15th May 2009
Anglian Water pipeline through the Parish - 20th May for 4-6 weeks
7th June 2009
On the 12th May 2009 a pumping station failure on Queens Hill resulted in sewage being split into the River Tud. South Norfolk Council Environmental Protection Officers were made aware of the problem and contacted the Environment Agency. Sadly, no-one chose to contact the Parish Council or its representatives who only became aware of the problems on Monday 1st June. Some residents phoned the Parish Council offices to register their concern.
Prompt action followed as District Councillors and Parish Council officers contacted South Norfolk and the Environment Agency asking if there was a possible health hazard especially as the Tud runs through Longwater and Gunton Lane Recreation Grounds.
Environmental Health Officers have now assured us that the problem at Queens Hill has been identified and further spillages will NOT take place. Sewage is being taken by tank off site until the offending pump can be repaired.
In the meantime, South Norfolk Environmental Services have recommended that the current planning application for the development of Phase 3 at Queens Hill includes the condition that:
“No building work shall commence until the developer can provide details to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority that the existing foul drainage system and pumping stations have sufficient capacity for the proposed development.”
Further, South Norfolk Council are in negotiating directly with Cofton administrators to quickly resolve the matter.
Given all these assurances and the progress made to stop possible health concerns, the Parish Council has been told by the Environment Agency that the river is now completely safe.
5th June 2009
The results of the Costessey local elections to the County Council
Tim East Liberal Democrat 1769 votes
Simon Richard Squire Conservative 797 votes
Matin Alan Peek Green 439 votes
Cid Gibbs Lab 222 votes
Majority 972
State of the Parties in Norfolk
