December at the Assembly Rooms? There will be showings at 11am and 2.30pm, and they are bound to be unmissable!
Thetford
Spend a delightful evening in Thetford on Friday, 29 November for the Christmas Lights SwitchOn, during the event which is set to run 5-9pm.
The same day will see the opening of the town’s Continental Market, running along King Street from 10am to 8.30pm. The market will also be open on Saturday, 30 November and Sunday, 1 December (10am-5pm).
For some well-earned family fun, there’ll be a family disco on Saturday, 30 November at the Carnegie, plus a Santa’s Grotto on Sunday, 1 December at The Guildhall. These can be booked via the Thetford Town Council website.
Watton
Watton’s Festive Market will be on Sunday, 24 November (1-5pm) on Watton High Street. Make sure you stay to see the town illuminate, with the lights switch-on at 4pm.
The market will be free to attend and will include delicious food stalls, entrancing entertainers, and a Santa’s Grotto for an extra touch of Christmas merriment.
is coming
to Breckland
Recycling Dos and Don’ts
In the hustle and bustle of Christmas, it’s easy to forget about doing our part for the planet. Here are a few tips and tricks for being more environmentally-friendly this holiday season:
• Look for sustainable, recyclable materials
• Avoid plastic ribbon and tape where possible when wrapping presents – these are not recyclable
• Avoid glittery and foil-backed wrapping paper & reuse gift bags
• Do the scrunch test – if your wrapping paper stays scrunched, it can be recycled, but if it springs back it can’t as it likely has a plastic film
• Avoid cards with glitter, glue, foil, 3D elements and other plastic decorations
• For more sustainable presents, consider buying second-hand or gifting an experience or your time
Struggling at Christmas?
Christmas can be a tough time for many people, emotionally, physically, and financially. If you’re struggling, get in touch to see how we – or our partners –may be able to help. Call 01362 656870.
We want your views on a paid car parking system
Breckland Council is thinking about moving towards a charging model for our car parks and we would really welcome your views on this proposal. This consultation follows previous discussions we’ve held with town and parish councils and local businesses and will help us shape proposals for an affordable parking system that works for you.
Why consider charging?
Breckland Council operates 30 car parks spread across the district’s five market towns and when maintenance and all other operating costs are considered this equates to a cost of £450,000 year-on-year, funded from the Council’s overall budget. Thus, all council taxpayers across the district contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of these 30 car parks irrespective of whether they use some, all or none of the car parks.
The council is capped by the Government on how much we can increase council tax and is also required to set a balanced budget. The potential change to a charging model would mean that those who use our car parks would directly contribute to their running in the future, guaranteeing an affordable car park service going forward while helping us continue to meet the rising demand for all of our services. We think that moving towards a paid parking system would be the fairest way to cover these costs, supporting an affordable car park service, and safeguarding other crucial services that many vulnerable residents depend on.
Sharing your views
We recognise that you may have some questions about the impact this potential change might have, on what the tariffs might be, how drivers would be able to pay, what this might mean for residents living near our car parks, for local businesses, and for those who work or volunteer in our towns. There are answers to many of the most common questions on our website, alongside more information on some of our ideas such as offering free parking periods on market days.
We'd like as many people as possible to take part in the consultation. We invite you to read more about what is proposed on our website and take the opportunity to let us know what you think.
Next Steps
Once the public consultation closes, we’ll carefully review all of the feedback we have received and incorporate as much of it as possible in our decisionmaking process going forward.
We’ll be holding engagement events in each of Breckland’s towns as part of the consultation process. To find out more, read the FAQs, and participate in the consultation online, visit www.breckland.gov.uk/car-parks/policychange
A place to call home
Breckland Council is committed to ensuring everybody in the district has a place to call home. Over the past few years, we’ve made significant investment in providing safe, suitable, temporary housing for many of those most in need.
This is helping to meet the growing demand for housing support in the district, which is a challenge facing councils up and down the country. The rise in the number of people needing housing help or at risk of becoming homeless is putting considerable pressure on the limited number of homes we have available and our budgets for providing this important service.
