Keystone
A Reference Document 2nd Edition
Compiled by Corah Carney April 2005
Keystone Community Profile
INDEX
Section Page(s)
Introduction by Neil Stott, Chief Executive KDT…………………… 2
Purpose of The Keystone Profile……………………………………. 3
Executive Summary Overall………………………………...... 4 Thetford…………………………...... 5 Brandon………………………………………………… 5-6
Keystone Development Trust………………………………………... 7-12
Section 1 – Demographics of The Keystone Area………………… 14-31
Section 2 – Indices of Deprivation…………………………………... 32-50
Section 3 – Employment……………………………………………... 51-65
Section 4 – Education & Training…………………………………… 66-79
Section 5 – Health…………………………………………………….. 80-100
Section 6 – Housing…………………………………………………... 101-115
Section 7 – Crime & Disorder………………………………………... 116-131
Section 8 – The Keystone Community……………………………… 132-153
Section 9 – The Keystone Environment……………………………. 154-172
Section 10 – Keystone’s Culture & Heritage……………………….. 173-188
Bibliography……………………………...……………………………. 190-191
Glossary...... 192-193
Acknowledgements...... 195
Page 1 Keystone Community Profile
Introduction by Neil Stott, Chief Executive of Keystone Development Trust
Welcome to the updated ‘Keystone Profile’, a compendium of data drawn from a wide variety of sources to give a holistic and ‘one stop’ view of the area.
The Profile is the result of a massive effort by Corah Carney, Health Development Officer (HDO) and colleagues across many partner agencies. The first edition has proved to be an immensely popular and useful resource. At Keystone we place a high value on good quality research. Such research informs the Trust and partners on the needs and issues facing local people – as well as being a means to track change over time.
The Profile is a living document’; Keystone will endeavour to keep it updated with your support – primarily as an online resource within our website. If there is demand for annual ‘hard copy’ we will publish it for a small fee to cover printing costs!
Again, I hope you find the profile useful – if you do, please let us know.
Neil Stott April 2005
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Purpose of The Keystone Profile
The main purpose of compiling this document of current information is to provide a single source for much of the commonly required information about the Keystone Development Trust’s area. In addition it provides an opportunity to highlight the common links between data sets and allows the user access to a unique compilation of data relating to the area. When viewed as a whole it also provides a fascinating insight into the area. It can also support both proposals and decisions for improvements. As with any data however, it is a snapshot, limited to a point in time and by the data available.
The data is in this document has been collated from a variety of sources, the main one being the Office of National Statistics Web-site. There are also many individuals and organisations who have contributed information and figures. It has not been possible to compare 2001 census data with the 1991 census as the ward boundaries changed in 2001 and this would lead to inaccurate assumptions.
I would like to thank the many individuals and organisations who have contributed information to this reference document.
The second edition has the following figures now included or updated:
Demographics of the Keystone area Now includes the ethnicity of Keystone residents.
Indices of Deprivation The new Indices of Deprivation 2004 have replaced the IOD 2000.
Employment Average Earnings updated. Figures now include earnings for 2003.
Education, Skills & Training Updated figures now include the educational attainments in Primary, Secondary schools and Sixth forms in 2004.
Health Updated figures include the star Ratings for NHS Trusts for 2004.
Housing Average house prices updated for 2004.
Corah Carney April 2005
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Executive Summary
The Keystone Area - Overall
The Keystone area has a population of around 60,000 people. The area is made up of 17 different wards split further into of 36 Super Output Areas and extends over parts of two County Councils, three Local Councils and three Primary Care NHS Trusts. The population has grown by 5% since 1991. 50% of the population live in the towns of Thetford and Brandon and 50% live in the surrounding hinterland. The majority of Keystone residents were born in the UK and classify themselves to be of a Christian faith.
Overall, the Keystone area has a higher than average number of people both less than 16 years old and older than 60 years. There is a lower than average percentage of people classified as social grades A&B (Professional and higher Managerial) and a higher than average percentage of people classified as social grades C2, D&E (semi-skilled and lowest grade workers).
