Just Hellesdon

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It’s great we can wish a very special happy birthday to Rita Tyrrell in this edition of Just Hellesdon. Rita has just celebrated her 100th birthday and she has pride of place on the front of this month’s issue.

Rita has lived a long and rich life and enjoyed some very special celebrations to mark her 100th birthday. You can read the full story on page 6.

This edition also features the inspiring story of a charity football tournament organised in memory of former Hellesdon High School student Lewis Calver, who died suddenly last year at the age of 24. Friends and family came together for the event at Lewis’s old school and you can help by making a donation to the SUDEP Action charity. Turn to page 4 to find out more.

Just Hellesdon regularly pays tribute to the dedication of people who serve our community and this edition reports on a special honour for local councillors Shelagh Gurney and Lacey Douglass. They were nominated as community champions and appeared at a special event to mark the work of people dedicated to helping others across the county. The full story is on page 5.

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Hellesdon

Charity football tournament is held in memory of Lewis

REMEMBERED: Lewis Calver, who passed away last year.

Family and friends turned out for a charity football tournament held in memory of Lewis Calver, a much-loved former pupil of Hellesdon High School.

The school was the venue for the inaugural Lewis Calver Cup five-a-side tournament, organised by Tom Wright, a friend of Lewis. Lewis passed away unexpectedly last year, aged 24.

Lewis and his family have had a long association with Hellesdon High, with both his younger brothers Ollie and Liam attending there and his mum Christine helping to set up the current PTA in November 2010.

Lewis also attended Arden Grove Infant School and Firside Junior School.

Christine said: “Lewis was a wonderful young man who had a positive impact on everyone he came into contact with. Lewis’s popularity was evident for all to see on the day as over 180 people came to watch or take part in the games during the afternoon.

“The games were played in a fantastic spirit and everyone enjoyed coming together to remember Lewis with great fondness.”

As well as teams from ex- high school students, there were also teams from ex-Hellesdon Youth Football Club, Saffron Housing Trust Ltd (where Lewis worked as a carpenter) together with friends and family. The winning team at the tournament on Saturday, June 24 was ‘Only Kruls and Horses’ who beat ‘The Boys’ 3-0 in a pulsating final.

Lewis’s family said: “A huge thank you to

ORGANISER: Lewis’s friend Tom Wright, who organised the tournament.

Tom Wright and Mr Stevenson, Assistant Principal at Hellesdon High School, for organising this wonderful event to give all Lewis’s friends, work colleagues from Saffron Housing Trust Ltd and family a chance to get together and remember him, as well as raising some money for our chosen charity SUDEP Action.

“Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us, from Christine, James, Ollie and Liam.”

If you would like to donate to Lewis’s family’s chosen charity, SUDEP Action, please visit the following link: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/lewiscalver

WINNERS: Victorious team ‘Only Kruls and Horses’ are pictured receiving their trophy from Christine and James.

RUNNERS-UP: ‘The Boys’ finished second in the football tournament.

FRIENDS: Some of Lewis’s friends played for team Chloe’s Super Six. Also pictured is Lewis’s girlfriend Chloe.

PROUD: Lewis’s family (L-R) Ollie, Christine, Liam and James.

Councillors honoured to be named community champions

Two Hellesdon councillors have been honoured for their work in the community at a high profile event.

Shelagh Gurney and Lacey Douglass joined other community champions for a special tribute to their work during the Royal Norfolk Show.

The event was organised to mark the Coronation of the King and Queen and their commitment to supporting community cohesion and volunteering.

The tribute involved the assembled community champions taking part in a massed gathering in the show’s Grand Ring where they were addressed by the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Lady Dannatt. Shelagh, who represents Hellesdon as parish, district and county councillor, said: “Lacey Douglass and I were delighted and honoured to be nominated by the residents of the parish for this community award.

“It was in recognition of the work we both do as members of Hellesdon Parish Council, a voluntary opportunity that we

both enjoy and work hard to help the residents of Hellesdon.”

The tribute was organised in partnership between the Norfolk Lieutenancy and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) to say thank you to those who do so much for Norfolk’s communities.

