A Profile of Brandon
Compiled by Corah Carney Keystone Development Trust
March 2004 A Profile of Brandon
INDEX
Section Page(s)
Index 1
Executive Summary - Brandon………………………………………… 2 - 3
Section 1 – Demographics of the Brandon Area…………………….. 4 - 14
Section 2 – Indices of Deprivation…………………………………….. 15 - 24
Section 3 – Health………………………………………………………. 25 - 45
Section 4 – Employment……………………………………………….. 46 - 56
Section 5 – Education & Training……………………………………... 57 - 63
Section 6 – Housing……………………………………………………. 64 - 72
Section 7 – Crime & Disorder………………………………………….. 73 - 78
Section 8 – The Brandon Community……………………………….... 79 - 86
Section 9 – The Brandon Environment……………………………….. 87 - 98
Section 10 – Keystone’s Culture & Heritage…………………………. 99 - 103
Bibliography……………………………………………………………… 105
Glossary…………………………………………………………………... 106 - 107
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………… 108
Page 1 A Profile of Brandon
Executive Summary
Brandon
The market town of Brandon is set on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk. The town serves the rural hinterland of both Forest Heath and Breckland, some of which is classed as a rural priority area.
Brandon was traditionally known as the crossroads where the routes between the ancient settlements of Kings Lynn, Bury St Edmunds, Swaffham and Newmarket converge. This enviable geographical position, once the source of wealth, employment and importance is today seen as one of the reasons for Brandon’s decline and loss of direction.
Brandon today, like any other town, has its issues, some of which are unique:
Brandon has a higher than average population of people aged 60 yrs or over and is somewhat regarded as a retirement destination. 64% of residents in a recent survey live in bungalows. It has a higher than average percentage of households consisting of one pensioner living alone. Because of the elderly population, there is a higher number of deaths than average per 1,000 residents. The majority of people who are disadvantaged through poor health feel that their needs are not adequately catered for.
Educational attainment is below average. 40% of children who attended Methwold High School obtained 5 ‘GCSE’ passes in 2003 compared to the Suffolk average of 57% and the average point score at A Level is also below the Suffolk and national average. Only 10% in Brandon East achieved a level 4/5 qualification (first degree of above) compared to 20% nationally. 37% of people aged 16-74 yrs have no qualifications at all compared to the national average of 29%.
Brandon is in the top quintile of most deprived wards in Suffolk for housing deprivation. Rental from private landlords or letting agencies is high, probably due to the high number of transient military personnel who live in these areas.
Unemployment is less than the national average but the skills base is low. Almost double the national average are employed in public administration or public defence posts due to the large USAF military airbases nearby. The airbases employ a large number of the population both directly and indirectly and any removal of the airbases would impact significantly upon Brandon’s economy.
There is concern about the town centre with empty shops and vandalism. In a survey undertaken in 1999, 44% of residents considered that their quality of life is worse than 10 years ago. There was a higher level of domestic violence recorded than in other areas of Suffolk and burglary
Page 2 A Profile of Brandon
rates are higher than average in Brandon. Fear of crime is high especially around the Warren Close estate and Market Hill.
A significant amount of racial harassment has been reported, especially against the polish community
There is concern by residents for the environment especially the pollution from traffic and noise pollution from low flying aircraft.
Brandon’s environment however, is to be envied. It is surrounded by many acres of unspoilt forest and clay and chalk downlands. The environment is a major attraction and is considered locally to be the most important feature of the area.
Page 3 A Profile of Brandon
Demographics Of The Brandon Area
Page 4 A Profile of Brandon
Section 1 – Contents
Demographics of the Brandon Area Page(s)
The Brandon Geographical Area…………………………………………………. 6
The Brandon Parishes……………………………………………………………... 7
Population…………………………………………………………………………… 7
Population Growth………………………………………………………………….. 8
Age Profile…………………………………………………………………………… 9
Place of Birth………………………………………………………………………... 10
Approximated Social Grade……………………………………………………….. 11
Religion………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Households Consisting of Lone Parents With Dependent Children…………... 13
Households Consisting of Pensioners Living Alone……………………………. 14
Page 5 A Profile of Brandon
The Brandon Geographical Area
The Brandon area is split into two wards, Brandon East and Brandon West. Brandon is served by Suffolk County Council, Forest Heath District Council and Brandon Town Council. Health services are provided by Suffolk West Primary Care Trust.
Brandon East
Figure 1.1 – The Brandon East Area
Brandon West
Figure 1.2 – The Brandon West Area
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Page 6 A Profile of Brandon
The Brandon Parishes
The Brandon wards are made up of 2 parishes each.
Table 1.1 – The Brandon Parishes
Includes parishes WARD of:
Brandon East Brandon East Santon Downham
Brandon West Brandon West Wangford
Source: Suffolk County Council
Population
These population figures are based on the old ward boundaries as per mid 2000.
Table 1.2 – Population of Parishes (2000)
AREA POPULATION
Brandon East 4,810 Brandon East 4,560 Santon Downham 250
Brandon West 3,880 Brandon West 3,860 Wangford 20
TOTAL 8,690
Source: Suffolk County Council
Page 7 A Profile of Brandon
Population Growth
Table 1.3 – Population Growth from 1991-2000
Population Population Growth AREA +/- 1991 2000 %
Forest Heath 56,100 55, 510 - 1
Brandon East 4,790 4,810 + 0.4 Brandon West 3,830 3,880 + 1.2
TOTAL + 1.6
Source: Suffolk County Council
In order to compare and calculate growth accurately since 1991, the population figures from mid 2000 using the old Local Authority Boundaries have been used.
The population in Brandon has only grown by 1.6% in nine years from 1991- 2000.
Page 8 A Profile of Brandon
Age Profile
Aged Less Than 16 Years
Table 1.4 – Percentage of the Population who are < 16 years
< 16 yrs AREA %
England 17.4 East Of England 19.8
Suffolk 19.5 Forest Heath 20.5 Brandon East 17.5 Brandon West 17.6
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Aged 60 years and Over
Table 1.5 – Percentage of the population who are > 60 years
> 60 yrs AREA %
England 20.7 East Of England 21.4
Suffolk 23.6 Forest Heath 19.2 Brandon East 28.6 Brandon West 24.4
Brandon has a higher than average profile of people aged 60 and over.
Page 9 A Profile of Brandon
Place of Birth
Residents were asked on the 2001 census to list their place of birth.
Table 1.6– Place of Birth
Born in UK* Born in Other Born AREA EU Country Elsewhere % % %
England 91.7 1.4 6.9 East Of England 93.9 1.4 4.7
Suffolk 94.5 1.1 4.4 Forest Heath 77.9 1.6 20.5 Brandon East 87.5 1.5 11.0 Brandon West 86.3 1.2 12.5
*UK = England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Forest Heath and the Brandon wards have a high percentage of people who were born elsewhere but this most likely represents the presence of a significant American, predominantly military, population.
Page 10 A Profile of Brandon
Approximated Social Grade
Definition ‘Social Grade’ is a socio-economic classification used by the market research and marketing Industries, most often in the analysis of spending habits and consumer attitudes. Although it is not possible to allocate Social Grade precisely from information collected by the 2001 Census, it provides a good approximation of Social Grade.
KEY A & B – Higher and Intermediate Managerial/Administrative/Professional C1 – Supervisory, Clerical, Junior Managerial/Administrative/Professional C2 – Skilled Manual Workers, D – Semi-Skilled And Unskilled Manual Workers E – Lowest Grade Workers On State Benefit, Unemployed
Table 1.7 – Approximated Social Grades
SOCIO-ECONOMIC GRADES - %
AREA A&B C1 C2 D E % % % % %
England 22.1 29.7 15.0 17.0 16.0 East Of England 23.5 30.4 15.5 15.4 14.9
Suffolk 20.6 29.0 17.8 16.4 15.9 Forest Heath 18.5 27.8 22.1 17.6 13.7 Brandon East 12.8 29.6 20.7 18.0 18.7 Brandon West 12.2 25.1 23.0 22.0 17.4
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Brandon has a lower than average percentage of social grades A&B (Professional & Higher Managerial) and a slightly higher than average percentage of social grades D and E (semi-skilled and lowest grade workers).
Page 11 Brandon Community Profile
Religion
Residents were asked on the 2001 census to list their religion.
Table 1.8 – Religion
RELIGION %
Other No Religion LOCAL Christian Buddhist Hindu Jewish Muslim Sikh Religions Religion Not Stated AUTHORITY
Suffolk 73.9 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.06 0.2 16.6 8.2 Forest Heath 74.7 0.2 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.03 0.2 14.1 10.1 Brandon East 74.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.2 14.6 10.3 Brandon West 74.1 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.2 0.0 0.2 15.7 9.4
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The majority of the Brandon residents are listed as being Christian or as having no religion. There is a very small minority of people with other religions.
Page 12 Brandon Profile
Households Consisting Of Lone Parents With Dependent Children
Table 1.9 – Percentage Of Households Consisting Of A Lone Parent With Dependent Children
LONE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS AREA WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN %
England 6.4 East of England 5.2
Suffolk 4.9 Forest Heath 4.8 Brandon East 5.0 Brandon West 4.7
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Brandon has a lower than average percentage of households consisting of lone parents living with dependent children compared to England and the East of England.
Page 13 Brandon Profile
Households Consisting of Pensioners Living Alone
Table 1.10 – Percentage Of Households With Pensioners Living Alone
LONE PENSIONER AREA HOUSEHOLDS %
England 14.3 East Of England 14.1
Suffolk 15.2 Forest Heath 13.3 Brandon East 18.7 Brandon West 16.5
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The wards of Brandon East and Brandon West have a higher than average number of households consisting of one pensioner living alone, compared with the national average.