In the Indices of Deprivation 2004, 6/36 of the Super Output Areas are in the top quintile of most deprived wards nationally for education, skills and training deprivation. 15/36 of the Super Output Areas are in the top quintile of most deprived wards nationally for barriers to housing and services deprivation and 3/36 of the Super Output Areas are in the top quintile of most deprived wards nationally for crime deprivation
The Keystone area has low unemployment rates but Thetford and parts of Suffolk have a higher than average employment in manufacturing but employment in this sector is predicted to fall by 13% by 2010. Average earnings with overtime in the Thetford Travel to Work Area for full-time employees are £400 a week compared to the average in England of £484 per week.
Keystone has low levels of educational achievement, low literacy skills and lower than average qualifications and skills. 29% have no qualifications. Alongside this, adults living in Breckland are the least likely in Norfolk to access the internet, providing obstacles in accessing local services, advice and training opportunities. This is also exacerbated by rural remoteness and limited transport infrastructure.
Residents in the Keystone area generally have better health than average with longer than normal life expectancy. Deaths from Cancers and Coronary Heart Disease are lower than the average but accidents are a major cause of death, especially on the roads.
Keystone’s location is to be envied. Set in the heart of the Breckland countryside, it has many hectares of unspoilt forest and many SSSI and nature sites. Its intriguing history, full of ancient sites and hidden treasures, could provide an excellent centre for tourists but this has yet to be developed to its full potential.
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Thetford
Thetford is in many ways different from other parts of Norfolk. Significantly enlarged by migration from London, the local population increased fourfold between 1958 and 1980. This has now created a mixed identity which is quite different from its surrounding areas of Breckland. Situated some 30 miles from Cambridge and Norwich, it is said that Thetford is “an island of deprivation” which stands out starkly in its rural Norfolk setting. Its population is big enough to display some features associated with urban disadvantage but it is not big enough to have the knowledge, experience or critical mass to solve its own problems. It depends on collaboration with a host of different partners to provide a sufficient range of opportunities to meet the needs of its population.
There are a number of socio-economic issues highlighted in Thetford:
25% of the population are under 16 years compared to the national average of 17%. The wards of Thetford-Abbey and Thetford-Saxon have twice the Norfolk average for the percentage of households consisting of lone parents living with dependent children. One of the Thetford Abbey Super Output Areas is in the top quintile of most deprived wards nationally for income, employment and multiple deprivation. Educational standards are very low with 12% of students in 2000 obtaining no GCSE passes at all compared to the national average of 5.4%. The 2001 census shows that only 9% of people in Thetford have achieved a level 4/5 qualification (first degree and above) compared to 20% in England. Two out of four wards have over 40% of people between 16-74 with no qualifications. Only 2% in Abbey ward are employed in higher managerial posts compared to the national average of 9% whilst 39% are employed in routine or semi-routine posts compared to the national average of 21%. Child health is a major concern as it has the highest number of children on the Child Protection Register for its size of population in the whole of Norfolk. There is a high rate of teenage pregnancy and anecdotally, there are said to be large problems associated with substance misuse. Low aspirations and low self-esteem are frequently reported in reviews about Thetford.
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.
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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 the reason for decline and loss of direction.
Brandon today, has its issues, some of which are unique:
It 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 are 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. One Brandon Super Output Area is in the top quintile of most deprived wards nationally for education and skills deprivation. 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%. 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 rates are higher than average in Brandon. Fear of crime is high especially around the Warren Close estate which has high levels of deprivation. A significant amount of racial harassment has been reported, especially against the Polish community There is concern for the environment especially the noise pollution from traffic and low flying aircraft.
With help, Brandon could maximise its potential. Regeneration and tourism could restore the town to its original importance and recapture the former significance of Brandon as the heart of the Brecks, in the heart of East Anglia.
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KEYSTONE DEVELOPMENT TRUST (KDT)
Keystone became a Development Trust on the 1st April 2003. It is a Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. Keystone has an active web-site on www.keystonetrust.org.uk. Keystone also has a trading social enterprise– Keystone Development Services.