Lacey, who represents Hellesdon as a parish and district councillor, said: “It was an honour to have been nominated as a Community Champion as I know there are many people in Hellesdon who we all know are our Community Champions and work incredibly hard for the community.

“To see so many people from around Norfolk celebrated for their work in their communities was humbling and to be a part of such a celebration was a privilege.”

Mark Nicholas, Managing Director of the RNAA, said: “The Royal Norfolk Show has a long history of recognising achievement and this year we are particularly delighted to promote Norfolk’s champions, who do so much for their communities.”

Ray’s decade of dedication

A local care professional is celebrating his 10-year anniversary working in home care – and he is calling for others of retirement age to follow in his footsteps.

Ray, aged 68, joined Home Instead Norwich in 2013, having spent years working as a joiner, fitting kitchens and bathrooms in a range of businesses including care homes.

This was where he began learning the effects of old age and dementia.

And when he retired, it didn’t take him long to realise that he wasn’t done with working yet.

As someone who hadn’t worked in care previously, Ray, who lives in Eaton, wasn’t sure if he was right for the role.

After some comprehensive training and guidance from the rest of the team, he began looking after clients in their own homes – and hasn’t looked back since.

He said: “I have had a happy 10 years working at Home Instead and have gained many fond memories which I cherish.

“I wish I had taken up a career in care sooner!

“This is the first job I’ve had where I am happy to wake up and jump out of bed to take care of my clients. My advice would be if you’re thinking about working in care, do it!

“I know the feeling: you have retired but you still feel you have something to give to the community.

“If you’re in this position, then working in care could be your outlet to making a difference.”

In his role, Ray provides support to older people, helping with their daily lives – including meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care, medication reminders, shopping, running errands and, most importantly, providing companionship.

To find out more about Home Instead Norwich, call 01603 963317 or visit www. homeinstead.co.uk/norwich

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PROUD: Lacey Douglass (left) and Shelagh Gurney are pictured at the Community Champions event.

ACHIEVEMENT: Ray is pictured (left) with Home Instead owner Chris Carter.

Big birthday celebrations held for centenarian Rita

Three parties, nearly 200 cards – including one from the King and Queen – and lots of good wishes helped mark Rita Tyrrell’s 100th birthday.

Rita, a former art teacher, says one of the reasons for her long life were her regular swimming sessions, which she was still enjoying into her late 90s.

Now a resident at The Limes care home in Drayton Wood Road, Hellesdon, Rita was treated to a party which involved a singalong and birthday tea.

She also had a 1920s-themed celebration at the Salvation Army base, where she regularly visits, and another party organised by her family.

“It’s wonderful when I get my family together because they come from far and wide. It’s so lovely,” said Rita, who appears on the front page of this edition of Just Hellesdon.

Entertainer Nick Stephenson appeared at The Limes to lead a celebration singalong, which was enjoyed by Rita and everyone there to mark her centenary.

“There were nice songs – easy songs,” added Rita. “I like soft music – that suits me nicely.”

Rita moved to The Limes around five months ago after many years living in her family home in Bramble Avenue, Hellesdon – a house she and her husband Roland built from scratch.

Roland, who was known as Bob, was a builder by trade and he drew up plans for the couple’s dream home after buying a plot of land for £850.

The house took just over two years to build and when asked if she acted as Bob’s assistant, Rita replied: “Assistant?! I should reckon I was more than that! It was built

PARTY TIME: Celebrations take place to mark Rita Tyrrell’s 100th birthday.

on sweat and swear words, but we got through.”

Rita remembers breaking down lots of rubble into smaller pieces and this was all done while she worked as a full-time secretary at a plan printing firm in Norwich.

The couple, who were married in 1943, had two sons, Danny and Roger, and the family developed a love of sailing, which continues to this day.

Bob died in 2003 and Roger passed away in 2020. Danny is now 77 and Rita enjoys meeting up with him and her wider family –including daughters-in-law Penny and Ria, grandchildren Amy, Jonathan, Louise, Sam and Will, and great grandchildren Ethan, Kingsley, Lily, Florence and George.

Rita was also a keen self-taught artist and held classes at the Norman Centre for more than 30 years.