Page 14 Brandon Profile
Indices of Deprivation
Page 15 Brandon Profile
Section 2 – Contents
Indices of Deprivation Page(s)
Indices of Multiple Deprivation……………………………………………… 17
Indices of Income Deprivation……………………………………………… 18
Indices of Employment Deprivation………………………………………... 19
Indices of Health & Disability Deprivation…………………………………. 20
Indices of Education, Skills & Training Deprivation………………………. 21
Indices of Housing Deprivation……………………………………………... 22
Indices of Geographical Access To Services Deprivation………………. 23
Indices of Child Poverty……………………………………………………... 24
Page 16 Brandon Profile
INDICES OF DEPRIVATION
Indices of MULTIPLE DEPRIVATION (IMD)
Definition The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) use up to date information from 33 indicators to describe deprivation at ward level. The IMD is a combined score from the six main indicators which are: 1. Income deprivation, 2. Employment deprivation, 3. Health deprivation and disability, 4. Education, skills and training deprivation, 5. Housing deprivation, 6. Geographical access to services.
Suffolk has 191 wards. The wards are ranked from 1-191 where 1 is classified as the most deprived and 191 is the least deprived.
Table 2.1 – Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
Ranking in SUFFOLK Ranking In ENGLAND Out of 191 wards Out of 8,414 wards AREA (1 is most deprived) (1 is most deprived)
Brandon East 69 4,537 Brandon West 46 3,804
Source: Suffolk County Council
The Brandon wards are placed in the second quintile for Multiple Deprivation in Suffolk and in the third quintile nationally.
Page 17 Brandon Profile
Indices of INCOME Domain
Definition The indices of income deprivation use the following indicators: The numbers of adults and children in households claiming: Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance, Family Credit, Disability Working Allowance, Non-earning, non IS pensioner and disabled council tax benefit recipients apportioned to wards.
Table 2.2 – Indices of Income Deprivation
Ranking in SUFFOLK Ranking in ENGLAND Out of 191 wards 8,414 wards AREA (1 is most deprived) (1 is most deprived)
Brandon East 97 5,259 Brandon West 83 4,740
Source: Suffolk County Council
Brandon East ward is ranked in the third quintile for income deprivation in Suffolk and in the fourth quintile nationally.
Brandon West is also ranked in the third quintile for income deprivation in Suffolk and the third quintile nationally.
Page 18 Brandon Profile
Indices of EMPLOYMENT Domain
Definition The indices of employment deprivation use the following indicators: Unemployment claimant counts, People out of work but in TEC delivered government supported training, People aged 18-24 on New Deal options, Incapacity Benefit recipients aged 16-59, Severe Disablement Allowance claimant aged 16-59.
Table 2.3 – Indices of Employment Deprivation
Ranking in SUFFOLK Ranking in ENGLAND Out of 191 wards Out of 8,414 wards AREA (1 is most deprived) (1 is most deprived)
Brandon East 94 5,499 Brandon West 107 5,720
Source: Suffolk County Council
The Brandon wards are ranked in the third quintile for employment deprivation in Suffolk and the fourth quintile nationally.
Page 19 Brandon Profile
Indices of HEALTH DEPRIVATION AND DISABILITY Domain
Definition The indices of health deprivation and disability use the following indicators: Comparative Mortality ratios for men and women at ages under 65, People receiving Attendance Allowance or Disability Allowance as a proportion of all people, Proportion of people of working age (16-59) receiving Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance, Age and sex standardised ratio of limiting long-term illness, Proportion of births of low birth weight (<2,500g).
Table 2.4 – Indices of Health & Disability Deprivation
Ranking in SUFFOLK Ranking in ENGLAND Out of 191 wards Out of 8,414 wards AREA (1 is most deprived) (1 is most deprived)
Brandon East 67 5,128 Brandon West 79 5,508
Source: Suffolk County Council
Brandon East is ranked in the second quintile and Brandon West in the third quintile for health and disability deprivation in Suffolk. Both are in the fourth quintile nationally.
Page 20 Brandon Profile
Indices of EDUCATION, SKILLS & TRAINING DEPRIVATION Domain
Definition The indices of education, skills and training deprivation use the following indicators: Working age adults with no qualification, Children aged 16 and over who are not in full-time education, Proportions of 17-19 yr old population who have not successfully applied for Higher Education, Key stage 2 primary school performance data, Absenteeism at primary level (all absences, not just authorised).
Table 2.5 – Indices of Education, Skills & Training Deprivation
Ranking in SUFFOLK Ranking in ENGLAND Out of 191 wards Out of 8,414 wards AREA (1 is most deprived) (1 is most deprived)
Brandon East* 22 1,325 (*Military area) Brandon West* 16 1,208 (*Military area)
Source: Suffolk County Council
The Brandon wards have high rankings for education, skills and training deprivation but this is thought to be because of resident military personnel and their families who often have different educational qualifications originating outside the UK. These rankings would put the Brandon wards in the top most deprived quintile for education, skills & training deprivation in both Suffolk and nationally.
Page 21 Brandon Profile
Indices of HOUSING DEPRIVATION Domain
Definition The indices of housing deprivation use the following indicators: Homeless households in temporary accommodation, Household overcrowding, Poor private sector housing.
Table 2.6 – Indices of Housing Deprivation for the Brandon wards
Ranking in SUFFOLK Ranking in ENGLAND Out of 191 wards Out of 8,414 wards AREA (1 is most deprived) (1 is most deprived)
Brandon East 68 5,001 Brandon West 24 2,667
Source: Suffolk County Council
Brandon East ward is ranked in the second quintile for housing deprivation in Suffolk and the third quintile nationally.
Brandon West ranks slightly higher as it is listed in the top quintile in Suffolk and the second quintile nationally
Page 22 Brandon Profile
Indices of GEOGRAPHICAL ACCESS TO SERVICES Domain
Definition The indices of geographical access to services deprivation use the following indicators: Access to a post office, Access to food shops, Access to a GP, Access to a primary school.
Table 2.7 – Indices of Geographical Access To Services Deprivation
Ranking in SUFFOLK Ranking in ENGLAND Out of 191 wards Out of 8,414 wards AREA (1 is most deprived) (1 is most deprived)
Brandon East 136 4,218 Brandon West 97 2,351
Source: Suffolk County Council
Brandon East is ranked in the fourth quintile for geographical access to services in Suffolk and in the third quintile nationally.
Brandon West is ranked slightly higher in that it is listed in the third quintile in Suffolk and the second quintile nationally.
Page 23 Brandon Profile
Indices of CHILD POVERTY Domain
Definition The indices of child poverty deprivation use the following indicator: The proportion of children under 16 living in means tested benefit reliant families.
Table 2.8 – Indices of Child Poverty Deprivation
Ranking in SUFFOLK Ranking in ENGLAND Out of 191 wards Out of 8,414 wards AREA (1 is most deprived) (1 is most deprived)
Brandon East 90 5,161 Brandon West 113 5,872
Source: Suffolk County Council
Both Brandon wards are ranked in the third quintile of child poverty deprivation in Suffolk and in the fourth quintile nationally.
Page 24 Brandon Profile
Health
Page 25 Brandon Profile
Section 3 – Contents
Health Page(s)
Local Health Facilities……………………………………………………….. 27
Life Expectancy………………………………………………………………. 28
General Health……………………………………………………………….. 29
Limiting Long-Term Illness………………………………………………….. 30
Disability Living Allowance………………………………………………….. 31
Provision Of Unpaid Care…………………………………………………… 32
Ambulance Service 999 Call-Outs…………………………………………. 33
Fertility Rates…………………………………………………………………. 34
Teenage Conceptions (<18yrs)…………………………………………….. 35
Low Birth Weight (<2.5 Kg)…………………………………………………. 36
Very low Birth Weight (<1.5 Kg)……………………………………………. 36
Mortality Rates Infant Mortality Rates……………………………………………….. 37 Deaths From Coronary Heart Disease……………………………. 38 Deaths From Bronchitis & Emphysema…………………………... 38 Deaths From All Cancers…………………………………………... 39 Deaths From Lung Cancer…………………………………………. 39 Deaths From Colectoral Cancer…………………………………… 40 Deaths From Prostate Cancer……………………………………... 40 Deaths From Breast Cancer……………………………………… 41 Deaths From Cervical Cancer……………………………………... 41 Deaths From All Accidents…………………………………………. 42 Deaths From Suicide & Unexplained Injury………………………. 42
NHS Trusts & Star Ratings…………………………………………………. 43
Hospital Waiting Times……………………………………………………… 44
Dental Health…………………………………………………………………. 45
Page 26 Brandon Profile
HEALTH
The Brandon area is served by Suffolk West Primary Care Trust which is overseen by Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority.
Local Health Facilities
There are two Surgeries in Brandon; Elbourne Surgery and Forest Group Practice.
Forest Group Surgery The Practice cares for approximately 6,790 patients in Brandon and the surrounding villages and also temporary residents at Center Parcs, Elveden. The Practice is situated behind the Market Square. It offers new patient screening, vaccinations, immunisations, elderly health checks and holds clinics for diabetes, asthma, child surveillance and ante-natal care. The surgery also carries out minor surgery.
Source: Forest Group Practice, Jan 2004
Elbourne Surgery The Elbourne Surgery is situated in the High St, Brandon. Services offered are similar to Forest Group. As of February 2004, there were 4,464 patients registered.
Source: Elbourne Surgery, Feb 2004
Hospitals
The nearest hospitals to Brandon are the West Suffolk Hospital at Bury St Edmunds or Newmarket Cottage Hospital. In the Brandon Town Appraisal Report, 15% of the respondents had problems getting to the hospitals.
Page 27 Brandon Profile
Life Expectancy
Definition Life expectancy at birth is a measure of mortality for an area and is an estimate of the number of years a new born baby would survive, were he or she to experience the particular age-specific mortality rates for that time period throughout his or her life.