KDT was established to provide long term regeneration work in a community controlled legal entity, which had the ability to own and manage assets and trading companies. This will ensure long term sustainable investment to complement public funded regeneration programmes and grants from Trusts, local authorities and fundraising.
KDT has a growing membership of over 500 partner organisations and individual members who elect a Board of 8 elected members and 7 appointed Trustees making a total of 15. KDT has a Trust Management Team consisting of a Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Business Development and five senior managers.
KDT is the accountable and implementation body for the SRB6 scheme until completion in 2006. It is also the implementation body for the Keystone element of the European Objective 2 scheme (2003 – 2008) and the delivery agent for a number of partnership projects.
The Vision
Keystone Development Trust’s vision is;
‘To improve the quality of life and opportunities for people who live, study and work in the Keystone area through sustainable, community led regeneration. Working closely with partner organisations and communities, Keystone aims to ensure that the area is safe, healthy, inclusive, socially and economically vibrant.’
The vision is underpinned by the following key principles;
We will invest in community capital; the collective skills, knowledge, experience, facilities and organisations which ensure greater returns in the quality of life for all. We will encourage economic self-sufficiency, local ownership and economic growth. We will encourage all communities to participate in local civic life We will prioritise those individuals, groups and communities who experience disadvantage or social exclusion We will always try to achieve value for money, maintain and develop the best management and planning practises, and ensure all Keystones’ projects are monitored and evaluated.
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Trust Aims
Keystone Development Trust’s aims are built around a community capital model. Community capital is a key concept for the Trust. Many communities experience the positive and negative consequences of social, economic and technological change and often feel powerless to address global economic forces which are driving change – particularly communities which have been worst hit.
Building community capital is about ‘empowering’ individuals, groups and communities to tackle their own needs and issues, create their own solutions, organisations or enterprises. Anchoring community capital is about creating sustainable opportunities (i.e. training, jobs) in social (or commonly owned and managed) assets or enterprises.
Keystone’s aims are;
‘To build community capital, the collective skills, knowledge, experience, facilities and organisations which ensure greater returns in the quality of life for all, and to anchor community capital locally to ensure sustainable returns.
To build social capital by assisting individuals, groups, communities and networks to identify their own needs, assets, issues and develop sustainable strategies.
To build human/personal capital by developing opportunities to learn and apply new skills and knowledge.
To build financial capital by maximising individual, group and community income and assets, and investing in local social enterprises
To build environmental capital by sustaining and utilising environmental assets
To build physical capital by investing in facilities amenities and infrastructure
To build cultural capital by developing cultural opportunities and infrastructure.’
KDT in partnership with Anglia Polytechnic University is further developing the community capital model to provide a tool for needs assessments and planning, monitoring and evaluating the Trust’s work.
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Trust Strategic Priorities & Targets 2004 - 2008.
KDT has adopted five overarching strategic priorities with accompanying actions and performance targets. The Trust’s strategic priorities are;
1. To extend and deepen member and community engagement.
2. To deliver all funded programmes to the agreed quality, timescale and outputs.
3. To deliver high quality, respected services.
4. To develop and secure resources for new community driven services and social enterprises to meet identified need.
5. To develop a mixed income steam to ensure the sustainability of the Trust and key services.
The strategic performance targets to be met by 2008 are;
To have at least 1000 members. To have completed a Keystone Area Community Plan 2005 -2010. To have received an excellent external evaluation of the SRB6 programme. To have received an excellent interim evaluation of the European Objective 2 programme. To achieve a consistent satisfaction rate of 80% of all participants in all services, projects and events. To have developed at least 20 community projects. To have developed at least 5 social enterprises who are breaking even or making a surplus. To have secured at least £500,000 additional funds (over and above existing SRB and European funds) 2004 -2008 through fundraising, partnership bids, grants etc. To have an annual trading and net income of at least £200,000 by 2007 to be reinvested in Trust services.
The key activities to meet Trust priorities and targets are detailed in the section below.
Trust Objectives
Keystone’s objectives are;
1. To promote, support and invest in community development 2. To develop a vibrant social enterprise sector in the Keystone area 3. To support business and local economic development
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4. To develop KDT businesses to reinvest in community development, social enterprises and ensure the sustainability of Keystone, as well as fundraising and grant bids.