Her love of art began when she was young and her father worked at the National Gallery, in London. He encouraged Rita to look closely at paintings and she picked up her love of art from this – particularly enjoying painting landscape scenes in watercolours.

She went on to share her skills with others, saying: “I taught painting. Those who couldn't paint, I helped. And those who could, I encouraged more.

“Some were already good artists but they liked a little bit of encouragement. It was

very good and it lasted 31 years.”

The family home developed by Rita and Bob also included a separate studio where she could paint.

Rita grew up in London and, as well as her mum and dad, her family was made up of two brothers and two sisters.

Bob served with the Army during the Second World War and Rita worked as a teleprinter operator with the Women’s Royal Air Force.

Later, Bob and Rita moved to Norfolk, where Bob’s mother lived, and the couple eventually settled in Hellesdon in the house they built.

Despite a busy family and working life, Rita found time for early morning swims for many years and she continued with this into her late 90s.

Rita said swimming set her up for the day ahead.

“I loved swimming - it was lovely,” said Rita, who feels this played a major role in her long life.

Unfortunately, Rita had to give up swimming after the pandemic forced the closure of swimming pools.

But she does daily exercises at The Limes and is proud that she is still able to touch her toes.

And when asked if she’s looking forward to her 101st birthday, Rita replied: “I’m thinking of 106!”

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Rackheath Vets has been open for over six months and celebrated by opening its doors to the public, allowing people to explore the premises and learn more about the services offered.

During the event, the friendly receptionists warmly greeted visitors, guiding them around the practice, answering any questions, and assisting with client registrations. As guests were shown around, the knowledgeable veterinarians and nurses were available to provide information about the various procedures and treatments involved in pet check-ups and surgeries.

Wolfie, the mischievous resident puppet dog known for his love of sausages, was present to meet and interact with the children. Wolfie was on his best behaviour, ensuring a delightful experience for the little ones.

The open evening provided a fantastic opportunity for the public to meet the staff, and gain insights into the veterinary services provided. It was an enjoyable occasion for both children and adults alike.

You can register your pets by calling Rackheath Vets on 01603 955056 and speaking to our friendly reception team.

We also offer same-day appointments.

Rackheath Vets is just off the NDR and is open Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday: 8.30 a.m.–12.30 p.m.

Beavers get up close to local wildlife

Members of Hellesdon Beavers got the chance to meet some feathered and prickly friends at a recent meeting.

Ben, one of the Beavers’ young leaders, volunteers for the Hallswood animal sanctuary and he brought along three pigeons and a pair of hedgehogs to introduce to the group. The pigeons needed releasing into the wild and the scout hut was the perfect place for that to happen as it is surrounded by trees and protected from the road.

Beaver Scout Leader Rosie Gordon said: “He brought the birds along in crates and got them out one by one. As the birds flew away the Beavers

waved goodbye to them, in the faint hope that they might like to make the scout hut their home.

“At that point the beavers asked why Hallswood had the birds and it was a good time to explain what the charity did.”

After that, attention turned to the hedgehogs. The children listened as Ben talked about what was so special about them and why they need looking after. They talked about their food, how easily they can lose weight and get sick and what to do if you find one in the wild.

Then both hedgehogs came out of their crates and the Beavers came to say hello to them, stroking their quills and feeling their bellies and legs.

Rosie said: “None of them had interacted with the animals before so it was a delight to see them being brave and learning at the same time.

“By the end some of the Beavers had the confidence to hold them in their arms.

“One of the hedgehogs was

very boisterous. It ran around on the table confidently making us all laugh.”

She added that the Beavers asked a lot of questions and had a fun day.

The Beavers meet at the 2nd Hellesdon Scouts base in Middletons Lane.

ANIMAL MAGIC: Hellesdon Beavers with two of the hedgehogs brought to visit them.

Hellesdon Parish Council

Meet Your Councillors

CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL

Bill Johnson email: billjohnson@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk Tel: 07815 442078

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL

Lacey Douglass email: laceydouglass@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk Tel: 07736 319987

PARISH COUNCILLORS

HELLESDON NORTH WEST WARD

Greg Britton 07538 605775 email: gregbritton@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

David Fahy 01603 474326 email: davidfahy@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Shelagh Gurney 01603 403122 email: shelaghgurney@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Bill Johnson 07815 442078 email: billjohnson@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Ian Duckett ianduckett@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Hellesdon Scarecrow Festival 2023

Schools may have only just broken up for the summer holidays but we are already thinking about the Scarecrow Festival, which will run from October 21 through to October 29.

