Welcome to South Lopham. This is the official website for the Parish. Here you will find details of your Parish Council, your District and County Councillors and your M.P.

There are many links to pages of useful information.

There is also space for you to make comments, carry on debates and advertise your business and also items wanted or for sale, all free of charge.

If you are a visitor, a special welcome to our village and lovely countryside, we hope you will find this site useful in finding places to stay and visit.

Please make a point of signing in regularly to keep up to date with local events and news. Because of the wonder of the internet you can remain in touch with your community wherever you are in the World and always have access to the latest copy of the Lophams' News (which can be seen at the moment on the minutes page).

We welcome contributions to the News area and any items for inclusion should be sent to plc1934@aol.com

By clicking on the FEEDS button you can obtain the latest BBC News Headlines and the weather forecast for this area, you can also listen to Radio Norfolk or Suffolk wherever you are in the World!

Map of South Lopham:

http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm?shop_id=290&mapAction=gaz&gazName=pc&gazString=IP22+2LN

PARISH COUNCIL GUIDANCE NOTE

Community concerns regarding Speeding Vehicles

With regard to Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel ‘priorities’, Parish Councils and residents frequently complain about speeding vehicles, often considered as a form of anti-social behaviour. Norfolk Constabulary aims to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads and much energy (equipment, people & effort) is in this direction. That in no way is declining to support efforts to tackling speeding as a community concern, merely explaining work focus. If presented with information of a speeding issue, the local SNT can use analysts to establish, ‘is there a casualty history near this location?’ Injury casualties are classified as Fatal, Serious and Slight. The SNT will get data on all three, although we target a reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. Many communities will know of more collisions; these are invariably ‘damage only’ incidents which are not recorded as collisions. If the casualty level is of such a concern, then it is highly likely that analysts already know of it and it is being discussed amongst partners. If it is new information to us, then we will inform the appropriate people who will, in turn, speak with the local SNT. Should there be no casualty history, then the second consideration for the SNT will be ‘ok, there is no casualty history but is there evidence of speeding?’ Factors such as engine noise or rural tranquillity can influence people’s judgement about perceived speeding. If possible, an SNT can visit the location and endeavour to make its own assessment. Ask yourself, is it that speeds could be inappropriate for the environment, circumstances or conditions at the time (e.g. outside a school at 1500hrs in heavy rain) or are they actually exceeding the speed limit for that road? The Safety Camera Partnership Speed Data Recorders (SDRs) can be deployed which usually stay in place for a week and provide an accurate profile of traffic volume and speed levels. Because of its value to SNT’s and your community, SDR-sourced data is currently much in demand. Fixed housings/cameras can be installed – these are a major permanent intervention and only installed where there is a significant casualty concern.Mobile enforcement can be undertaken (in highly marked yellow vehicles and from a marked motor cycle); almost always at casualty locations. Please see: www.norfolk-safety-camera.org.uk Community Speed Watch Speedwatch is run by volunteers from local communities who wish to play a part in speed reduction. It is only used to monitor 30 and 40 mph limits during daylight hours.A team is trained in the use of a radar gun and carries out checks in their local community. Each team is provided with guidance and support from a road policing officer and a local police community support officer. A Speedwatch team will never stop a motorist or provide any enforcement.Offending drivers are logged and contacted by letter in the first instance. After a second offence they are again warned and their vehicle targeted for enforcement. Schemes are presently organised through parish councils who provide insurance or a deposit for the equipment. Any organisation could in effect provide this service.This scheme is currently only available