5. To ensure KDT reaches the highest performance standards and value for money.
Keystone will achieve its objectives by;
Developing strong relationships between individuals, groups and organisations which serve them. Developing and hosting partnerships to deliver projects and regeneration programmes Developing the capacity of community groups and voluntary organisations to deliver their own services and projects Provide an ‘umbrella’ for emerging/ small community organisations through Keystone’s charitable status Provide community funds Developing social and community businesses to provide training, experience, jobs Commissioning services Manage contracts on behalf of other organisations Supporting and developing local businesses Developing Keystone’s services to meet identified needs Developing Keystone social enterprises/ businesses to ensure the sustainability of Keystone
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BACKGROUND TO THE KEYSTONE DEVELOPMENT TRUST
Thetford
Between 1958 and 1980, Thetford in Norfolk became a Greater London overspill town. Its population increased fourfold from 5,000 to 20,000. The population in-fill led to the development of three estates, Redcastle Furze, Barnham Cross and Abbey, all in West Thetford. Unfortunately, this unprecedented population growth was not matched by investment in community facilities and infrastructure.
‘Healthy Thetford 2000’
Initiatives to regenerate Thetford began around 1995 with the Healthy Thetford 2000 project. Following a qualitative survey undertaken in 1994 by the Health Authority entitled ‘How are You Today?’ the Healthy Thetford 2000 project began to identify that there was a need for a coherent and integrated investment strategy to improve training, education, job opportunities, housing, environment and community life in Thetford. When the Healthy Thetford 2000 project came to a close, this work continued with the formation of the Thetford Partnership in 2000.
The ‘Thetford Partnership’ and Fit for the Future
The Thetford Partnership aimed to promote the quality of life for all people living in Thetford. A key area of work was the ‘Fit for the Future’ scheme which was a broad and holistic scheme focusing on a range of initiatives to benefit people living in the western areas of the town in particular. Its aims were to ensure an integrated ‘Whole Person, Whole Community’ approach to regeneration. The scheme saw £2.5m of SRB money invested.
Keystone Partnership & ‘Growing Together’
The Fit for the Future Partnership made a strategic move and applied to increase the funding and geographical spread of the project through a successful SRB 6 (Growing Together) bid which took in the wider Brecks area. The SRB ‘Growing Together’ scheme was intended to build upon the work of the former projects. Its main initiatives promote:
Jobs and business, Learning and skills, Health Improvement, Community development, Environment, transport and housing, Community safety. The Keystone Community Partnership was an alliance of many organisations across the wider area and in 2002 it converted into a Charitable Company.
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The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB)
The Government’s SRB began in 1994 and brought together a number of programmes from several Government Departments with the aim of simplifying and streamlining the assistance available for regeneration.
SRB provides resources to support regeneration initiatives in England carried out by local regeneration partnerships. Its priority is to enhance the quality of life of local people in areas of need, by reducing the gap between deprived and other areas and between different groups. It supports initiatives that build on best practice and represent good value for money. The types of bid supported differ from place to place, according to local circumstances but they usually include some or all of the following objectives:
Improving employment prospects, Improving the education and skills of local people, Addressing social exclusion and improving opportunities for the disadvantaged, Promoting sustainable regeneration.
From 1997-2007, £8.5m of SRB funding will have been invested into the Keystone area.
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SECTION 1
DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE KEYSTONE AREA
Page 13 Keystone Community Profile
Section 1 – Contents
Demographics of The Keystone Area Page(s)
The Keystone Geographical Area...... 15-17
The Keystone Population...... 18-19
Population Growth...... 20
Population of Town vs. Hinterland...... 21
Population Density...... 21-22
Age Profile...... 23
Place of Birth...... 24
Approximated Social Grade...... 25-26
Religion...... 27-28
Ethnicity...... 29
Households Consisting of Lone Parents With Dependent Children...... 30
Households Consisting of Pensioners Living Alone...... 31
Page 14 Keystone Community Profile
The Keystone Geographical Area
The Keystone area covers parts of South Norfolk and West Suffolk, an area of approximately 650 square miles. It extends over parts of three Local Authorities - Breckland District Council, Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council. The area forms parts of three Primary Care Trusts (PCT) - Southern Norfolk, West Norfolk and Suffolk West PCTs.