Some consider that life expectancy is the most valuable measure of the nation’s health. Since the middle of the 19th century the expectation of life at birth for both females and males has almost doubled. Neither men nor women born in England in 1841 had an average life expectancy from birth much beyond 40. However, by 2001 the life expectancy at birth of males in England has reached 75 years and females 80 years.
Table 3.1 – Average Life Expectancy
Average Life Expectancy Average Life Expectancy Males Females Area (years) (years)
EU Average 75.8 81.6 England 75.6 80.5 East Of England 76.9 81.4
Suffolk 77.3 81.7 Forest Heath 77.0 80.9 Suffolk West PCT 76.6 80.9
Source: Eastern Region Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set (1999-2001)
Life expectancy for both males and females is higher in Suffolk West PCT than the English average.
Page 28 Brandon Profile
General Health
The 2001 census asked people to self-report on their health and well-being. The categories to choose from were ‘Good’, ‘Fairly Good’ and ‘Not Good’. The table below shows the percentage of people who considered that their health was ‘Not Good’.
Table 3.2 - Percentage Of Persons Who Considered That Their Health Is ‘Not Good’.
People Who considered that their health was ‘NOT GOOD’ AREA %
England 9.0 East of England 7.6
Suffolk 7.8 Forest Heath 6.8 Brandon East 10.6 Brandon West 9.7
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
A higher than average percentage of residents who live in the Brandon wards consider that their health is ‘not good’.
Quality of Life
In the Brandon Town Appraisal Report, 44% of respondents considered that their quality of life is worse than 10 years ago. 21% or respondents were not able to work, train or study because of a disability or a health problem.
Page 29 Brandon Profile
Limiting Long-Term Illness
The 2001 census asked people to self-assess whether or not they had a limiting long-term illness, health problem or disability which limited their daily activities or the work they could do, including problems due to old age.
Table 3.3 - Percentage Of Households With One Or More Person With A Limiting Long-Term Illness
Households with Limiting Long Term Illness % AREA England 33.5 East of England 30.7
Suffolk 31.8 Forest Heath 28.0 Brandon East 37.0 Brandon West 34.0
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Brandon has a higher percentage of households with one or more person with a limiting long-term illness. This is probably due to the higher than average elderly population.
Page 30 Brandon Profile
Disability Living Allowance
Definition Disability Living Allowance (DLA) replaced and extended Attendance Allowance and Mobility Allowance from 1st April 1992. It is paid to people before the age of 65 years. DLA is payable to people who are disabled and need help with personal care or getting around. In order to qualify, claimants have to meet specific medical conditions. There are three rates of the care component: higher, middle and lower. These are related to the amount of help a person requires with personal care. Table 3.4 shows the number of people claiming the higher rate DLA.
Table 3.4 – No Of People Claiming Higher Rate Disability Living Allowance (May 2000)
People claiming Higher Rate Care Component of DLA AREA No.
England 373,250 East of England 33,990
Forest Heath 255 Brandon East 80 Brandon West 45
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Brandon East ward has almost double the number of people claiming the higher rate care component of the disability living allowance than in Brandon West. This is 31% of the claimants for Forest Heath.
Page 31 Brandon Profile
Provision of Unpaid Care
The 2001 census asked people to state whether they were providing unpaid care to other people. The following table shows the percentage of people who considered they were providing unpaid care for 50+ hours a week.
Table 3.5 – Percentage Of People Providing 50+ Hours A Week Of Unpaid Care
People Providing 50+ Hours Of Unpaid Care Per Week % AREA England 20.4 East of England 18.5
Suffolk 18.9 Forest Heath 20.1 Brandon East 25.2 Brandon West 26.4
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The Brandon wards have a high percentage of people providing 50+ hours of unpaid care per week.
Page 32 Brandon Profile
Ambulance Service 999 Calls
Table 3.6 – Number and percentage of 999 Ambulance Calls (2002/03)
Ambulance 999 Call Outs As a Call Outs % of Ward Population No. % AREA
Brandon East 406 8.4 Brandon West 222 5.7
Source: East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust
Using the average call out rate for the Keystone area of 5% of the population, the residents of Brandon East have higher than average call out rates.
Page 33 Brandon Profile
Fertility Rates
Definition Fertility rates are a measure of pregnancy in females of child bearing age. It is the number of live births per 1,000 females of childbearing age between 15- 44 years. The overall birth rate has reduced in the UK over the past two decades.
Table 3.7 – Fertility Rates By PCT In The Brandon Area
General Fertility Rates Area (No of live births per 1,000 females between 15-44 yrs)
England 56.5
Suffolk West PCT 54.3
Source: Eastern Region Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set (1999-2001)
SWPCT has a slightly lower fertility rate than the national average.
Page 34 Brandon Profile
Teenage Conceptions (< 18 yrs)
Teenage pregnancy rates are linked to deprivation. Reducing teenage pregnancies is part of the national strategy to reduce health inequalities. Local strategies seek to reduce rates by 50% by 2010.
Table 3.8 – Teenage Conceptions (1999-2001) by Local Authority
Teenage Conception Rate
Per 1,000 girls Area aged 15-17 years
England 43.8
Suffolk 31.9 Forest Heath 26.4
Source: Teenage Pregnancy Unit, Department of Health Localities’ Profile, SWPCT,
Forest Heath has a considerably lower teenage conception rate than the national average, but Brandon East has a higher teenage pregnancy rate than average.
The UK and Teenage Conceptions The UK has teenage pregnancy rates that are twice as high as Germany, three times as high as in France and six times as high as the Netherlands. Of those who do get pregnant, half of under 16’s and more than a third of 16-17 year olds opt for abortion. Teenage parents are more likely than their peers to live in poverty and unemployment and be trapped in it through lack of education, child care and encouragement. The death rate for the babies of teenage mothers is 60% higher than for babies of older mothers and they are more likely to have low birth weights, have childhood accidents and be admitted to hospital. In the longer term, the daughters of teenage mothers have a higher chance of becoming teenage mothers themselves.
Source: Teenage Pregnancy Report, Social Exclusion Unit, 1999.
Page 35 Brandon Profile
Low Birth Weight (< 2.5 kg)
Low birth weight is influenced by smoking in pregnancy, poor nutrition and social deprivation. Low birth weight is also closely related to increased perinatal mortality.
Table 3.9 – Low Birth Weight Rates
Low Birth Weight Rate Area < 2.5 Kg Per 1,000 Live Births
England 7.9
Suffolk West PCT 7.3
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Reducing smoking in pregnancy is a target for reducing health inequalities.
Very Low Birth Weight (< 1.5 kg)
Again, very low birth rate is linked to smoking in pregnancy and social deprivation.
Table 3.10 – Very Low Birth Weight
Low Birth Weight Rate Area < 1.5 Kg Per 1,000 Live Births
England 1.5
Suffolk West PCT 1.4
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
These very small babies often need neonatal intensive care. They may have long stays in hospital and some babies develop subsequent disabilities.
Page 36 Brandon Profile
Mortality Rates
The number of deaths and the causes of deaths are an important guide to the population’s health. Death rates are usually expressed as a number per 100,000 population. This allows comparisons between different populations.
Infant Mortality Rates
Infant mortality rates are considered by some to be the most sensitive measure of a nation’s health. Infant mortality is associated with social deprivation.
Infant mortality rates are measured by the number of babies who die per 1,000 live births.
Table 3.11 – Infant Mortality Rates (1999-2001)
Infant Mortality Rates Area Per 1,000 live births
England 5.6
Suffolk West PCT 5.4
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Reducing differences in infant mortality rates between manual and non- manual social classes is a national target.
SWPCT has a lower infant mortality rate than the average for England.
Page 37 Brandon Profile
Deaths from Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Coronary heart disease is the biggest killer of males across the Eastern region. Smoking, obesity and family history are risk factors. Males in deprived areas have the highest mortality rates. The CHD National Service Framework sets standards for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Table 3.12 - Death Rates From CHD In Persons < 75 Yrs (1999-2001)
Death from Coronary Heart Disease in < 75 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 107.4 36.3
Suffolk West PCT 91.7 32.9
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
SWPCT had lower than average death rates from CHD.
Deaths from Bronchitis and Emphysema
Smoking is the commonest underlying cause of bronchitis and emphysema.
Table 3.13 – Death Rates From Bronchitis And Emphysema (1999-2001)
Death rate from Bronchitis and Emphysema Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 4.2 1.8
Suffolk West PCT 3.6 2.6
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
SWPCT had lower than average death rates from bronchitis and emphysema.
Page 38 Brandon Profile
Deaths from ALL Cancers
Cancer is the cause of a quarter (26 per cent) of all deaths in the UK. Deaths from cancer outnumber deaths from heart disease.
Table 3.14 – Death Rates From All Cancers In Persons < 75 Yrs (1999-2001)
Death from All Cancers in < 75 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 147.8 117.7
Suffolk West PCT 122.5 104.3
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
SWPCT had lower than average death rates from all cancers
Deaths from Lung Cancer
Lung cancer has a low survival rate and is the biggest cancer killer in the UK.
Table 3.15 – Death Rates From Lung Cancer In Persons < 75 Yrs (1999-2001)
Death rate from Lung Cancer in < 75 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 39.5 21.3
Suffolk West PCT 31.7 18.6
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Cigarette smoking has been identified as the single most important cause of preventable disease and premature death in the UK. Overall, a third of all cancer deaths are linked to smoking.
SWPCT has lower than average death rates from lung cancer.
Page 39 Brandon Profile
Deaths from Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (bowel cancer) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United Kingdom.
Table 3.16 – Death Rates From Colectoral Cancer In Persons < 75 Yrs (1999-2001)
Death from Colorectal Cancer Area in < 75 yrs Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 29.3 18.1
Suffolk West PCT 21.0 13.8
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
SWPCT has lower than average death rates from colectoral cancer.
Deaths from Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males accounting from 28% of all cancers.