There won’t be a theme this year so all residents will have the opportunity to participate and be extra creative.

As in previous years, entrants just need to let the office know their address so they can be included on the trail map for others to admire their creation. We will also be running a photo competition via our Facebook page so entrants will need to submit a photo of their scarecrow to be included in the competition.

Look out for further details in the forthcoming issues of Just Hellesdon and on our Facebook page.

NEXT MEETING

The next full council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 12 at 7pm in the council office in Wood View Road.

Further details will be available on the council website –Hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Andrew Lock andrewlock@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

David Maidstone davidmaidstone@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Sarah Smith sarahsmith@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

HELLESDON SOUTH EAST WARD

David Britcher 01603 416208 email: davidbritcher@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Paula Sparkes 07905 449904 email: paulasparkes@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Lacey Douglass 07736 319987 email: laceydouglass@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Gemma Diffey 07305 352669 email: gemmadiffey@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Roy Forder royforder@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Robin Sear robinsear@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Nigel Barker nigelbarker@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Susan Holland sueholland@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

If you are uncertain about which ward you live in, please contact the Parish Office on 01603 301751. In addition to details stated, all councillors are contactable through the Parish Council Office

BROADLAND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

HELLESDON NORTH WEST WARD

Shelagh Gurney 01603 403122 email: cllr.shelagh.gurney@ southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

Bill Johnson 07815 442078 email: cllr.bill. johnson@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCILLOR

HELLESDON SOUTH EAST WARD

Lacey Douglass 07736 319987 email: cllr. lacey.douglass@southnorfolkandbroadland. gov.uk

Simon Jones 07810 204611 cllr.simon. jones@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

Shelagh Gurney 01603 403122 email: shelagh.gurney@norfolk.gov.uk

CONTACTING THE PARISH COUNCIL

Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm (closed Bank Holidays). The council offices are open to the public from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Write to: Council Offices, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon Norwich NR6 5QB.

Telephone: 01603 301751 (answerphone outside normal office hours)

Email: Addresses vary depending on the nature of the enquiry as follows:

Faye LeBon: Parish clerk – clerk@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Gavin Ellis: Financial officer – finance@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Maureen Malagon: Community centre bookings and general enquiries –support@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Kevin Sage: Facilities manager – grounds@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Louise Pointin: Allotments and general enquiries – senioradmin@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Chance to learn more about our local history

Norfolk Heritage Open Days return next month with hundreds of free events taking place across the county – including some in the Hellesdon area.

The Open Days event runs from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 17. On Saturday, September 9 (noon-4pm) you can drop into St Paul’s Church, in Hawthorne Avenue, to learn more about Hellesdon’s buildings. Enjoy displays of photographs, maps, census information and artwork, with activities for all ages.

On the same day there are tours of the East Anglian Air Ambulance HQ at Helimed House, Hangar 14, Gambling Close, with a chance to meet the team. The tours are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Book at norfolkhods.ticketsolve.com

On Saturday, September 16, join the Friends of Norwich City Station on a walking tour along the former Midland and Great Northern Railway from City Station to Hellesdon Station. The walk starts on Marriott’s Way at Barn Road at 2pm, on the

footpath named after the railway’s chief engineer and locomotive superintendent, William Marriott. Book your place norfolkhods.ticketsolve.com

Booking for pre-book events opens on Monday, August 21 at 10am and there will be plenty of events, activities, and experiences where you can just turn up.

The event allows visitors to explore boats, theatres, abbeys, parks, windmills, churches, railways, old hospitals, and much more, all for free. The theme for Heritage Open Days 2023 is ‘Creativity Unwrapped’, with organisers celebrating inspiration in all its forms, from photography to literature to garden design.

Alongside all these events, The Forum will be hosting an exhibition celebrating the centenary of The Norwich Society, where 100 photos will be on display showcasing the work the society has done to preserve and protect the city’s architecture.