Figure 1.1 – The Keystone area
Source: Touchstone, Keystone Development Trust, 2001
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The Keystone area was originally based around the Local Authority ward boundaries and comprises the following wards and parishes. Some of the Local Authority ward boundaries changed in 2003.
Norfolk
All of the Norfolk parts of the Keystone area are in Breckland District Council.
Table 1.1 – Norfolk wards and parishes in the Keystone area:
WARD includes parishes LOCAL of: AUTHORITY
CONIFER Foulden BRECKLAND Gooderstone Mundford Cranwich Didlington Ickburgh HARLING Harling HEATHLANDS Blo' Norton Brettenham Croxton Kilverstone Garboldisham Riddlesworth THETFORD Abbey (4 WARDS) Barnham Cross Guildhall Saxon PEDDARS WAY Bridgham Gt Hockham Roudham Snetterton Shropham Wretham WEETING Lynford Stanford Sturston Weeting & Broomhill WEST Kenninghall GUILTCROSS N. Lopham S. Lopham
Source: Breckland District Council
In May 2003, Peddars Way ward was disbanded, with some of the parishes becoming part of the Wayland ward and others becoming part of the new combined Harling and Heathlands ward. The Thetford wards changed their boundaries and Thetford - Barnham Cross ward was renamed Thetford – Castle.
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Suffolk
The Suffolk parts of the keystone area are in Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council.
Table 1.2 – Suffolk wards and parishes in the Keystone area:
Includes parishes LOCAL WARD of: AUTHORITY
BARNINGHAM Barningham ST EDMUNDSBURY Coney Weston Hopton Knettishall Market Weston Thelnetham HONINGTON Barnham Euston Fakenham Magna Honington Sapiston IXWORTH Bardwell Ixworth Ixworth Thorpe STANTON Hepworth Stanton
BRANDON EAST Brandon East FOREST HEATH Santon Downham BRANDON WEST Brandon West Wangford ICENI Cavenham Elveden Eriswell Icklingham Tuddenham
Source: Suffolk County Council
Similarly, in Suffolk, Forest Heath reduced their 15 wards to 14 with only eight retaining their original parishes. In the St Edmundsbury district, the Honington ward was renamed to Bardwell ward.
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The Keystone Population
These population figures are based on the old ward boundaries as per mid 2000.
Norfolk Table 1.3 – Population for Keystone parishes in Norfolk
LOCAL WARD / PARISH POPULATION AUTHORITY
BRECKLAND Conifer 2,830 Foulden 425 Gooderstone 400 Mundford 1,670 Cranwich 45 Didlington 35 Ickburgh 255
Harling 2,270 Harling 2,270
Heathlands 2,700 Blo' Norton 255 Brettenham 475 Croxton 455 Kilverstone 610 Garboldisham 745 Riddlesworth 160
Thetford (4 wards) 21,680 Abbey 5,030 Barnham Cross 4,010 Guildhall 8,970 Saxon 3,670
Peddars Way 2,135 Bridgham 330 Gt Hockham 635 Roudham 270 Snetterton 195 Shropham 385 Wretham 320
Weeting 2,035 Lynford 170 Stanford 20 Sturston 0 Weeting & Broomhill 1,845
West Guiltcross 1,920 Kenninghall 910 N. Lopham 610 S. Lopham 400
Source: Population mid 2000, Breckland District Council
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Suffolk
These population figures are based on the old ward boundaries as per mid 2000.