Table 3.17 – Death Rates From Prostate Cancer By PCT (1999-2001)
Death rate from Prostate Cancer Area Per 100,000 Population
England 28.1
Suffolk West PCT 24.0
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Suffolk West PCT has higher than average death rates from prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the urological cancers which has national service standards set out as part of the Cancer Plan. Cancer networks implement the guidance at health authority level.
Page 40 Brandon Profile
Deaths from Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the commonest single cause of death among women aged 35-54 years.
Table 3.18 – Death Rates From Breast Cancer In Women Aged Between 45-64 Yrs (1999-2001)
Death rate from Breast Cancer in 45-64 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
England 72.4
Suffolk West PCT 84.5
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Screening and access to early diagnosis and treatment reduces death rates from breast cancer.
SWPCT has higher than average death rate from breast cancer
Deaths from Cervical Cancer
After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women
Table 3.19 – Death Rates From Cervical Cancer In Women Aged Between 15-64 Yrs (1999-2001)
Death rate from Cervical Cancer in 15-64 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
England 3.1
Suffolk West PCT 2.5
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Cervical screening has contributed to a reduction in death rates for this disease. Efforts must be taken to ensure a high uptake by women in disadvantaged populations.
SWPCT has a lower than average death rate from cervical cancer
Page 41 Brandon Profile
Deaths from All Accidents
Injuries from accidents are largely preventable. 80% of accidents are due to either road traffic accidents or falls.
Table 3.20 – Death Rates From All Accidents (1999-2001)
Death rate from All Accidents Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 21.8 10.2
Suffolk West PCT 25.9 7.0
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Reducing deaths from accidents is a target in the ‘Our Healthier Nation’ Government’s Strategy which expects a 20% reduction by 2010.
SWPCT has a higher than average death rate from accidents for males.
Deaths from Suicide and Unexplained Injury
Although the number of suicides is lower for women, the incidence of self-harm not leading to death in females is much higher.
Table 3.21 – Death Rates From Suicide And Unexplained Injury (1999-2001)
Death rate from Suicide and Unexplained Injury Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 12.8 4.0
Suffolk West PCT 11.9 3.4
Source: Eastern Region Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set (1999-2001)
The ‘Our Healthier Nation’ target is to reduce mortality by suicide by 20% by 2010.
Page 42 Brandon Profile
NHS Trusts & Star Ratings
All NHS Trusts are now inspected by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI). CHI uses a systematic framework for assessing clinical standards and performance in NHS Trusts. Their assessment includes the Patient and Carer experiences, NHS Staffing & Management and Education and Training. Each Trust is then given a star rating.
The ratings are assessed as follows:
3*** - Highest levels of performance 2** - Trusts that are performing well overall, but have not quite reached the same consistently high standards, 1* - Trusts where there is some cause for concern regarding particular areas of performance No stars - Trusts that have shown the poorest levels of performance against the indicators or little progress in implementing clinical governance
Table 3.22 below shows the star ratings that the NHS Trusts achieved within the Brandon area.
Table 3.22 – Star Ratings Achieved By NHS Trusts (2002 & 2003)
Star Rating Star Rating NHS Trust 2003 2002
West Suffolk Hospital 3*** 1*
Suffolk West PCT 2** Started 2003
East Anglian Ambulance Trust 3*** 3***
Source: Commission For Health Improvement (CHI)
East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust achieved 3*** both in 2002 and 2003.
Page 43 Brandon Profile
Hospital Waiting Times
A snapshot was taken in October 2003 to determine the Wait Times for an appointment in ‘General Surgery’ as an out-patient, as a day case and as an in-patient. The days shown are the shortest and longest waiting times.
Table 3.23 – Hospital Waiting Times
Type of Appointment West Suffolk Hospital
Waiting Time
Out-Patient Appointment 56 - 146 days
Day Case Appointment 217 - 345 days
In-Patient Appointment 158 - 359 days
Source: www.nhs.uk/waitingtimes
There are considerable differences between Hospitals and Consultants within the Hospital.
Page 44 Brandon Profile
Dental Health
Tooth Decay A survey undertaken by the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry sampled 5 year olds and recorded the presence of decayed, missing or filled teeth. Table 3.24 shows the results.
Table 3.24 – Tooth Decay In 5 Year Olds By PCT
Decayed Missing Filled Active Decay %
Suffolk 0.85 0.07 0.15 32.4 Suffolk West PCT 0.84 0.12 0.10 30.2
Source: British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry, 2001-2002
Page 45 Brandon Profile
Employment
Page 46 Brandon Profile
Section 4 – Contents
Employment Page(s)
Employment by Socio-Economic Classification…………………………... 48
Employment by Industry…………………………………………………….. 49
Labour Participation Rates………………………………………………….. 50
Types of Vacancies Available………………………………………………. 51
Transport To Work…………………………………………………………… 52
Average Earnings By Local Authority…………………………………………………… 53 By Travel to Work Area…………………………………………….. 53
Unemployment Rates……………………………………………………….. 54
Youth Unemployment……………………………………………………….. 55
Long Term Unemployment………………………………………………….. 56
Page 47 Brandon Profile
EMPLOYMENT
Employment by Socio-Economic Classification
Table 4.1 – Employment by Socio-Economic Classification in the Brandon Area
Working in Working in Higher Managerial & Semi-routine & Upper Professional Routine Occupations Occupations AREA % %
England 8.6 20.6 East Of England 9.1 20.3
Suffolk 7.5 23.8 Forest Heath 7.8 25.4 Brandon East 4.6 29.3 Brandon West 3.9 33.2
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The Brandon wards have less than the national average of people employed in higher managerial and upper professional occupations and more than the national average of people employed in the semi-routine and routine occupations (which are traditionally classed as semi-skilled or unskilled).
Leading Employers Brandon’s leading companies are Arrowpak Ltd, JW Walker and Sons Ltd, Solid State Logic, Breckland Architectural Joinery Company and Omar Mobile Homes. Centre Parcs near Elveden is also one of the largest employers, with over 1,500 full and part-time positions.
The United States Air Force (USAF) airbases at Mildenhall and Lakenheath, both near Brandon, employ a number of people. The number of Companies dependant upon the bases is significant, for example freight forwarding, removals, building companies and electrical contractors all provide services to the air bases and the personnel deployed there.
Source: Economic Development Strategy to 2010, Forest Heath District Council
Page 48 Brandon Profile
Employment By Industry
Table 4.2 – Employment by Industry In the Brandon Area
Wholesale/Retail Health & Public Agriculture, Real Manufacturing Construction Trade/Repair of Social Admin & Hotel & Hunting, Estate/Renting Other Motor Vehicles Work Defence Catering Farming & & Business Industries * Fishing
Forest Heath 15.1 6.7 14.2 7.4 8.6 5.0 3.3 9.5 30.2 Brandon East 19.7 6.3 16.6 7.3 9.5 7.0 3.3 7.1 23.2 Brandon West 22.6 8.2 17.8 5.8 9.4 5.9 2.5 7.2 20.6
* Other industries include working in Mining & Quarrying, working in Electricity/Gas/Water Supply, working in Transport; Storage & Communication, working in Financial Remediation and working in Education.
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Manufacturing is Suffolk’s third largest employment sector, but this is declining in both numeral terms and as a proportion of the total workforce. The number of people employed in the agricultural sector in Suffolk is double that for Great Britain, but similarly, this is also declining, whilst the number working in distribution, hotels and restaurants, public administration, health and education is increasing significantly.
Employment in manufacturing and construction is higher than average in the Brandon wards. Similarly, employment in public admin and defence is higher than average but is expected due to the military bases in the area.
Source: Economic Development Strategy to 2010, Forest Heath District Council, 2003 .
Page 49 Brandon Profile
Labour Participation Rates
Definition The labour participation rate is the number of people who do work divided by the number of people who could work. Those classed as ‘could work’ include the unemployed and those looking after the home/family. Those who do work include those employed part-time, full-time and self-employed.
Table 4.3 – Labour Participation Rates
Labour Participation Rates AREA %
England 86.1 East Of England 87.3
Suffolk 87.4 Forest Heath 88.4 Brandon East 87.8 Brandon West 88.3
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Both the Brandon wards have slightly higher than average labour participation rates.
Page 50 Brandon Profile
Types of Vacancies Available
In August 2003, there were 7,289 vacancies in Job Centres advertised. Table 3.4 below demonstrates what types of vacancies there were in Suffolk:
Table 4.4 – Types of Vacancies Available (2003)
England Suffolk TYPE OF VACANCIES % %
Managerial & Professional 5.0 5.4 Professional & Technical 8.0 6.1 Skilled Trades 11.3 10.9 Admin & Secretarial 10.5 14.3 Personal Services 8.2 7.6 Sales & Customer Services 15.9 16.6 Process Plant & Machine 11.6 11.2 Operatives Elementary Occupations 29.4 27.8
Source: Nomis, 2003, ONS Crown Copyright
Suffolk has a higher than average percentage of vacancies in Admin and Secretarial posts and sales and customer services. These are traditionally semi-skilled or unskilled occupations.
Page 51 Brandon Profile
Transport to Work
In the 2001 Census, residents were asked how they travel to work.
Table 4.5 – How People Travel To Work
Driving Passenger By By By By Work Car/Van in Car/Van Train Bus Foot Cycle From Other* AREA /Coach Home % % % % % % % %
England 54.9 6.1 4.2 7.5 9.9 2.8 9.1 5.5 East Of England 58.8 5.8 6.0 3.9 9.6 3.8 9.4 2.7
Suffolk 60.5 6.2 1.4 4.2 10.0 4.9 10.0 2.8 Forest Heath 65.5 6.4 0.3 2.0 10.5 4.6 8.5 2.2 Brandon East 67.9 7.3 0.2 2.5 8.6 3.5 7.4 2.6 Brandon West 66.9 7.0 0.2 3.3 8.8 5.3 6.5 2.0
* Others include travel by underground, tram, motorcycle, moped or taxi.