The Norfolk Heritage Open Days brochure has just been released. Copies can be collected from The Forum, from libraries and other locations across the county. A virtual brochure can also be downloaded from norfolkheritageopendays.co.uk

Norfolk Heritage Open Days is coordinated by The Forum and is part of the national Heritage Open Days. Find out more at norfolkheritageopendays.co.uk

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It’s show time!

Preparations for the 75th Aylsham Show are in full swing and everyone is set for another fabulous day on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.

Apart from a few Market Lane and Food Hall spaces which are still available, the show has received record applications for trade stands and sponsorship.

And there is a full line-up of events both in the Main Ring and the Countryside Ring with something for everyone to enjoy.

To mark the show’s 75th anniversary there will be a special show pageant in the main ring and another highlight of the day looks to be the return of the ever popular circus tent.

Along with all the fun and games there will be classes for livestock and equestrian events and, of course, some of the best food and drink Norfolk has to offer. And organisers hope that improvements to the access to Blickling Park will mean traffic will be kept running smoothly.

The priority in Penfold Street, in Aylsham will be reversed from 8am and 4pm on show day to keep things moving and drivers are asked to follow the AA signs to the car parks where stewards will be on hand to help direct them to a space.

A land train will operate around the showground so you can hop on and off at

various attractions as well as two six-seater buggies which offer a shuttle service between the main admission gate, the food hall and the picnic areas by the lake. Since the show started in 1946, it has contributed nearly £1m to local charitable organisations and it is hoped this year will swell that total even more.

t Discounted advanced ticket purchases are available online or at selected outlets at £21 (a £4 discount on the Show Day price) per adult. There is no charge for accompanied children aged 16 and under and car parking is free. Visit www.theaylshamshow.co.uk to buy yours or to see a list of places you can pick them up in person.

MAIN RING HIGHLIGHTS

9.30am Private and Trade driving classes

128-131

10.45am Heavy Horses display

11.30am and 3.45pm Mounted games

Noon The arrival of president Roger Long and Yvonne Long

12.10pm Children’s fancy dress

12.25pm and 4.45pm Moto Stunts

International

1pm The Tigers Army Parachute Display

Team

1.30pm and 4.15pm HOH Equestrian Display Team

2pm The 75th Aylsham Show Pageant

2.45pm Children’s sack race

3pm Grand Parade and presentation of cups and trophies

5.15pm Children’s Tug of War. All

COUNTRYSIDE RING

10.30am and 1pm Norfolk & Suffolk Flyfishers Society

11am and 1.30pm Wills Working Spaniels

11.30am and 2pm Fens Falconry display

Noon and 2.30pm Dog and sheep display

12.30pm Nar Valley Bloodhounds

3pm Norfolk Military Vehicles Group display

3.30pm Classic Cars display

4pm Starting Handle Club display

There will be site maps at the showground with more details of events.

BEST IN SHOW: One of the entrants from last year.

PHOTO: IAN GRAVENELL

Go exploring by bicycle!

This summer, Broadland District Council is holding cycle sessions at Broadland Country Park to encourage families to get on their bikes and explore the beautiful local countryside.

Deputy leader Natasha Harpley said: “We're so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world and cycling is such a good way to explore the fabulous countryside right on our doorstep, whilst also being active.

“Cycling is a fun, low-cost activity that families can enjoy together over the holidays and beyond.

“These events encourage families to have a go at cycling together and also gives them the skills they need to stay safe and get the most out of their bike rides."

The first event in the series was on July 29 when families were invited to go along to the Country Park to get their bikes in tip top condition at a maintenance session.

On August 19, there will be a fun group ride which will take visitors around the

riders can discover more about where to enjoy cycling in the county. There will also be family activities, including outside games, arts and crafts as well as the chance to practise newly gained cycling skills around the park.

These events are open to all ages and abilities and accessible bikes will be available.

t Tickets are £5 per family. To book, visit southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/ broadlandcountrypark

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CYCLING FUN: Broadland Country Park is a great place to ride our bikes, and this summer there are some events lined up to make it even more enjoyable.

Public meetings to be held to discuss parking problems

Two public meetings are to be held in Hellesdon to discuss the issue of parking around a busy pub.