Table 1.4 – Population for Keystone parishes in Suffolk
LOCAL WARD / PARISH POPULATION AUTHORITY
ST Barningham 2,380 EDMUNDSBURY Barningham 940 Coney Weston 350 Hopton 600 Knettishall 30 Market Weston 220 Thelnetham 240
Honington 2,350 Barnham 770 Euston 150 Fakenham Magna 140 Honington 1,120 Sapiston 170
Ixworth 2,930 Bardwell 670 Ixworth 2,200 Ixworth Thorpe 60
Stanton 3,290 Hepworth 500 Stanton 2,790
FOREST Brandon East 4,810 HEATH Brandon East 4,560 Santon Downham 250
Brandon West 3,880 Brandon West 3,860 Wangford 20
Iceni 4,710 Cavenham 160 Elveden 260 Eriswell 3,440 Icklingham 420 Tuddenham 430
KEYSTONE POPULATION TOAL 59,920
Source: Population as per mid 2000, Suffolk County Council
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Population Growth
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.
Table 1.5 – Population Growth from 1991-2000
Population Population Growth AREA +/- 1991 2000 %
BRECKLAND 107,918 121,418 + 11 Conifer 2,450 2,830 + 13 Harling 2,050 2,270 + 7 Heathlands 1,880 2,700 + 30 Peddars Way 1,985 2,135 + 7 Weeting 1,960 2,035 + 4 West Guiltcross 1,805 1,920 + 6 Thetford – Abbey 5,495 5,030 - 8 Thetford – Barnham Cross 3,705 4,010 + 8 Thetford – Guildhall 7,259 8,970 + 19 Thetford - Saxon 3,448 3,670 + 6 TOTAL 32,037 35,570 + 10%
ST EDMUNDSBURY 93,300 98,193 + 5 Barningham 2,320 2,380 + 3 Honington 2,480 2,350 - 6 Ixworth 2,760 2,930 + 6 Stanton 3,020 3,290 + 8 TOTAL 10,580 10,950 + 3%
FOREST HEATH 56,100 55, 510 - 1 Brandon East 4,790 4,810 + 0.4 Brandon West 3,830 3,880 + 1.2 Iceni 5,870 4,710 - 25 TOTAL 14,490 13,400 - 8%
TOTAL KEYSTONE AREA 57,107 59, 920 + 5%
Source: Breckland District Council, Suffolk County Council
The Keystone population has grown by 5% overall since 1991. The biggest growth areas were in the Kilverstone parish in the Heathlands ward and the Thetford – Guildhall ward.
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Population of Town Vs Hinterland
50% of the Keystone population live in the towns of Thetford or Brandon whilst the remaining 50% live in the surrounding hinterland.
Table 1.6 – Population of town vs. Hinterland
Population %
TOWN (Thetford & Brandon) 30,100 50%
HINTERLAND (Rural) 29,820 50%
Population Density
The average population density for England is 376 people per square kilometre. The East of England has lower population densities.
Table 1.7 – Population Density in East of England
Area Population Density (No of people per sq. kilometre)
East of England 277 Norfolk 143 Suffolk 171 Essex 427
An area with a population density of 275 persons per sq kilometre is classed as rural. Less than 100 persons per square kilometre is classed as remote rural.
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Figure 1.2 - Population Density in the East of England
Source: Defra (Dept for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs)
Much of the Keystone SRB area is rural with a thinly spread population, especially in the Conifer and Weeting wards where a considerable area is covered by lowland pine forest and population densities fall as low as 65 persons per sq kilometre. In contrast, the council-built estates of west Thetford and Brandon achieve densities of over 1,750 persons per square kilometre.
