Page 15, At Sheringham paper, Norfolk UK

Norman Lamb MP questions government "warm front" initiative

Norman Lamb, Member of Parliament for North Norfolk, has questioned the Government Warm front initiative after it excluded local traders from carrying out work that it paid for, preferring to use contractors from Cambridge. A local North Walsham company had provided a local resident with a quote of £1380 to complete work to install a modern boiler and central heating system, which with the warm front initiative means the resident could have had this fitted for free. Warm Front however insisted on using their own contractor who quoted a massive £4183.73 meaning that the residents had to meet a bill of £748.85. In a letter to Ed Milliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Norman said; "I am extremely concerned at the way in which Warm Front operates. It seems extraordinary that a company from Cambridge has to undertake work in north Norfolk when there are good quality local contractors available who could be used instead at a lower cost. This is surely contrary to the whole principle of a sustainable approach and is incurring additional public expense for no benefit."

Norman Lamb MP pedalling for Charity

Norman Lamb MP is undertaking a cycle ride from London to Paris in aid of the Royal British Legion. The cycle ride is taking place during the beginning of September, with Norman and his son Ned aiming to raise over £5000.
Norman said, "Many voluntary organisations are finding it difficult to fundraise at the moment because of the economic situation and so if constituents are able to help this endeavour I know the British Legion will enormously appreciate it."
"Injuries, both physical and psychological, have an enormous impact on those servicemen and women and on their families. The British Legion works very hard to support all these people."
Norman can be sponsored online by going on the Bmycharity website and typing in 'Norman Lamb' or by sending a cheque payable to "Royal British Legion" to his office which is at Guyton House, 5 Vicarage Street, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9DQ

Tesco

Recently we submitted new plans for a store in Sheringham with support from large numbers people. Since the turn of the year, over 1,500 wrote to us or joined the independent Facebook group. Everyone is entitled to a view; over the past year I think it is fair to say support has been unprecedented. I am grateful for the encouragement people have given us to take things forward – there are more stories of support, local views and information about the plans at www.sheringhamtesco.co.uk

There has been some discussion about Sainsbury’s opening a walk-in store. We looked at the old Woolworths ourselves but it was too small to provide the choice of shopping people leave Sheringham to find at the moment. So there is still a pressing need for a decent-sized supermarket to provide a full food shop, which will draw visitors into town. That is what we are proposing.

As regards the Green House proposal, this would be a long way from Station Road, whilst our store will be as close to local shops as possible – this will bring shoppers to the town centre. People also tell me they like what we can offer at Tesco up and down the country every day and want that in Sheringham.

Our team has worked carefully to ensure this new proposal considers local views and addresses points raised in the past (for example, the store is smaller and closer to Station Road) – that includes a unique and first class design for Sheringham from Wilkinson Eyre architects, who have won many awards for their work.

So, the store will bring new life to the high street, around 150 jobs, with the value and choice in food shopping which people appreciate when times are tight. I hope North Norfolk District Council recognises local demand and the quality of our plans – I strongly encourage everyone in Sheringham to make their views known. Nick Gellatly