Residents living near The Whiffler pub, off Boundary Road, have expressed concerns about anti-social parking in the area, so meetings are to be held on August 22 and September 25 to hear those concerns. The meetings have been organised by Hellesdon South East Ward district councillors Lacey Douglass and Simon Jones.

Lacey said: “The parking has caused residents problems for many years but has been exacerbated by the removal of their front car park during the first lockdown in 2020 to be replaced by an outdoor seating area.

“When Simon Jones and myself were campaigning for the recent local elections, the issues around City View Road, Hercules Road and Coronation Road were the number one issue that residents spoke to us about.

“We’ve both witnessed the anti-social parking and how public safety is being impacted with cars forced to drive along the pavement to navigate the parked cars.

“For us to not try and find a solution that works for residents, taxpayers, patrons of the pub and the pub business would mean we would be ignoring residents’ concerns.”

Lacey added that the public meeting on Monday September 25 will have representatives from the police, Licencing and Highways in attendance. It takes place

at 7.30pm in Hellesdon Community Centre and all are welcome to attend.

Wetherspoon, which owns The Whiffler, will host residents on Tuesday, August 22 at 7pm at the pub so they can hear their concerns.

A Wetherspoon statement said: “Wetherspoon is aware of local concerns regarding parking near the pub.

“A neighbourhood meeting has been arranged for August 22 between representatives from the company, local ward councillors, the licensing officer and local residents to discuss the issue, including to what extent it is caused by customers using the pub and whether the addition of double yellow lines on the roads in question could help.”

Your chance to visit this stunning garden

Garden lovers looking for some late summer colour will be able to visit this beautiful garden in Hellesdon.

The garden at 33 Waldemar Avenue will welcome visitors on Sunday, September 3 as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

A spokesperson for the NGS said there would be still be plenty of colour in gardens during September, adding: “There is an exciting mix of exotic and tropical at Waldemar Avenue and garden owner Sonja feels that ‘to make a garden is to believe in tomorrow’.”

The garden will open from 10am-5pm and entry is £5 (free for children). Homemade teas will also be served.

The NGS website says the garden at Waldemar Avenue is: “A surprising and large suburban garden with different areas which include a mix of exotic and tropical plants combined with unusual perennials. “There is a quirky palm-thatched Tiki hut,

a treehouse draped in plants and a wildlife pond with rare plants.” Before paying a visit to a garden visitors

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GLORIOUS: The garden at 33 Waldemar Avenue, Hellesdon, will open to the public on September 3.

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An MP has spoken of her concern following the announcement of a local branch of NatWest bank.

NatWest says its Boundary Road branch will shut on October 31 and Norwich North MP Chloe Smith has written to the bank’s chief executive to oppose the decision and seek assurances for her constituents.

Chloe (pictured) said: "I am concerned and disappointed that yet another local banking branch is closing.”

She pointed to the closure of the Mile Cross HSBC branch at the end of July and added: “The community need resilient and high quality services in the area.

“The industrial estates and facilities in the north of the city really matter, with businesses big and small and significant regional assets like the airport. I want

the local economy to thrive, with the right services that people need.”

Chloe’s letter to NatWest says: “Firstly, whilst I appreciate that personal banking has changed dramatically in recent years, I note that in your report the NatWest Boundary Road branch was regularly used by 237 business customer(s) in 2022. This finding reflects the branch’s location among busy industrial estates, important to the city and regional economy.

“Secondly, the branch also serves residents from nearby housing, where many use cash and need accessible facilities. With a range of issues recently affecting nearby bank and Post Office branches, the community needs resilient and good quality services in the area.”

Chloe’s letter asked for reassurances that

customers will continue to be supported and that staff will be offered “suitable alternatives”.

A NatWest statement said as well as the 237 regular business customers in 2022, there were just two regular personal users in the same period.

It added: “Closing a branch is always difficult and not a decision we ever take lightly.

“We completely understand that online banking isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes you want to chat things through with someone. We promise that you’ll still be able to talk to one of our team either on the phone, by video or in one of our other branches.”

The nearest NatWest branch will be at Gentleman’s Walk in Norwich.

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