Council wants power to improve Dereham

We want more powers to improve life in Dereham - that's the demand from town councillors as the debate goes on over the future of local government in Norfolk.

We want more powers to improve life in Dereham - that's the demand from town councillors as the debate goes on over the future of local government in Norfolk.

The consultation is continuing on a range of options for Norfolk, which include a single council for the county and a 'doughnut' option, which would see one authority for the greater Norwich area and another for the rest of the county.

During a discussion on their views on the consultation, Dereham town councillors agreed they should be given more powers.

John Gretton said: 'I would want to enhance the powers of the town council, whatever happens with the local government review. We want to deliver directly to local people what they want and what they need.'

Robin Goreham said the town council should have 'greater powers and more involvement'.

'We are in a position as the town council to take an enhanced role should it be offered, irrespective of what the overall Boundary Committee decision is,' he said, adding that the public was 'largely disengaged' by the review.

Mr Goreham said '99.9pc of the public do not give a damn whether you provide services by a unitary, via a borough, via a district or via a town or parish.

'Provided the services they get are of good quality, efficient and delivered in a value-for-money way, that is what matters.

'What is important is what is best for the people of our town,' said Mr Goreham.