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Age Profile
Using the new 2003 administrative areas, the age structure of Keystone residents is as follows:
Table 1.8 – Age Profile
AREA < 16 yrs 16-59 yrs > 60 yrs % % %
ENGLAND 17.4 61.9 20.7 EAST OF ENGLAND 19.8 58.8 21.4
NORFOLK 17.9 56.4 25.7 BRECKLAND 19.0 56.1 24.9 Conifer 18.5 56.5 25.0 Harling & Heathlands 19.7 57.0 23.3 Mid Forest 16.9 58.3 24.8 Thetford – Abbey 25.6 58.4 16.0 Thetford – Castle 25.3 42.4 32.3 Thetford – Guildhall 22.6 63.6 13.8 Thetford - Saxon 25.5 54.9 19.6 Wayland 16.6 60.8 22.6 Weeting 14.8 56.6 28.6 West Guiltcross 19.1 57.3 23.6
SUFFOLK 19.5 56.9 23.6 ST EDMUNDSBURY 19.0 59.3 21.7 Bardwell 17.7 58.8 23.5 Barningham 19.5 55.8 24.7 Ixworth 22.9 55.4 21.7 Stanton 21.5 54.5 24.0
FOREST HEATH 20.5 60.3 19.2 Brandon East 17.5 53.9 28.6 Brandon West 17.6 58.0 24.4 Iceni 18.7 59.8 21.5
KEYSTONE AREA 19.9% 56.7% 23.3% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The Thetford wards have a higher than average population of people aged 16 years or less. Brandon has a higher than average population of over 60’s.
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Place of Birth
Residents were asked on the 2001 census to list their place of birth.
Table 1.9 – Place of Birth
BORN IN UK* BORN IN BORN AREA OTHER EU ELSEWHERE % COUNTRY % % ENGLAND 91.7 1.4 6.9 EASTOF ENGLAND 93.9 1.4 4.7
NORFOLK 96.3 1.0 2.7 BRECKLAND 95.2 1.3 3.5 Conifer 88.5 1.1 10.4 Harling & Heathlands 95.4 1.2 3.4 Mid Forest 95.4 0.9 3.7 Thetford – Abbey 94.1 1.6 4.3 Thetford – Castle 92.5 1.9 5.6 Thetford – Guildhall 90.7 1.7 7.6 Thetford - Saxon 92.1 1.3 6.6 Wayland 94.2 1.0 4.8 Weeting 90.6 1.1 8.4 West Guiltcross 96.7 0.6 2.7
SUFFOLK 94.5 1.1 4.4 ST EDMUNDSBURY 95.0 1.2 3.8 Bardwell 95.1 1.7 3.2 Barningham 95.9 1.1 3.0 Ixworth 95.3 1.6 3.1 Stanton 90.3 1.7 8.0
FOREST HEATH 77.9 1.6 20.5 Brandon East 87.5 1.5 11.0 Brandon West 86.3 1.2 12.5 Iceni 91.0 0.6 8.4
KEYSTONE AREA 92.3% 1.3% 6.4% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
*UK = England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales
The majority of Keystone residents were born in the UK. Only 1% were born in other EU countries. Forest Heath has a high percentage of people who were born elsewhere but this most likely represents the presence of a significant American, predominantly military, population.
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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 1.10 – 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
NORFOLK 18.0 29.1 17.7 17.1 17.8 BRECKLAND 16.8 28.0 20.7 17.3 16.9 Conifer 18.8 30.7 19.8 13.5 17.0 Harling & Heathlands 21.4 28.4 18.6 15.7 15.6 Mid Forest 17.1 24.3 22.9 17.8 17.7 Thetford – Abbey 9.1 19.4 22.7 31.4 17.2 Thetford – Castle 14.0 29.9 17.9 19.2 18.6 Thetford – Guildhall 17.6 28.1 25.4 19.9 8.8 Thetford - Saxon 12.9 22.2 19.7 26.7 18.2 Wayland 21.2 30.4 19.8 14.8 13.6 Weeting 14.9 29.4 22.5 16.1 16.9 West Guiltcross 22.0 31.9 19.7 13.6 12.5
SUFFOLK 20.6 29.0 17.8 16.4 15.9 ST EDMUNDSBURY 23.5 31.2 20.3 18.3 15.0 Bardwell 23.4 29.9 18.0 12.7 15.7 Barningham 23.5 26.8 19.6 14.7 15.3 Ixworth 25.1 30.5 16.7 13.6 13.9 Stanton 17.3 27.0 22.8 16.6 16.0
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 Iceni 22.2 26.1 20.1 16.9 14.5
KEYSTONE AREA 18.0 27.6 20.6 17.8 15.7 AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Page 25 Keystone Community Profile
The Keystone area has a lower than average percentage of social grades A&B and C1 (Professional, higher managerial and skilled workers) and a higher than average percentage of social grades C2, D and E (skilled manual workers, semi-skilled and lowest grade workers).
