INVESTIGATIONS are currently being made into providing a more effective cleaning service for the smaller roads in Hopton.At their monthly meeting last week, parish councillors heard that the cleaning regime was put in place a few years ago and is due to be revised to meet the needs of the village.

INVESTIGATIONS are currently being made into providing a more effective cleaning service for the smaller roads in Hopton.

At their monthly meeting last week, parish councillors heard that the cleaning regime was put in place a few years ago and is due to be revised to meet the needs of the village.

Phil Carter, cleansing manager with GYB Services, confirmed that a mechanical sweeper goes into the village every two weeks to clean the main roads, and a regular litter pick is also carried out. Options for extending the cleaning could include a pre-clean leaflet drop, requesting that cars parked at the kerbside be moved on a certain day/time.

Mr Carter was asked several questions involving the siting of litter bins, weed killing in gulleys and kerbs, the possibility of grass cutting (Norfolk County Council) being co-ordinated with street cleaning, and gravel around the edge of the skate park to be removed.

Councillors felt co-ordination between the various agencies would make the whole process more high profile. It was advised that any overflowing litter bins or fly tipping can be reported to GYBS on 01493 846846.

Councillors heard that the police had received 63 calls from Hopton during May, of which seven crimes were recorded.

The summer fete on Sunday, August 8 was also discussed and there are more stalls available. Anyone wanting a stall should contact Graham Gibbins on 01502 730923. Groups or organisations wanting to take part in the walking carnival should contact Cllr Julie Woods on 01502 733253 or Cllr Vicky Mummery on 01502 732190. A scarecrow competition will take place again this year.

A report was given about the St Margaret's ruins project and a request by Hopton Primary School in relation to part of the land.

Following discussion it was agreed that the Ruins Committee would seek written clarification that the plan/report meets the criteria laid down by Heritage Lottery and obtain confirmation in writing that all fees will be met and there will be no cost to the parish council.

Borough councillor Steve Ames said he believed Darren Baker of the borough's conservation department, would be happy to assist and provide expertise but that matters had not progressed much further.

The strip of land running north to south on the existing boundary of the school's playing field was discussed and it was agreed in principle to lease this strip of land 52m x 13m to the school at a peppercorn rent for five years, with option to extend. Discussions will now take place with the school.

In other matters discussed, councillors heard of a drainage problem at the junction old Lowestoft Road, Station Road and up to The Laurels. The main drain gets blocked twice a year and requires cleaning out. Fatty deposits are blocking it in the same place each time. It was agreed to ask Anglian Water to investigate the problem.

A new neighbourhood watch scheme is being set up by residents living at Trafalgar Grange,with support from the police. The cost of three signs will be approximately �75 and councillors unanimously agreed to support the new venture and pay for the signs.

During public participation issues raised included: a jet skier too close to the beach and the main roundabouts being overgrown again.

The next meeting is on Monday, July 13, 7pm at the village halll,Station Road.