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The majority of those employed drive to work in a vehicle. Despite there being a railway station in Brandon, less than 1% use this mode of transport to get to work.
Page 52 Brandon Profile
Average Earnings
By Local Authority
Table 4.6 – Average Earnings by Local Authority (2002)
Gross pay Gross pay Average Pay Per week Per week Per hour With Overtime Without overtime Excluding overtime £ £ £
England 392.01 376.06 11.36 East Of England 374.31 357.27 10.90
Forest Heath 306.78 286.79 8.88 St Eds 332.63 317.08 9.83
Source: New Earnings Survey, Nomis, 2002, ONS Crown Copyright
By Travel To Work Areas
Average earnings can also be compared by Travel To Work Areas (TTWA). Several Travel To Work Areas are included below to show a comparison.
Table 4.7 - Average Earnings by Table to Work Areas (2002)
Travel To Work Area Gross Weekly Pay Hourly Pay With overtime (excluding overtime) £ £
England £392.01 £11.36 East of England £374.31 £10.90
Forest Heath £306.78 £8.88 St Edmundsbury £332.63 £9.83 Bury St Edmunds £336.11 £9.96 Suffolk £326.00 £9.56
Source: New Earnings Survey, Nomis, 2002, ONS Crown Copyright
Average earnings in the Forest Heath TTWA are considerably lower than the national average. This means that residents in Brandon could be earning £85 a week less than the national average.
Page 53 Brandon Profile
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment Rates
Table 4.8 – Unemployment Rates (2001)
Unemployment Rate AREA %
England 3.3 East Of England 2.6
Suffolk 2.6 Forest Heath 2.2 Brandon East 2.0 Brandon West 2.0
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Unemployment is generally low in East Anglia. Brandon follows this pattern.
Page 54 Brandon Profile
Youth Unemployment
Definition Youth unemployment is defined as those persons who are unemployed and are aged between 16-24 years.
Table 4.9 – Youth Unemployment
Of Those Unemployed, AREA Those aged 16-24 yrs %
England 25.6 East Of England 25.9
Suffolk 25.9 Forest Heath 28.2 Brandon East 25.3 Brandon West 16.6
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
25% of those unemployed are between 16-24 years of age. Brandon West has lower than average youth unemployment.
Page 55 Brandon Profile
Long Term Unemployment
Definition In this context, *Long Term Unemployed is defined as those unemployed who have not worked for greater than 2 years (since 1999 or earlier).
Table 4.10 – Long Term Unemployment
AREA Long Term Unemployed* %
England 30.2 East Of England 27.1
Suffolk 28.8 Forest Heath 22.8 Brandon East 14.6 Brandon West 22.2
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The Brandon wards have a lower than average percentage of long term unemployment.
Unemployment Trend
Unemployment has fallen over most areas of Suffolk and Norfolk consistently over the last 5 years. Overall, this leaves the area with good employment prospects but there is a shortage of available labour. Future needs are to re- skill those in declining industries in order to pre-empt closures and supply skilled labour for new investors in emerging sectors such as construction, environmental and advanced engineering.
Source: Breckland District Council, 2003
Page 56 Brandon Profile
Education & Training
Page 57 Brandon Profile
Section 5 – Contents
Education & Training Page(s)
Attainment at Key Stage 2 in the Brandon Area………………………….. 59
Attainment at GCSE Level in the Brandon Area………………………….. 60
‘A’ Level Point Scores………...... 61
Higher Education…………………………………………………………….. 62
No Qualifications……………………………………………………………... 63
Page 58 Brandon Profile
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Qualifications Achieved
Key Stage 2 (Aged 11) Attainment
There are a number of primary schools (and middle schools) within the Brandon. Attainment is measured at age 11 (known as key stage 2) by the percentage of pupils who achieve Level 4 or above in the subjects of English, Maths and Science – this is the standard expected for their age.
Table 5.1 lists the key stage 2 attainments in 2003
Table 5.1 – Attainment at Key Stage 2 (2003)
English Maths Science School % % %
England 75 73 87 Suffolk LEA 75 69 86
Breckland Middle School, Brandon 65 70 75 College Heath Middle School, Mildenhall 68 59 92 Riverside Middle School, Mildenhall 70 71 84 Duchy of Lancaster, Methwold 73 60 73 Mundford Primary School 75 75 88 Hockwold Primary School Too few pupils
Source: Department of Education and Skills
Suffolk LEA attainment is behind the England average in Maths and Science.
Out of the schools that there were results available for around the Brandon area:
4/5 schools were below the national average for attainment in English 4/5 schools were below the national average for attainment in Maths 3/5 schools were below the national average for attainment in Science
Page 59 Brandon Profile
GCSE Level Attainment
The GCSE/GNVQ figure is the traditional measure of school leaver attainment. It is measured by the percentage of pupils who achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, or their GNVQ equivalents (considered to be the standard normally needed to progress to advanced study).
Table 5.2 lists the percentage of pupils who attained 5 GCSE passes in 2003.
Table 5.2 - Percentage of students attaining 5 GCSE passes (grades A-C) in 2003)
5 or more passes at No passes Grades A-C SCHOOL % %
England Average 52.9 5.2
Suffolk LEA 57 4 Methwold High School 40 5 Mildenhall College of Tech. 57 4 Thurston College 67 3
Source: Department of Education and Skills
Suffolk achieved a higher than national percentage of students obtaining 5 GCSE passes. 2/3 secondary schools around the Brandon area also achieved a higher than average percentage of students obtaining 5 passes at grades A-C but Methwold High School which is the closest Secondary school to Brandon (6 miles) had only 40% of pupils obtaining 5 GCSE passes in 2003.
Page 60 Brandon Profile
Further Education
A Level - A/S Level Qualifications
Definition The ‘A’ Level point score system is used to calculate an average point score per student, which depends on the number of qualifications taken by individual students as well as the grades they achieved. Scores are awarded as follows:
Grade A–120 points, Grade B–100 points, Grade C–80 points, Grade D–60 points, Grade E–40 points.
Table 5.3 – ‘A’ Level Point Score Per Student in 2003)
‘A’ Level Point Score AREA Per Student
England 258.6
Suffolk 244.7 Mildenhall College of Technology 273.1 Thurston College 264.6 Bury St Edmunds County Upper School 281.1 West Suffolk College 133.2
Source: Department of Education and Skills
Page 61 Brandon Profile
Higher Education
Definition Level 4/5 is defined as those achieving a first degree, higher degree, NVQ levels 4/5 or HND. Table 5.4 below, shows the percentage of people who achieved level 4/5 qualifications.
Table 5.4 – Percentage of people who achieved level 4/5 qualifications
Percentage of People aged 16-74 achieving a level 4/5 qualification AREA %
England 19.9 East of England 18.1
Suffolk 16.5 Forest Heath 15.2 Brandon East 10.5 Brandon West 9.3
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Suffolk is below the national average of 19.9% for the percentage of people who achieve level 4/5 qualifications. The Brandon wards are considerably below the Suffolk average.
Page 62 Brandon Profile
No Qualifications
Table 5.5 – Percentage of people who have no qualifications
Percentage of People aged 16-74 With NO qualifications AREA %
England 28.8 East of England 27.9
Suffolk 30.2 Forest Heath 30.4 Brandon East 36.0 Brandon West 38.8
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The Brandon wards have a higher percentage of people with no qualifications than the national and Suffolk averages.
Page 63 Brandon Profile
Housing
Page 64 Brandon Profile
Section 6 – Contents
Housing Page(s)
Average House Prices…………………………………………...... 66
Properties Available To Buy………………………………………………………………... 67 To Privately Rent……………………………………………………. 67 Social Housing………………………………………………………. 68
Planned New Housing………………………………………………………. 68
Housing Condition…………………………………………………………… 69
Household Amenities………………………………………………………... 69
Affordable Housing To Buy………………………………………………………………... 70 To Rent……………………………………………………………….. 71 To Privately Rent……………………………………………………. 71
Housing Tenure………………………………………………………………. 72
Page 65 Brandon Profile
HOUSING
Average House Prices
From July-Sept 2003, the average house prices regionally were:
Table 6.1 – Average House Prices (July – Sept 2003)
AREA AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES
East Anglia £153,873
Suffolk £153,696 Forest Heath £143,524
Source: www.landreg.gov.uk
Average house prices in Forest heath were below the average for both Suffolk and East Anglia.
Page 66 Brandon Profile
Properties Available In The Brandon Area
A snapshot taken on 19th June 2003 of property sales showed that in the Brandon area there were 26 properties available. The average house price was £151,000.
To Buy
Table 6.2 – Properties For Sale in the Brandon Area (June 2003)
No. Of Average AREA Properties Price Range Available £ £
Brandon 36 £151,000 £55 – £230,000 (East & West)
Source: www.rightmove.co.uk, www.Teamprop.co.uk, as per 19th June 2003
To Privately Rent A search undertaken on the internet showed that there were 3 properties within the Brandon area to privately rent. The average rental price was £705 per calendar month (pcm).
Table 6.3 – Properties To Privately Rent in the Brandon Area
NO. OF AVERAGE RANGE AREA PROPERTIES PRICE £ AVAILABLE £ Brandon 3 £705 pcm £310–£1,100 pcm (East & West)
Sources: www.rightmove.co.uk, www.TeamProp.co.uk
Page 67 Brandon Profile
Social Housing
Forest Heath Council maintains the majority of their housing stock of 609 properties. They have 573 units in Brandon, 117 of which are managed under a Registered Social Landlord.
Table 6.4 – Number of Social Housing Units in Brandon
WARD NO. OF PROPERTIES
Brandon East 301 Brandon West 272
TOTAL 573 units
Source: Housing Dept, Forest Heath Council
Forest Heath preferred not to give an average wait time as they say that their properties are allocated according to need.
Planned New Housing
Forest Heath District Council have a main housing allocation at Brandon which is a 2.2 hectare Council owned site off Green Road which should provide around 70 dwellings. There are no firm proposals to build at the moment but it should be developed at some point in the next 10 years.
