The Government asked all local authorities to find suitable accommodation for homeless people in shelters and hostels to enable them to self isolate properly. All those identified have now been relocated to alternative accommodation where they have their own room and are able to follow social distancing guidance. They are also being provided with welfare support, 3 meals a day, toiletries and will soon be provided with clothing bundles.
This was no mean feat and would not have been achieved without the support of partners in west Norfolk providing assistance.
Cllr Adrian Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “I would like to thank all of those involved for their efforts in ensuring the safety and protection of the homeless in our area. While we know this is a time of concern for many, our top priority needs to be the most vulnerable in our community. This has been a mammoth task in such a short timeframe and I’m pleased to see that yet again the council has pulled together with community partners including the Purfleet Trust Day Centre, the Winter Night Shelter and Alive West Norfolk to ensure some of our most vulnerable members of the community are protected. Broadland Housing Association also stepped forward with providing accommodation. We wouldn't have achieved this without their support" .
The Purfleet Trust have worked with the council and Alive West Norfolk to ensure the safe accommodation of 26 people.
Paula Hall, Chief Executive of the Purfleet Trust said: “We are continuing to provide wrap-around support to ensure people feel safe and supported during this time as well as complying with social distancing. Whist facing a number of challenges during this period Purfleet staff Kathy Adams and Charlotte Stringer are coordinating continued support from the Trust. Our staff are providing continuity with familiar faces, 3 meals a day, welfare support and ongoing practical support”.
Neil Gromett, Managing Director of Alive West Norfolk said: “We were happy to redeploy Alive staff and support these other partnerships groups to ensure a smooth transition for the homeless in West Norfolk”.
The Winter Night Shelter and the Purfleet Trust Day Centre are now closed. Anyone homeless needing assistance should contact the council on 01553 616200 (option 4 then option 1) during office hours or 01553 616601 outside office hours. Under no circumstances should anyone needing accommodation be presenting directly to emergency accommodation without being instructed to by the council.
If you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, please let the council know as soon as possible.
Cllr Stuart Dark Portfolio Holder for Emergency Planning / Response to Covid 19 said: “The council is working tirelessly to ensure local communities and businesses are protected at this time. Please follow government advice to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Today sees the launch of Explore-a-book, a brand-new book bench trail, in West Norfolk.
The book bench trail has been funded by the Norfolk Strategic Fund, specifically to encourage people back into town centre areas and to help support those businesses adversely affected by the impact of Covid-19.
The trail has been organised by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk in partnership with Stories of Lynn and Kick the Dust.
Duncan Hall, Assistant Director, said: "We are working hard to encourage people back into town once it is safe to do so. This trail has been launched to coincide with the first lifting of restrictions, encouraging people to come out, and walk around King's Lynn, Downham and Hunstanton, to discover the benches and to learn a bit more about each area. Then as we move towards the next trigger for lifting restrictions we hope more people will come to see the benches and visit shops and other businesses while they do."
This February, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk will once again be celebrating all its apprentices, during National Apprenticeship week, 3-9 February 2020.
The council has run a successful apprenticeship scheme for 8 years, supporting employees by offering a broad spectrum of apprenticeships across a variety of fields. At the moment, there are 30 apprentices working towards qualifications.
As part of the week-long celebration, a fresh campaign will be launched highlighting the apprentices, their successes and experiences while earning and learning at the council.
All apprentices are being asked to take part in the campaign. In addition, Stephanie Glasser (Accountancy) and Holly Attlesey (Waste & Recycling) have participated in the East of England Apprentice Challenge, competing to be the Local Government Apprentice of Year.
A much-loved and historic venue in King’s Lynn will give people an extra reason to visit when major refurbishment and renovation work is completed. Live shows return to the Alive Corn Exchange in March and, in the summer, a new two screen cinema will open at the site in the Tuesday Market Place.
As well as hosting regular live theatre, comedy and music in the main auditorium, visitors will be able to enjoy big screen releases in the upstairs cinema. There will be special screenings for parent and babies, parent and toddlers, Silver Screenings (for over 60 year olds) and family screenings at the weekend.
Comprehensive work is already taking place inside and outside the building. The glazed roof is being replaced with acoustically sealed zinc panels. Repairs are being made to the Grade II listed stonework façade, gutters and flashings.
A new floor will be put in the main foyer, with cladding of the box office and bar counters. The ground floor toilets will be refurbished, with additional female toilets.
People planning to buy a puppy or kitten from a breeder are being encouraged by The Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk to ask to see their licence and meet their mum in a new campaign.
The licence number should be displayed on any advert, web page or facebook page. New guidance on buying a pet can be found at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/
More people than ever before enjoyed The Searles Soap Box Derby in Hunstanton on Sunday 22 September.
The event, organised by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, returned to the town in 2017 and has got more popular each year. 44 teams raced down the new, faster, course that started at the town hall and finished near the bandstand overlooking the sea.
Teams travelled from all over the country to take part, including racers from Newark, Wellingborough and Milton Keynes.
This year, for the first time, there was a speed trap on the course. Some karts travelled at more than 30 miles per hour. The fastest vehicle on the day was driven by Ed Napolitano in the Hunstanton District Round Table kart. Completing the course in 31 seconds on his first run and 28 seconds on the second.