Currently, we have around 130 households in temporary accommodation and around 1,300 households in need of affordable housing for rent on our housing register. The average length of stay of the households currently in temporary accommodation is 148 days, and in the last few years, rising demand has seen costs increase from £684,000 in 2019/20 to £1.7m in 2023/24.
However, through partnerships, grant funding, and allocating section 106 money from developers, we’ve invested almost £7m over the last few years into projects which increase the support and accommodation available for families and individuals who are homeless, those at serious risk of becoming homeless, and people fleeing conflict such as the war in Ukraine.
These projects include:
• purchasing and renovating 11 homes to provide temporary accommodation to households who have become homeless
• turning a former community building in Thetford into our Elm House temporary accommodation for individuals, couples and families
• obtaining grant and partnership funding to enable a housing association to build five new homes for people who have been sleeping rough in our district
• leasing three properties for families fleeing situations of domestic abuse, giving them a safe space to live while they plan their next steps
To further build on this growing support, we’ve recently adopted a new Housing Strategy. This
is seeking to address housing and homelessness needs throughout the district.
We are particularly focusing on raising the quality and quantity of new and existing homes, increasing the supply of affordable housing, improving the quality and sustainability of homes in the private rented sector, and continuing to support vulnerable residents to access suitable homes.
You can find out more about the support available for people in need of a temporary home or who are renting locally at www.breckland.gov.uk/housing
Our interventions have been life-changing for some of our residents when they need us most. Check out our short film to find out more and hear from people who have benefitted from these services: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbNyu_D1tss
“We’ve actually got somewhere safe and out of the rain and the cold… you know someone actually cares about you...”
Planning for Breckland’s future
In recent months, thousands of residents have been sharing their views on Breckland’s latest Local Plan, which will shape how our district grows over the next 25 years and outlines our intentions for housing, jobs, infrastructure, and the environment. So we wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ to everybody who has already provided vital feedback.
This is important because the Local Plan helps ensure planning decisions are made in the best interests of Breckland’s communities. Reflecting what local people have told us, the plan sets out how Breckland will:
• Grow sustainably while supporting its vibrant towns and villages
• Provide diverse job opportunities
• Offer high-quality, affordable homes that meet local needs
• Enhance the district’s natural and built environment, tackling climate change through thoughtful design
• Ensure infrastructure and businesses are prepared for the future
New Government Targets
We had been inviting comments on our latest proposal, based on the views gathered from earlier consultations. However, earlier this year the Government proposed significant changes that could directly affect Breckland’s Local Plan.
One major proposal is to increase the district’s annual housing requirement from 661 new homes (as outlined in the current draft) to 917, a 39% increase. In light of this and other changes, if we continued with our current plan, it is highly likely that it would almost immediately be out of date and
need to be revised again. This could mean repeating much of the consultation, costing more time and resources.
We’ve therefore taken the difficult decision to pause our process until the revised National Planning Policy Framework requirements are clearer, which we hope will mean we can start a new consultation in 2025, with the goal of submitting a final Local Plan sometime in 2026.
In the meantime, we’ll continue working with land promoters on three key sites, which could be used for housing developments in the future. These are: Barkers Farm in Larling, Southwest Dereham, and Robertson Barracks in Swanton Morley. These sites are being closely reviewed to ensure any proposed housing developments at these sites are well-designed, it is clear how many houses could potentially be built at each, and what infrastructure is needed to support future and existing residents. There will still be opportunities to have your say on the Local Plan as the process moves forward. Keep an eye on our social media channels, website, and future editions of ‘Your Breckland’ magazine for updates. Your input continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of our district.
For more information on the Local Plan and to view the current proposals, visit brecklandlocalplan. commonplace.is
Partnerships powering progress
Breckland Council’s Future Breckland programme continues to go from strength to strength, delivering real change to towns and villages across our district.