Source: Forward Planning Manager, Forest Heath Council, 2003
Page 68 Brandon Profile
Housing Condition
Forest Heath District Council report that their social housing stock is in very good condition as shown by a survey done this year. They also report that the private sector housing is in good condition.
Household Amenities
The 2001 Census asked residents to report on their household amenities. Table 6.5 shows the percentage of those households with no central heating (but have sole use of a bathroom).
Table 6.5 – Percentage of Households with No Central Heating
Percentage of Households With No Central Heating % AREA England 8.3 East of England 5.1
Suffolk 7.6 Forest Heath 4.4 Brandon East 5.4 Brandon West 2.8
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Both the Brandon wards have a lower than average percentage of households with no central heating.
Page 69 Brandon Profile
Affordable Housing
Using the DTLR’s guidance, mortgage affordability is calculated by converting a household’s gross income into an estimated mortgage capacity. The standard multiple usually applied is three times the gross annual household income, ie. A mortgage should not account for more than 30% of the gross household income.
The average earnings in 2002 for the Forest Heath Travel To Work Area (TTWA) were as follows:
Table 6.6 – Forest Heath Gross Weekly Wage
Gross Weekly Wage
Forest Heath £306.78 Travel to Work area
Source: Nomis, New Earnings Survey, 2003
To Buy
If the average earnings in the Forest Heath Travel To Work area are £306.78 per week, this would mean an average annual income of £15,952. In June 2003, the average house price in Brandon was £151,000. A 25 year interest only mortgage at 6% interest would cost approximately £750 per month. This equates to 60% of the average monthly salary.
Page 70 Brandon Profile
To Rent
Social Housing
The average rental prices charged by Forest Heath are:
Table 6.7 – Average Social Housing Rental Costs
AVERAGE RENTAL PER WEEK
Forest Heath PROPERTY £ 1 bedroomed 40 2 bedroomed 49 3 bedroomed 55 4 bedroom 64
Source: Forest Heath Housing Dept, 2003
Using the DTLR’s guidance, RENTAL affordability is calculated by multiplying the NET household income X3, ie. rent should not account for more than 30% of the net household income.
To Privately Rent
The average cost within the Brandon area was £705 per calendar month which would be £176 per week. Clearly, the option of privately renting would not therefore be affordable to many, unless on a considerably higher than average income.
Page 71 Brandon Profile
Housing Tenure
The following table shows the percentage of home ownership in the Brandon area.
Table 6.8 – Housing Tenure in the Brandon area
Rented from Owned Outright Housing Rented from or Owned with Association / Private a mortgage Registered Social landlord or AREA Landlord letting agency % % %
England 67.9 6.0 8.8 East of England 72.1 11.6 7.5
Suffolk 71.0 5.1 8.8 Forest Heath 61.1 3.0 13.1 Brandon East 66.7 5.1 14.3 Brandon West 67.6 2.2 12.5
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Rental from a private landlord or letting agency is quite high in Forest Heath and the Brandon wards. This is probably due to the high number of military personnel who live in these areas.
Page 72 Brandon Profile
Crime & Disorder
Page 73 Brandon Profile
Section 7 – Contents
Crime & Disorder Page(s)
Overall Crime Rates…………………………………………………………… 75
Crime Rates In Forest Heath………………………………………………… 76
Crime Rates in Brandon………………………………………………………. 76
Racial Crime……………………………………………………………………. 77
Fire Service Call Outs & Malicious Calls…………………………………… 78
Page 74 Brandon Profile
CRIME & DISORDER
Overall Crime Rates
The table below shows the overall crime rates for the East of England and Suffolk in 2001/02. The crime rates are calculated by dividing the number of recorded crimes by per 1,000 population.
Table 7.1 Overall Crime Rates in Suffolk per 1,000 population (2001-2002)
Overall Crime Rate AREA Per 1,000 Population
EAST OF ENGLAND 74.9
SUFFOLK 71.0
Source: Suffolk Development Agency
The Eastern region has the second lowest rate of recorded crime per head of population in England and Wales. Rates of recorded violence, robbery, burglary, vehicle crime and criminal damage all fall below the national average. Suffolk falls below the Eastern and national averages.
Page 75 Brandon Profile
Crime Rates By Local Authority
Table 7.2 shows crime rates in the Forest Heath area in 2002/03.
Table 7.2 - Crime Rates in Forest Heath per 1,000 population (2002/03)
Local Robbery Burglary Dwellings Theft OF Theft FROM Authority Offences Offences Motor Motor (per 1,000 households) Vehicles Vehicles
Forest Heath 0.3 10.0 3.0 10.2
Source: Crime & Disorder Partnerships, Norfolk Constabulary
Table 7.3 shows crime rates by local wards in the Brandon areas
Table 7.3 – Crime Rates in the Brandon wards per 1,000 population (2001/2)
Burglary Criminal Drugs Theft & Fraud & Violent AREA Damage Offences Handling* Forgery Crimes**
Per 1,000 Per 1,000 Per 1,000 Per 1,000 Per 1,000 Per 1,000 population population population population population population
Suffolk 9.2 21.8 1.8 28.1 3.2 10.2
Brandon 12.3 33.3 2.7 41.4 2.1 15.8 East Brandon 11.1 17.0 1.3 28.4 2.3 4.6 West
Source: Suffolk Development Agency2001/2
* Theft and Handling crimes include theft of motor vehicles, theft from motor vehicles, theft of cycles and theft from shops. ** Violent crimes include any violence, robbery and sexual offences
Brandon East ward had a high crime rate for criminal damage and theft and handling in 2001/02.
In the Brandon Town Appraisal Report (1999), the areas of Warren Close, Heath Road and the Market place were highlighted as areas where residents felt unsafe.
Page 76 Brandon Profile
Racial Crime
Suffolk report 345 racial crimes over the County for the year for the year 2003/03. Norfolk report 573 racial crimes for the same year. All racial crime is considered to be considerably under-reported.
Source: Norwich & Norwich Racial Equality Council (NNREC) Annual Report 2002/03 Suffolk Constabulary
Page 77 Brandon Profile
Fire Service Call Outs & Malicious Calls
Fire cover of the Brandon area is mainly provided by Brandon, Ixworth and Mildenhall Fire Stations.
Table 7.4 lists the number of incidents attended by Suffolk Fire Service (2002/03).
Table 7.4 – Fire Calls 2001 (2002/3)
TOTAL Malicious CALLS Calls STATION
Brandon 52 3 Ixworth 38 5 Mildenhall 92 8
Source: Suffolk Fire Service
Page 78 Brandon Profile
The Brandon Community
Page 79 Brandon Profile
Section 8 - Contents
Community Page(s)
Child Care Provision…………………………………………………………. 81
Nursery/Playgroups…………………………………………………………... 82
Community Groups………………………………………………………...... 82
Community Access To Local Councils Forest Heath District Council……………………………………….. 83 Suffolk County Council……………………………………………… 83
Voter Turnout Rates Local Elections 2003………………………………………………… 84 General Elections 2001……………………………………………. 84
Community Development……………………………………………………. 86
Recreation Facilities………………………………………………………….. 86
Page 80 Brandon Profile
THE BRANDON COMMUNITY
Child Care Provision
In the Brandon area, there are 5 registered childminders listed on the Childcare Link web-site. These are located as follows:
Table 8.1 – Childcare Provision in the Brandon Area
LOCATION No of Childminders Registered with Vacancies Childminders (August 2003)
Mundford 1 0 Brandon 4 1
Source: www.childcarelink.gov.uk
In the Brandon Town Appraisal Report, lack of childcare was shown to be a concern for employers in the area. The Early years Development and Childcare Partnership also confirmed this and have raised concern that childcare facilities are unavailable to many in Brandon. 15% of respondents considered that a lack of local child care was a barrier for them in taking up employment or training opportunities. 14% also felt that the cost of child care was a barrier. This may be higher than average due to the demand created by the USAF families.
Page 81 Brandon Profile
Nursery / Playgroups
Pre-School Playgroups
There are 2 pre-school playgroups listed within the Brandon Area.
Table 8.2 – Pre-School Playgroup Provision in the Brandon area
Vacancies LOCATION (August 2003)
Brandon Pre-School Play Group Yes Brandon - Fledglings Yes
Source: www.childcarelink.gov.uk
Community Groups
There are over a hundred active community groups in Brandon with interests that range from Arts to Zen. Most of these are long established. Some sadly, now have an aging and declining membership. In the town Appraisal Report (1999), subjects of interest declared by respondents included cookery, crafts, computer skills, local history and wildlife studies.
Page 82 Brandon Profile
Community Access to Local Councils
Forest Heath District Council Hard copies of agendas and minutes of Forest Heath Council meetings are sent to Newmarket, Mildenhall, Brandon and Lakenheath Libraries. Agendas for forthcoming meetings are posted on the notice board outside the district offices. The public can attend Council meetings, Committee meetings and some working group meetings but will be excluded from the meetings when confidential reports are discussed. At the start of most meetings, members of the public are invited to put questions/statements of not more than 3 minutes duration relating to items to be discussed in the open part of the meeting.
Agendas, minutes and reports are not currently available on the website. A member of the public may request a copy of the agenda/reports (public items only) for meetings about to be called at the district offices. Copies of the agenda and reports are also available in the public gallery for members of the public who attend the meeting. If a request is made for past minutes or reports there is a charge for officer time and photocopying.
Source: Committee Administrator, Forest Heath District Council
Suffolk County Council Suffolk County Council replied:
“Suffolk County Council has a very open policy in terms of public access to meetings. Only where confidential information is being discussed would the public be excluded and in those cases reasons have to be recorded. Notice of meetings is advertised in the local press and agendas, minutes and reports are available on the Council's website (www.suffolkcc.gov.uk) at Libraries and at County Hall.
