RUBBISH collections, a proposed new health care centre and local government reorganisation were among the many topics discussed at a lively meeting of Hopton Parish Council.

RUBBISH collections, a proposed new health care centre and local government reorganisation were among the many topics discussed at a lively meeting of Hopton Parish Council.

The meeting began with a report from PCSO Dave Nickerson who said there had been 32 incident calls from the village during August, which resulted in seven crimes.

A brief report was given following the Key Individual Network meeting on August 28 and priority areas set for the next three months include parking around the school on Coast Road and speeding vehicles in the areas of Links Road, Station Road and Coast Road.

Following reports by Hopton's Community Speedwatch Team concerning speeding vehicles along Links Road, the police attended several times and a number of speeding tickets were issued; the highest speed recorded was 50mph in the 30mph limit.

Cllr Howard Shepherdson reported that despite EDF Energy digging up the road to connect a new street light on Station Road, they had been unable to proceed due to underground pipes.

Chairman Cllr Mike Butcher confirmed that a new barrier is in place on Beach Road with a secure padlock. Keys issued previously to homeowners whose boundary is the high water mark would still be able to use them. A new notice was also in place and keys could be hired from the parish council, subject to terms and conditions.

Cllr Ken Hicks reported the stage two application, business plan and supporting documentation had been completed and delivered to the Big Lottery Fund on behalf of the village hall management trust. It is hoped the decision will be made known in January.

There was discussion of Barchester Health Care's plans for the old garden centre site in Lowestoft Road. Cllr Hicks reported a further meeting had taken place with representatives from Barchester to answer queries raised by residents.

The issue of traffic was raised, which will be looked at further by the county council. On doctors, Barchester would normally have a contract with a local doctor. If, however, a local doctor was unwilling to take on patients it would be up to the PCT to find one.

Barchester said a manager would be appointed six months before completion of the works who would be responsible for recruitment with advertisements placed locally.

The company has been asked to consider making a voluntary financial donation towards the cost of building the new village hall.

It was proposed by Cllr Hicks, seconded by Cllr Gent and unanimously agreed to approve the plans, with ongoing negotiation regarding a possible voluntary contribution.

Following a brief discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Julie Woods and unanimously agreed to write to the PCT requesting extended opening hours at Hopton's Medical Centre.

Councillors decided not to respond formally on the Boundary Committee's recommendation and three options regarding local government reorganisation.

Other matters discussed included the adoption of roads and footpaths on the Persimmon Homes Estate and a Saturday morning rubbish collection.

Many requests had been made for a one-off additional refuse collection before the end of the year and it was agreed to pay for the service. Details will be in Village View.

The next meeting is on Monday, October 13 at 7pm in the village hall.