Since launching Future Breckland in late 2022, we have been focused on working closely with local, regional and national partners to secure significant funding and make both small and large-scale improvements to Breckland.
The scheme was shaped by 18-months’ of intense engagement and feedback from thousands of Breckland businesses and residents and has six key areas of focus:
• regenerating our district
• growing our businesses
• improving sustainability and wellbeing
• building on our heritage and culture
• investing in housing and infrastructure
• encouraging educational attainment
Our work with residents and businesses led to the creation of comprehensive Town Delivery Plans for Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton, which set out an exciting 10-year vision to achieve sustainable growth and positive change across the district.
What we’ve delivered so far
Earlier this year, Future Breckland was named a finalist at a national awards scheme, in recognition of its success so far. Here are some of the projects we’ve been working on with our partners:
Through our ‘Meanwhile Enterprise Scheme', we’ve helped 17 new entrepreneurs set up shop, which is not only good news for fledgling business owners but has brought more variety to our high streets, filled over 1,000 square meters of previously-empty shop space, and created over 20 jobs (see page 7 for more).
We helped secure more than £100,000 for events and festivals in our district, such as the inThetford Festival, helping to bring thousands of visitors to our market towns and boosting local businesses.
Working with Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund we’ve secured more than £2m for Swaffham to protect and enhance the town’s heritage and public space.
With the previous Government having allocated Thetford £20m over 10 years, we’re awaiting confirmation that this investment will go ahead as planned and in the meantime are working with a new Thetford Town Board to regenerate the town centre, with £1m already being focused on regenerating the Riverside area.
Working with Norfolk County Council we’ve identified the largest ever network of walking
and cycling schemes, connecting each of our five market towns and major employment sites.
We’re working with Norfolk County Council and the new Dereham Action Group to develop a £10m Dereham town centre regeneration scheme, focused around the marketplace.
As well as making big investments in our district, the programme has also supported a range of smaller schemes which are making a big difference. Altogether, these are valued at around £1.5m and include things like public art installations in Swaffham, enhanced bus infrastructure, and new electric vehicle charging points to help future-proof our district and create more welcoming, sustainable, and accessible towns.
We’ve recently been reviewing the priorities in our Town Delivery Plans, which you can read at www.breckland.gov.uk/business-growth/futurebreckland. You can submit your own ideas on how to enhance your local area by emailing tdps@ breckland.gov.uk
Together for Wildlife: join the mission to protect nature
For over 50 years, Banham Zoo and Africa Alive have been beloved family destinations enjoyed by millions, but our mission goes far beyond that. At the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), we’re committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring future generations.
That’s why we’re excited to launch our biggest fundraising campaign yet — Together for Wildlife — and we’re inviting Breckland residents and businesses to join us in making a real difference. Here’s how you can get involved:
Walk for Wildlife
Join our Walk for Wildlife campaign, a sponsored fundraising event being held on 5 April 2025 which is aiming to raise £25,000. Walk at your own pace alongside our zookeepers, through scenic looped routes of Banham, ranging from 5 to 50km! Every sponsored step helps endangered species and goes towards habitat improvements on site at the zoo.
Build
for Wildlife
We’re aiming to raise £100,000 to revamp Banham Zoo’s education centre and expand our outreach to home-schooled students. Our goal is to inspire future conservationists by providing the tools and knowledge they need to protect wildlife. You can support this effort by donating to our Together for
Wildlife campaign, or through attending our fundraising dinner and silent auction, being held on 17 May 2025.
Win for Wildlife
You don’t have to wait until next year to start helping! For just a £5 donation, you could win a dream safari, all while supporting lemur conservation in Madagascar! Text 'SAFARI' to 70215 to donate £5 and enter for a chance to win. Terms and conditions apply. Texts are charged at your standard network rate. For details visit www. fundraising.zsea.org/win-for-wildlife Corporate Partnership Programme
We are inviting businesses to partner with ZSEA and actively support the zoo’s work, both onsite and within the communities we serve. By visiting the zoo or becoming a member, you contribute directly to the protection of endangered species and the care of animals.