While members of the public can observe proceedings they would not be allowed to take part in the debate. The only exception to this is at the Development Control Sub-Committee where objectors and others with an interest in planning applications and related issues can speak. The procedure is laid out in the Development Control Charter, which can be found on the web under the Environment and Transport section”.
Source: Bryony Rudkin Leader of the County Council, Dec 2003
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Voter Turnout Rates
One way of measuring local interest in politics is to look at the voter turnout rates for the area. The voter turnout rate for the 2003 local elections was as follows:
Local Elections 2003
Table 8.3 – Voter Turnout Rates 2003
Voter Turnout Rate Voter Turnout Rate Parish Elections District Elections AREA May 2003 May 2003 % %
Brandon East 27.7 27.7 Brandon West 24.2 24.2
Source: Forest Heath District Council, 2003
General Elections 2001
Table 8.4 – General Elections 2001
Constituency Voter Turnout Rate Elected Constituent
UK 59.4% New Labour
Suffolk West 60% Richard Spring (Conservative)
Source: Suffolk County Council, 2001
Suffolk West had higher than average voter turnout rates for the 2001 General Election.
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Community Development
There are several organisations and individuals who currently work to develop community involvement.
The Brandon Communities Partnership is a very active partnership which consists of the Parish councils of Brandon, Hockwold, Weeting, Santon Downham, Elveden, and Wangford. Its vision is "Partnership for Everyone".
Timebank Brandon currently operates a ‘Timebank’. This works by crediting every hour of time that someone donates in providing a service for another participant. In return, one time credit is received. Credits can be exchanged when someone needs a service from someone else. All credits are equal, eg. washing a car in return for baking a cake. There is no restriction on age, mobility or lack of finances.
Suffolk ACRE Suffolk ACRD aims to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the county of Suffolk, in particular, the advancement of education, appreciation and promotion of the arts, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, distress and sickness.
Source: Suffolk Acre
MTI ‘Healthcheck’ Brandon has undertaken a Market Town Initiative ‘Healthcheck’ which is a form of appraisal.
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Community Space
The National Playing Field Association (NPFA) suggests an overall standard of 2.43 hectares of outdoor playing space per 1,000 population. This standard is used as a general guide by many District Councils.
Brandon has an average of 5.2 hectares per 1,000 population, which is well above the standard required.
Brandon Country Park - The Country Park was originally a country house with extensive parkland. The park was the dream of Edward Bliss, who wanted to create an exotic tree garden with species from all over the world in the 19th century.
Recreation Facilities
Brandon boasts a leisure centre. Facilities include 5 a side football, badminton, tennis, volley ball, aerobics, squash, indoor bowls and also a fitness studio.
Local Authority’s Future Plans For Community Buildings
Forest Heath District Council Forest Heath DC in their draft Local Plan, 2006-2016, commit to providing community facilities. They state that:
“The Local Plan will seek to protect existing village facilities as well as encouraging provision for new rural facilities which have declined over recent years resulting in a detrimental impact on the self-sufficiency of rural communities and an increase in car use”.
It would seem that FHDC are committed to the provision of current and future community facilities.
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The Brandon Environment
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Section 9 - Contents
The Brandon Environment Page(s)
The Brandon Environment………………………………………………….. 89
Air Quality Benzene………………………………………………………………. 90 Nitrogen Dioxide……………………………………………………... 91 Fine Particle (PM10)………………………………………………… 92 Noise………………………………………………………………...... 93 Aircraft Noise…………………………………………………………. 93
Drinking Water Quality……………………………………………………….. 94
River Water Quality Chemistry……………………………………………………………... 95 Nitrates………………………………………………………………... 95
Nature Reserves……………………………………………………………… 96
National Nature Reserves…………………………………………………… 96
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s)………………………………... 97
Areas of Special Protection………………………………………………….. 97
Special Areas of Conservation……………………………………………… 98
County Wildlife Sites…………………………………………………………. 98
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THE BRANDON ENVIRONMENT
A person’s perceived quality of life may be largely determined by the environment. The Forest Heath area is described as being surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside with open roads and Britain’s largest lowland pine forest.
As well as miles of forest, Brandon is unique in its environment, having many types of terrain in a very small area. There are chalk and clay downlands, the Brecks and Fenland all within one area.
In Brandon, the environment is a major attraction for the area. 33% of the residents who responded to the Town Appraisal felt that the environment is the most important feature of Brandon to them. 18% declared a love of the ‘country life’ available to them in Brandon.
Although Brandon suffers from acute traffic congestion including HGV traffic through the High St and London Road, the Town Centre is a conservation area. Some fine examples of flint work remain in the Store Street area. Market Hill hosts the old Victorian School House with its fine slate roof. There are 17 listed buildings within the town. The village of Wangford, just outside Brandon, also has some fine flint-work houses and is surrounded by historic warrens.
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Air Quality
Key µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic metre ppm = parts per million ppb = parts per billion
POLLUTANTS
Benzene
The main source of benzene emissions in the UK are from petrol-engined vehicles, petrol reefing and refuelling of vehicles at petrol station forecourts.
The national standard for concentrations of benzene is 16.25µg/m3 (5ppb) over a running annual mean. Table 9.1 shows the levels of benzene over the Brandon area.
Table 9.1 - Benzene Levels –Brandon Areas 2002
Benzene Projected Levels by 2005
Annual Mean LOCATION mg/m3
June 02 Brandon 1 0.9 Brandon 2 0.4 Brandon 3 0.6 Brandon 4 0.6
Source: Scientific Officer, Forest Heath Council Defra, UK
Forest Heath Council found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for benzene.
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Nitrogen Dioxide (N02)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a respiratory irritant and is thought to make certain conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis worse. Road transport accounts for 50% of the NO2 emissions in the UK. In urban areas, road traffic can account for a much greater percentage of emission eg. 75% in London.
Passive diffusion tubes are used to measure mean concentrations of NO2 over a monthly period.
The national standard for concentrations of nitrogen dioxide is the annual mean of 40µg/m3 (21 ppb) and a 1-hour mean concentration of 200µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year. Table 9.2 shows the nitrogen dioxide levels over the Brandon area.
Table 9.2 - Nitrogen Dioxide Levels – Brandon Area
Nitrogen Dioxide Projected Levels by 2005
Annual Mean LOCATION mg/m3
June 02 Brandon 1 41.4 Brandon 2 7.0 Brandon 3 14.9 Brandon 4 11.9 Elveden 29.5
Source: Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003, Breckland Council Environmental Health Department Scientific Officer, Forest Heath Council
Forest Heath District Council found that that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide although the Brandon 1 has quite high levels of NO2.
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Fine Particles (PM10)
The extent of the health risks posed by very small particles is still under debate but it is thought that particles less than 10µ diameter can travel into the lungs and some can be absorbed into the blood stream. This can raise blood pressure and put strain on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Also the particle can carry other substances which may have a detrimental effect on health. Existing respiratory and cardio-vascular problems can be made worse by elevated levels of particles.
The national standard for concentrations of fine particles is the annual mean of 40µg/m3 and a 24-hour mean concentration of 50µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year.
Forest Heath District Council carried out monitoring around the Lignacite Works in Brandon between 09/10/00 - 08/01/01. This was carried out as a result of a recommendation in a review and assessment on air quality. However, no exceedances of the fixed 24 hour mean objective occurred. The mean concentration for that period was 15.6 µgm-3.
Source: Scientific Officer, Forest Heath District Council
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Noise
There are no national standards for noise. If a complaint is received by a Council, the frequency, occurrence, location and time of day etc, are assessed and whether the noise is a statutory nuisance for which legal action can be taken.
Aircraft Noise
The Environmental Health Department at Forest Heath District Council report that there are no reported problems with aircraft noise flying over the Brandon and Lakenheath area.
A RAF Lakenheath Spokesperson was quoted in the Bury Free Press (March 2000) as saying
“We take great care to make sure our flight patterns are not over the centre of villages, including Brandon and Lakenheath. We work in close cooperation with parish councils and Forest Heath District Council over noise levels and try to respect our environment by not flying at weekends or on public holidays”.
Source: Bury Free Press 3 March 2000.
However, on the Campaign for the Accountability of American Air Bases in the UK’s web-site (a branch of the CND movement) there is much debate around the subject of aircraft noise associated with USAF Lakenheath. This group continually fight and protest against the noise levels from the American bases. Similarly, on the Lakenheath web-site there is a comment from a local resident who bought his own noise meter. He records levels higher than the accepted limits.
Source: www.lakenheath.freeuk.com www.cnd.yorks.gn.arp.org
In the Brandon Town Appraisal Report (1999), many residents reported to be unhappy by the noise of traffic and low flying aircraft.
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Drinking Water Quality
Drinking water is largely mains supply and is maintained by Anglian Water Services. They test the quality and report to the Drinking Water Inspectorate. River water is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.
Water Testing
Water is regularly tested for components such as micro-biological coliforms, taste and odour, trace metals such as iron and lead and organic pesticides such as nitrates. There are water treatment works at Two Mile Bottom and Brandon. There is a water storage points at Brandon High reservoirs.
Table 9.3 shows the results of component tested in water from the Brandon area
Table 9.3 – Drinking Water Samples Tested
Component Allowed Brandon Limit
Nitrates 50 mg/l 33.2 Lead 50 µg/l 0.15 Iron 200 µg/l 17.1 Fluoride 1,500 µg/l 128 Pesticides 0.5 µg/l 0.02
Source: Anglian Water, Public Water Supply, 2003
Nitrates seem to be the only component that is approaching the allowed limits. Nitrate levels in many English waters, both ground and surface waters, are increasing. Nitrate pollution is of concern because it has to be removed before water can be supplied to consumers, and it can harm the water environment. Over 70% of nitrate enters water from agricultural land.
All environmental health matters are constantly monitored to make sure that problems don’t arise.