in Eastern Area although it is hoped to roll-out countywide shortly – I am collating a list of potential volunteers, so if you know of potential volunteers, please let me know!There are no timescales for the roll-out but this briefing note will be updated when any changes are known. For further guidance and an information pack contact ‘Volunteer recruitment’ on 0845 4564567 or email: volunteer@norfolk.pnn.police.uk SAMs (Speed Awareness Messaging) This is an education option, not an enforcement option, and is undertaken by the Safety Camera Partnership. It is suited to locations with a potential or actual speeding problem but with no casualties. It involves the attendance, usually for 2 hour periods, of a vehicle with numerous logos. A portable sign is deployed and if the driver/rider is complying with the limit it indicates a ‘smiley face’, or if not it flashes the actual speed. The findings, which include some helpful speed data, are published openly. SAM is proving to be impactive and popular in local communities and can be accessed by the public via their Parish/Town Council. SAMs may also be a useful option to SNTs since it generates hard data on vehicle numbers and speeds for the time it is deployed, albeit those speeds are partly influenced by the presence of the SAM vehicle.More information on SAMs, how to access it and the results can all be found on www.makesamsmile.org.uk SNT action. We will consider what can be done locally to address the problem. Amongst the options we have tried so far are: Using speed detection devices to stop and educate driver/riders, coupled with use of the Speed Warning Letter; Leafleting (i) the target/offending audience directly, (ii) local shops, (iii) notice boards, (iv) schools, (v) households (vi) others as identified locally. Schools Initiative Speeding Programme. Aim of the scheme is to educate, slow down and keep motorists to the speed limit where the specific problem has been identified outside a school. Working with the school, once an area has been identified with a speed problem, a laser gun is employed to identify a specific group of drivers. Having stopped driver they are offered a Fixed Penalty Notice for speeding or a verbal warning, given from a local primary school child. The child will speak to the driver from a pre-written and rehearsed warning asking driver not to speed near their school. Impact is very good. Engineering options. The SNT cannot get involved in any discussions on engineering matters such as new road schemes, installing roundabouts, widening junctions, or on lowering of existing speed limits, as any opinion expressed by can be taken to be a definite conclusion in any enquiry.On Trunk Roads (A11, A12 and A47 only) the responsibility is that of the Highways Agency.On virtually all other roads the County Council is the highway authority. They lead on these issues and make the final decision following on from the prescribed consultation process. Much more information can also be accessed via;www.norfolk.gov.uk/consumption/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=3577 Norfolk County Council can be contacted either byemail highways@norfolk.gov.uk or tel 0845 800 8009 The police, via their Area Traffic Management Officers (ATMO) will respond to the consultation process when invited to preview proposed plans and to comment upon them as part of the consultation process, but they do not make the final decision and opinions can be accepted or not. The County Council consults the communities, on proposed building or changing the existing road structure, which includes speed limits through the parish councils and advertising in local newspapers but it is the County Council’s decision as to what changes are made to the roads and which limits are set or which may be changed following review. Norfolk Constabulary is consulted but has no power of veto and any advice given or wishes made known by the constabulary can be accepted or not. The advice from the Constabulary to SNT’s, is that if we wish to progress ideas or thoughts on perceived problems or improvements on the roads, including remodelling, changing signing, white lining, parking restrictions, visibility at junctions, speed limits and anything else pertaining to roads, we must liaise with our ATMO. Parish Councils, who may, for example, wish to consider flashing warning signs and other engineering options, and the partners and organisations referred to within this paper will be more than pleased to constructively respond and communicate with you. PS 3081 PAPWORTH Attleborough Safer Neighbourhood Team.