Win Family Membership to Banham Zoo & Africa Alive!
Find out more about our Together for Wildlife campaign – register your interest to help at fundraising.zsea.org
As part of our Together for Wildlife campaign, we’re offering one lucky family the chance to win a year-long family membership to Banham Zoo and Africa Alive! Enjoy unlimited visits, experience amazing animal encounters, and contribute to the protection of endangered species and wildlife conservation efforts. Membership also includes exclusive events, discounts, and special zoo updates. By becoming a member, you’ll enjoy year-round access to the zoo while directly supporting the Zoological Society of East Anglia’s vital work. This includes the care and wellbeing of our animals at Banham Zoo and Africa Alive, local native species conservation at Banham Zoo and key conservation efforts overseas including Lemur conservation in Madagascar. To enter, simply email your name, postal address, and contact number to competitions @zsea.org, putting ‘Your Breckland’ in the email subject line. It’s that easy! Entries close on 31/12/2024. Enter today and join us in our mission to protect wildlife — Together for Wildlife! Competition organised by ZSEA.
Debris cleared to protect homes from flooding
Work has been carried out to protect homes in the district from flooding this winter. As part of the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance, Breckland Council, Norfolk County Council and Attleborough Town Council have joined forces alongside Anglian Water to clear debris from culverts in Attleborough.
The culverts – which are piped sections of rivers – running between Mill Lane to Ferguson Way and Briar Gardens to Norwich Road in the town, saw around 70 tonnes of silt and blockages removed. This is helping to make water flow freely, carrying it away from nearby properties. The work was carried out after Storm Babet brought high levels of rainfall last year, causing flooding in the area. Ensuring water has a way to drain away from homes and businesses is an important part of the flood defence. Homeowners can also play an important role, for example by keeping gutters clear of moss and other blockages. Don’t forget floods can also be caused by incidents such as burst pipes, so you should make sure you’re prepared in case the worst should happen. You can also sign up for flood risk alerts at www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
Have you got an ‘emergency grab bag’?
If a flood or similar incident should occur, having a pre-prepared bag of essentials can make a big difference. Why not make a grab bag containing:
• A list of useful contact numbers – e.g for your councils, utility providers, insurance company
• Torch & spare batteries
• First aid kit
You should also check you know how to shut off your electricity or gas supply and consider where you, your pets, and belongings could easily be relocated to stay safe.
Flooding? Know who to call
• Flooding in your area? Report it using the Norfolk Flood Hotline: 0344 800 8013
Your Breckland Council contact directory
Apply online!
You can apply for lots of services we provide at www.breckland.gov.uk/ applyforit By clicking online you can apply for housing and council tax benefits, building control inspections, garden waste collections, council tax E-billing, voting registration and more!
Waste enquiries
See it. Report it. Sort it!
Come across an issue that affects you, your property or your community? Let us know by using our quick and efficient online reporting system at www.breckland.gov.uk/reportit
For queries about missed bins or new bin orders, contact Serco on 0330 109 9220
Pay for it
Visit our website to pay invoices, council tax, business rates or benefits over-payments online. You can also set up a direct debit to pay your Council Tax on a monthly date that suits you. www.breckland.gov.uk/payforit
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 at www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland
Find out first
Receive email alerts about the things that matter, from news and events, to council and committee papers, consultation documents and job vacancies - as soon as possible. You can subscribe or amend your existing preferences at www.breckland.gov.uk/email-updates
Your 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. If you need this magazine in large print, or in an alternative version, or you know someone who has not received their copy, please get in touch by calling 01362 656870 or via www.breckland.gov.uk/contactus
Your Breckland is printed on chlorine-free paper from managed forests. Information correct at time of going to print. Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE. Local centres: www.breckland.gov.uk/visitus
Keep in touch
If you need help or advice, contact our expert Customer Service staff at www.breckland.gov.uk/contactus or call 01362 656870 @BreckCouncil
Breckland Council