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River Water Quality
The General Quality Assessment scheme (GQA) is the Environment Agency’s national method for classifying water quality in rivers and canals. Water quality is assessed by using four separate measures: chemistry, biology, nutrients, and aesthetics.
Chemistry
Samples are analysed for three determinants of organic pollution: ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen. The collective results are then averaged and graded as below.
Grade A = Very Good, B = Good, C= Fairly Good, D = Fair, E = Poor, F = Bad
Table 9.4 – Chemistry Samples in Local Rivers
River Stretch Grade
Little Ouse River Thet – Santon Downham B
Source: Environment Agency
Nitrates
Samples are analysed for nitrate levels and graded as follows:
1= Very Low, 2 = Low, 3 = Moderately Low, 4 = Moderate, 5 = High, 6 = Very High
Table 9.5 – Nitrate Samples in Local Rivers
River Stretch Grade
Little Ouse River Thet – Santon Downham 5
Source: Environment Agency
Nitrate levels are high in this stretch of river.
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Nature Reserves
The areas in and around Brandon has a multitude of Nature Reserves, with many facets of interest.
Wicken Fen National Nature reserve (NT) Lakenheath Fen reserve (RSPB) Aspal Close, Beck Row (FHDC) Cavenham Heath National Nature Reserve (EN) Weeting Heath, Hockwold (NWT) Chippenham Fen National Nature Reserve (EN) Pashford Poors Reserve (SWT) Maidscross Hill, Lakenheath (FHDC) Wangford Warren and Lakenheath Warren Barton mills Reserve and Amenity Lake (FHDC) Nora Hanbury Meadows (SWT) Rex Graham Reserve (SWT)
Source: www.brandon-suffolk.co.uk
Key to Abbreviations EN - English Nature FHDC - Forest Heath District Council NWT - Norfolk Wildlife Trust SWT - Suffolk Wildlife Trust NT - National Trust
National Nature Reserves (NNRs)
National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are places where wildlife comes first. They were established to protect the most important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations in Britain, and as places for scientific research. They are not "no-go areas" for people but care is taken not to damage the wildlife of these fragile places. At the end of March 2000 there were 200 NNRs in England covering 80,533 hectares.
Near Brandon there is a NNRs at:
Weeting Heath
Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
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Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Definition SSSIs are designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to protect areas of important flora, fauna, geological and/or physiographical features. An SSSI represents the best sites for wildlife and geology. They play an important part in local culture and economies or provide opportunities for people to enjoy wildlife and landscape. The national wildlife and geological features of SSSIs are irreplaceable parts of our national heritage. Most SSSIs are privately owned or managed. Others are owned or managed by public bodies such as the Forestry Commission, Ministry of Defence and the Crown Estate, or by the voluntary conservation movement.
Around the Brandon area the following areas are designated Sites of Specific Scientific Interest:
Wangford Warren & Carr London Rd Industrial Estate, Brandon Lord’s Well, Eriswell Nr Littlay Field, Eriswell
Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Areas of Special Protection
Definition Special Protection Areas, designated under the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds provide for the protection, management and control of all species of naturally occurring wild birds in the European territory of Member States. In particular it requires Member States to identify areas to be given special protection for the rare or vulnerable species and for regularly occurring migratory species and for the protection of wetlands, especially wetlands of international importance.
Around the Brandon area, there are many areas considered worthy of special protection.
Sites include: Eriswell Low Warren, Field Barn Heaths, Grimes Graves, Lakenheath Warren, Little Heath, Wangford Warren and Carr, Weather and Horn Heaths, Eriswell, and Weeting Heath. Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
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Special Areas Of Conservation
There are Neolithic flint mines at Grimes Graves. Flint tools are still found scattered on the ground to this day.
County Wildlife Sites
Brandon Artemisia Wangford Warren
Source: Suffolk Wildlife Trust
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CULTURE & HERITAGE
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Section 10 - Contents
Brandon’s Culture & Heritage Page(s)
Cultural Facilities……………………………………………………………… 101
Historical Associations……………………………………………………….. 102
English Heritage Sites……………………………………………………….. 103
National Trust Sites…………………………………………………………... 103
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CULTURE AND HERITAGE
“Culture is important for many reasons. Cultural activities interact in a complex pattern in people’s everyday lives: they help shape how we relate to the surrounding landscape and environment; they lend meaning to the past and provide vision for the future; they play a distinctive role in the regeneration of cities, towns and villages; they are a gateway to learning throughout life and are essential to healthy living.”
Culture: Living East, 2003
CULTURAL FACILITIES
Theatre and Cinema Brandon has no Theatre or Cinema. The nearest ones are in Bury St Edmunds, Norwich and Dereham.
Art Galleries Brandon has no Art Gallery.
Brandon Heritage Centre Brandon has its own Heritage Centre which displays local history and photographs of the area. There are currently plans to relocate the Centre to the Brecks Visitor Centre at Brandon Country Park.
Libraries Brandon has a Library. It offers a wide range of services including free internet access, loans, local studies and reference material.
Festivals & Events Brandon holds events, such as the ‘Chalk It Up Day’ and ‘The Mile Gallery’.
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Historic Associations
Military & USA Air Force Many military personnel undertook their national service in East Anglia. During World War II, East Anglia was crowded with American servicemen and women, and remains of the airbases as well as many memorials are still visible. From 1942 airfields sprang up all over Eastern England – there were 19 in Suffolk alone.
Desert Rats The 7th Armoured Division was stationed in Thetford Forest between January and May 1944 while they prepared for the invasion of Normandy. This was the only time the division was in the United Kingdom in its entire existence. The Division sailed from Felixstowe on the 5 June 1944 with the first tanks landing on Gold Beach on the evening of 6th June 1944
A monument now stands on the A1065 near Mundford.
Figure 10.1 – Desert Rats Monument, A1065, Mundford
There are currently two US Air Force bases in Suffolk, at Mildenhall and Lakenheath. RAF Lakenheath is one of the largest US Air Force bases in Europe with nearly 5,000 US service personnel and home to F-15 precision strike fighters. Close by, RAF Mildenhall is a reconnaissance and refuelling centre for US Air Forces in Europe.
Source: St Edmundsbury Council
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English Heritage Sites
Brandon is near to the English Heritage Sites of Graves Grimes. This is described below:
Grimes Graves – Near Brandon Grimes Graves is located 7 miles north west of Thetford off the A134, 3½ miles from Brandon. The graves were excavated in 1870 and were found to be flint mines dug 4,000 years ago. The mines provided the materials needed to make tools and weapons.
National Trust Sites There are no National Trust properties within the Brandon area although Oxbourgh Hall and Estate in Norfolk and Angel Corner in Suffolk are both a short distance away.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY & GLOSSARY
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brandon Community Partnership Delivery Plan, 2003-2004 Brandon Community Partnership
Brandon Town Centre Appraisal Report, June 1999 Brandon Regeneration Group
Economic Development Strategy to 2010, August 2002 Forest Heath District Council
Forest Heath Local Plan, Issues Report, May 2001 Forest Heath District Council
Growing Together, June 2000 Thetford Partnership
Health Atlas – Informing The Planning & Delivery of Health, September 2003 Eastern Region Strategic Health Authority
Newmarket and Mildenhall / Lakenheath Localities’ Profile (Forest Heath) R Currell, Suffolk West PCT, November 2003
Region in Figures – East of England, Winter 2002 Office of National Statistics
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Glossary
*A’ Level point score - Used to calculate an average point score per student, which depends on the number of qualifications taken by individual students as well as the grades they achieved.
Approximated Social Grade - A socio-economic classification used by the Market Research and Marketing Industries, most often in the analysis of spending habits and consumer attitudes.
CHD – Coronary Heart Disease
CHI – Commission for Health Improvement
CO – Carbon Monoxide
Crime Rate – The number of recorded crimes per 1,000 population.
DEFRA – Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
DLA – Disability Living Allowance
Fertility Rates - A measure of pregnancy in females of child bearing age. It is the number of live births per 1,000 females of childbearing area between 15-44 yrs. The overall birth rate has reduced in the UK over the past two decades.
FHDC – Forest Heath District Council
GCSE – General Certificate of Secondary Education
IMD – Indices of Multiple Deprivation
Indices of Deprivation - The Indices of Deprivation use up to date information from indicators to describe deprivation at ward and national level.
Infant Mortality Rate – The number of babies who die per 1,000 live births
KDT – Keystone Development Trust
Key Stage 2 – Children aged 11
LA – Local Authority
Labour Participation Rate - The labour participation rate is the number of people who do work divided by the number of people who could work.
Level 4/5 – First degree, higher degree, NVQ levels 4/5 or HND.
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Life Expectancy – An estimate of the number of years a new born baby would survive, were she or he to experience the particular age-specific mortality rates for that time period throughout his or her life.
Long Term Unemployed - Those unemployed who have not worked for longer than 2 years
Low Birth Weight – Less than 2.5 kg
MAFF – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods
Mortality Rate – The number of deaths per 1,000 population
NO2 – Nitrogen Dioxide
NNR – National Nature Reserves
ONS – Office of National Statistics
PCM – Per calendar month
PCT – Primary Care Trust
PM10 – Fine Particles
SCC – Suffolk County Council
SEBC – St Edmundsbury Borough Council
SO2 – Sulphur Dioxide
SRB – Single Regeneration Budget
SSSI – Site of Special Scientific Interest
SWPCT – Suffolk West Primary Care Trust
Very Low Birth Weight – Less than 1.5 kg
Youth Unemployment - Those persons unemployed aged between 16-24 years
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Acknowledgments:
C Carney is grateful to the following for their assistance with compiling this report:
Cyril Brown – Brandon Community Partnership East Anglian Ambulance Service NHS Trust Eastern Region Strategic Health Authority Elbourne Surgery Forest Group Practice Forest Heath District Council Keystone Development Trust Rosemary Currell - SWPCT Suffolk Fire Service Suffolk West PCT
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