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Consumer Scam Alerts

We use this page to provide consumers with news about scams. We will provide information about new scams, and new variations on old scams. We will explain how to avoid scams and how to report them.

The most recent alerts appear on this page.

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Older People Targeted in Holiday Scam – August 2008

Older Norfolk residents are being contacted by telephone and persuaded to pay for bargain holidays that often will not materialise. Typically these are flights and hotels for a group of people to destinations such as Florida for only a few hundred pounds.

High-pressure sales tactics are used, such as keeping them on the phone for long periods of time. The people who have been affected are often left confused and unable to recall what they were told or what they agreed to.

The only contact details given is an American telephone number and so far the people have been unable to cancel the holidays and obtain a refund.

Unfortunately once someone has been targeted and has lost money to a scam their details often get sold on which means they are inundated by scam mailings and calls.

If you are contacted and offered a fantastic holiday opportunity Trading Standards has this advice: -

• Do not sign or agree to anything straight away. Ask for a few days to go over the paperwork or what you have been told so you can make an informed decision.

• Find out if the company has any cancellation rights and if these are written down.

• Ensure everything that was promised to you is confirmed in writing before handing over any payment details.

If you care for an older or vulnerable person you can take the following steps to help protect them from scams: -

• Be Alert - look for warning signs such as the person receiving a lot of junk mail or unsolicited calls, suddenly becoming secretive regarding their finances, or if you start to notice a lot of new cheap-looking goods in their house.

• Offer advice - people are often too embarrassed to admit they have fallen for a scam so try to reassure them rather than criticise them. It is also helpful if you talk to them about correspondence they receive and offer advice such as not replying straight away to offers, speaking to someone they trust first and never giving anyone their personal details even if they claim they only want to confirm them.

• Get Help - even if the person is reluctant to talk about it, it is important you do not give up trying to help as often the scammer will not stop until the victim’s money has run out.

If you or anyone you care for has or been scammed contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Buying Puppies Online - 14 August 2008

Two Norfolk residents have recently been scammed when ordering pedigree dogs online. The dogs are advertised on free advert websites saying they are free with only a few hundred pounds charged for the cost for delivery. The adverts claim the dogs are in Ireland but payment via money gram is required to an address in Cameroon, Africa. The seller or someone claiming to be from an insurance company then asks for more money typically for vet bills and quarantine. These demands can add up to hundreds or thousands of pounds. One consumer was told their dog would be arriving into Heathrow Airport that day.

When contacted, Heathrow Airport confirmed that these animals do not exist and they regularly receive calls from members of the public who have been scammed in the same way. They ask that if anyone has bought an animal from a website and has been told it will be arriving at Heathrow from Cameroon that they send the details to lissa.Ireland@cityoflondon.gov.uk as they are collating them to decide on the next course of action.

Our advice to people wanting to buy pets is to always go to a local reputable breeder or pet shop. Whilst these adverts online may look genuine you do not know who you are dealing with and will have no way of cancelling your contract or getting your money back.

Suspected Rogue Traders – 13 August 2008

Residents of Norfolk are warned to be vigilant after a number of suspected rogue traders have been calling at homes in recent days. Incidents have been reported throughout the county. They have been offering items such as pressure washers, power tools and generators.

Norfolk County Council Trading Standards advise that residents never buy goods or agree to have work done from someone who calls unannounced at their door.

Anyone who has been approached by people offering such items or have in fact bought them or would like any further advice can call the national consumer helpline, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Residents warned of Rogue Paving Traders – 10 July 2008

Please click here to view press release.

Potential Rogue Traders – 3 July 2008

We have received several reports over the last few days of potential rogue traders in the Norwich area. Householders have been approached by men offering to tarmac or shingle driveways or power wash.

The latest incident reported today was in South Norwich where two men were trying to sell shingle and tarmac from the back of a yellow flat bed truck.

We would always advise householders to think before agreeing to unsolicited trading of this kind. Remember you would normally have 7 days in which to cancel this type of contract. Further advice can be obtained from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Itinerant Roofers – 12 June 2008

Residents in the Norwich area have been approached by two men offering to repair their roofs. They have been using high pressure sales techniques and have not been offering cancellation rights.

We would advise that when considering household repairs that you use a reliable local trader, avoiding cold callers. Obtain at least three written quotes and ask friends and neighbours to recommend. Anyone experiencing problems with traders or needing further advice can call consumer direct on 08454 04 05 06.

More Fish Sellers – 6 June 2008

We have reports of two male fish sellers subjecting householders to high pressure sales techniques. As our previous alert of the 12 May we would advise that the fish may be of inferior quality, overpriced and not the way it was described to you.

These people usually do not offer the right to cancel as they should, so once you have agreed to buy they will make it very difficult for you to change your mind.

For further advice or if you would like to report a potential rogue trader, please call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Itinerant Fish Sellers – 12 May 2008

Consumers across Norfolk have been approached by people selling frozen fish door to door. Two men and a woman work from an unmarked white van.

Householders have parted with several hundred pounds. Trading Standards advise that the fish maybe of inferior quality, overpriced and does not match the description given by the salesperson.

Consumers are reminded that they should be given cancellation rights on a doorstep sale over £35. Any seller not offering this is acting illegally. For further advice please call our Consumer Direct helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

Parish News