Village News Archive

News from the Winterton-on-Sea Parish Council & the village, June 2020

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: The deadline is looming for people in the village to have their say on the latest draft of the neighbourhood plan. Hard copies of the plan and the consultation are available from the post office. The online version of the plan can be viewed here and the online questionnaire here.

The consultation period was extended to 9th July because there was concern the

Covid

had made it more difficult for some to view the blueprint for future

development.

At Wednesday’s parish council meeting Cllr Mark Bobby urged those who had not

seen it to take a look.

There are hard copies at the post office and it is available on the parish council website.

PARKING SPACE: The parish council has re-opened the playing field car park after the

Government announced the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The facility was shut to the public, although cricket and bowls club members were able to use it.

Cllr Marie Hartley said at Wednesday’s meeting: “We were mindful of local public opinion, there were concerns that it is close to homes and about visitors to the village.”

She explained the council had tried to encourage visitors to use the beach car park instead.

But there were local people who used the field for dog walking and the car park would be useful for them.

“There is no reason why we should keep the car park closed. Great Yarmouth Borough Council has taken that decision and we need to follow suit,” she said.

ONE DIRECTION: Signs that were put up around the village during the lockdown telling visitors to stay away are to be removed.

But others pointing drivers in the direction of the beach car park are set to be kept in a bid to reduce congestion, the parish council has decided.

HOLIDAY TRAFFIC: The parish council has been urged to come up with a management scheme to cope with a likely increase in traffic caused by people holidaying in the UK.

Cllr Marie Hartley said it was probably too late to organise anything for this summer, but she felt a one way system needed to be adopted, drawing vehicles down through the village and out along the Craft and studying this summer’s traffic would help.

“We should be able to work out the logistics of how flow will work in the future and we have got a period here that we could actually use as a bit of a pilot to see what works and what doesn’t work.

The parking situation in the village had got worse as the weather had heated up, said Cllr John Smithson. There had been complaints about parking around the village hall, particularly caravanettes that were left there for the day.

One night after the car park had closed 17 cars could be seen parked on

double yellow lines on Beach Road, Cllr Nigel Coe told the meeting. “If 17

drivers went home later that night with parking tickets they might think again.”

Cllr Hartley said she understood borough parking enforcement officers had

been re-deployed to other roles because of the coronavirus but they were

coming back into the department.

Borough councillor James Bensly said he would ask for them to be sent out to

Winterton.

NOTE: The car park will close at 7.00pm every evening. Please ensure you

return to your car before then to avoid being locked in. It is illegal to park or

camp overnight on the car park and camp fires and barbecues are also

forbidden.

AN INCONVENIENT TIME: The public loos could be reopened by the end of July.

The disabled toilet is currently open during the day while the ladies and gents are being given a complete revamp.

The work is part of a major modernisation scheme for the borough council’s seasonal toilets including blocks at Hemsby, Scratby and Caister. But it ran into problems when the lockdown caused difficulty in obtaining materials.

Parish councillor Mark Bobby told colleagues on Wednesday the plan was to finish and re-open one side of the block and then concentrate on the other. He had been told reopening was likely to be towards the end of July.

“The disabled toilet will remain open throughout the time until the

refurbishment is done, borough councillor James Bensly said. “This would

all have been done and dusted if it hadn’t been for Covid. We’re having the

same problem at Hemsby.”

He said the car park owner and her team were continuing to clean the

disabled loo and it was an enhanced hygiene regime.

NOTE: The disabled toilet wil be closed at 6.45pm.

ART AT THE BEACH: Plans for a mural on the side of the public toilets are

being discussed with the borough council.

The project, which could be completed in time for next season if it is given

the go ahead, would see artwork depicting local wildlife and would greet visitors arriving at the beach.

Winterton Parish Council would be expected to help with the cost of materials but Cllr Marie Hartley said: “We’re going to end up with a really high quality piece of artwork.

She added the seal wardens and other volunteers would be called on to help.

BENCH REPLACEMENT: A new bench to be installed on the green will celebrate the work of volunteers who were part of a Covid response team in the village.

The parish council is currently seeking costings for the replacement seat. Once it is installed a socially distanced event will be held to recognise the efforts of those who answered calls from elderly and vulnerable folk for help with chores like shopping and collecting prescriptions during the lockdown.

HERMANUS: The beer garden along with a food and drink takeaway are opening to guests and the public on 10th July.

FISH BAR: Winterton Fish Bar is now opening on Tuesdays but still using social distancing.

Joint owner Debbie Cox said: “ We are running our business with lots of changes. We prefer phone

orders please if possible (01493 393302). We will be able to take orders at the door, but please

appreciate we are not fully staffed.”

“We appreciate your patience and understanding in these difficult times. Thank you for your

consideration. Keep safe and well. “

The Fish Bar will be opening seven days a week from 14th July.

DUNES CAFE: Mick and Carmel Shiggins, who run the Dunes Café in Winterton and Acle Bridge, have

another café to add to their portfolio. They will opening for business at Waxham Barns very soon.

FISH RETURNS: The Fishermans Return will reopen its doors on Monday 6th July at 11.00am. Cheers!

CHURCH OPEN: Services will resume from Sunday 5th July at 9.00am. No social activities at the moment. Church is open daily for private worship.

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