LOCAL NEWS UPDATE 25/01/2019

HOTEL PLAN FOR DISS LOOKS SET TO BE TURNED DOWN 

A plan to build a new hotel and shops in Diss town centre may have failed – yet again.

An application for the proposal, next to the Thatcher’s Needle pub in Park Road, will be discussed by South Norfolk planning councillors next week. But council officers are recommending that the latest application, from the Marston’s brewery chain, for a 27-bedroom hotel and three shops should be turned down.

It’s felt that the development would adversely affect current town centre businesses and harm the setting of the town’s conservation area.

HUNDREDS OF ARRESTS FOR DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING

Almost 350 people were arrested during the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign in Norfolk and Suffolk, a higher total than in the previous year.

The month-long campaign in December saw more drivers testing positive for drugs than alcohol in both counties.  A total of over 1,900 breath tests were carried out, with 144 providing positive readings.  173 drivers failed drugs tests out of the 363 conducted.  In addition, 32 people were arrested for being unfit to drive through drink or drugs or for failing to provide a specimen.

Police call the figures “disappointing”, with so many drivers on the roads driving while under the influence.

TWO CHARGED AFTER A SPATE OF BURGLARIES

Two men have been charged with more than 20 burglaries in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Many of the offences were carried out in South Norfolk, including Harleston, Tasburgh and Tacolneston, as well as Eye and Beccles in Suffolk.  The two, from Little Melton and Norwich, are alleged to have committed the burglaries between February and April last year.  They’ve also been charged in connection with a burglary in Brooke yesterday.

Meanwhile, police are looking for two men who went into a jewellers’ shop in Beccles and threatened staff with a knife. The two, wearing scarves over their faces, left Oliver and J Jewellers’ shop in Blyburgate without taking anything.

FARMERS MEET POLICE TO DISCUSS RURAL CRIME

Farmers in South Norfolk have been warned about a growing increase in rural crime.

They joined colleagues from Breckland at a meeting with Norfolk police to discuss moves to co-ordinate anti-crime measures. Police have warned that the region is being targeted by an organised crime gang, following a recent increase in the number of offences.

BUSINESS BOOST IN SUFFOLK

More new businesses were set up in Suffolk during 2018 than in any previous year.

A total of 4,292 firms were established in the county last year, including just over 600 in Mid-Suffolk.  The start-ups in the county were about a thousand more than companies that were dissolved.

In Norfolk, 4,542 companies started up, that’s about 550 more than closed down.

THE CANARIES  BID TO GET BACK TO THE TOP

A win tomorrow for Norwich City could see them back on top of the Championship.  The Canaries face a tough one though at Carrow Road, against fourth-placed Sheffield United, who are just three points behind. Buendia may miss the game.

Ipswich Town have a difficult visit to Aston Villa, but the home side are on a poor run of form with one win in eight and will again be without influential midfielder Jack Grealish.  The Blues will be hoping for a point at least to help their fight to avoid relegation.

HARLESTON MAY GO SECOND WITH NO GAME

Both Diss Town and Harleston have no games this weekend.

Harleston could be replaced at the top of the table, provided second-placed Mulbarton win at home tomorrow. Harleston, though, will have two games in hand.

New manager at Diss, Jon Abbott says he has no further signings in mind, after bringing in seven new players since he came to the club a few weeks ago.

In rugby, Diss firsts still have injury and other availability problems for their away game at fourth-placed Old Haberdashers.

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