Page 26 Keystone Community Profile
Religion
Residents were asked on the 2001 census to list their religion.
Table 1.11 – Religion
RELIGION NORFOLK %
AREA Christian Buddhist Hindu Jewish Muslim Sikh Other No Religion Religions Religion Not Stated
ENGLAND 71.7 0.2 1.1 0.5 3.1 0.6 0.2 14.5 7.6 EAST OF ENGLAND 72.1 0.2 0.5 0.5 1.4 0.2 0.2 16.7 7.7
NORFOLK 74.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.04 0.3 16.7 8.1 BRECKLAND 75.6 0.1 0.04 0.09 0.1 0.04 0.3 15.6 8.0 Conifer 78.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 14.7 6.7 Harling & Heathlands 76.4 0.1 0.07 0.07 0.1 0.0 0.2 14.9 7.8 Mid Forest 78.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 13.2 7.8 Thetford – Abbey 65.4 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.06 0.2 24.2 9.0 Thetford – Castle 72.7 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.3 17.4 8.5 Thetford – Guildhall 71.5 0.1 0.1 0.04 0.4 0.0 0.2 20.3 7.1 Thetford - Saxon 67.1 0.08 0.0 0.2 0.53 0.09 0.2 22.0 9.6 Wayland 80.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.2 11.4 7.7 Weeting 76.5 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.2 14.9 7.8 West Guiltcross 74.6 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.00.0 0.0 0.4 17.2 7.3
Page 27 Keystone Community Profile
Religion (Continued) Table 1.11 – Religion (Continued)
RELIGION SUFFOLK %
Christian Buddhist Hindu Jewish Muslim Sikh Other No Religion LOCAL Religions Religion Not AUTHORITY Stated
SUFFOLK 73.9 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.06 0.2 16.6 8.2 ST EDMUNDSBURY 74.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.02 0.2 16.7 8.0 Bardwell 74.2 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.3 16.2 8.5 Barningham 77.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 14.3 7.8 Ixworth 76.7 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 14.5 8.3 Stanton 76.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 15.9 6.6
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 Iceni 80.4 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 11.6 7.1
AVERAGE 75.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.1% 0.1% 0.0% 0.2% 16.1% 8.1% KEYSTONE AREA
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 Keystone residents are listed as Christian or as having no religion. There is a very small minority of other religions.
Page 28 Keystone Community Profile
Ethnicity Table 1.11 – Ethnicity of Keystone Residents
White Mixed Asian or Asian Black or Black Chinese or Other British British Ethnic Group
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % Breckland DC Conifer 2,061 96.6 44 2.1 3 0.1 17 0.8 9 0.4 Harling & Heathlands 4,152 98.7 21 0.5 7 0.2 19 0.5 9 0.2 Mid Forest 2,042 99.6 6 0.3 0 0.0 3 0.1 0 0.0 Thetford Abbey 4,971 96.9 72 1.4 27 0.5 38 0.7 24 0.5 Thetford Castle 1,913 97.5 23 1.2 6 0.3 11 0.6 9 0.5 Thetford Guildhall 6,553 96.4 101 1.5 43 0.6 70 1.0 29 0.4 Thetford Saxon 7,425 96.5 126 1.6 45 0.6 70 0.9 32 0.4 Wayland 2,058 98.8 14 0.7 3 0.1 6 0.3 3 0.1 Weeting 2,288 98.4 22 0.9 3 0.1 8 0.3 5 0.2 West Guiltcross 2,113 99.6 6 0.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 3 0.1
Forest Heath DC Brandon East 4,968 96.1 57 1.1 14 0.3 85 1.6 47 0.9 Brandon West 3,434 96.1 54 1.5 11 0.3 51 1.4 24 0.7 Iceni 1,776 97.8 25 1.4 0 0.0 9 0.5 6 0.3
St Edmundsbury BC Bardwell 2,351 99.1 8 0.3 4 0.2 4 0.2 6 0.3 Barningham 2,512 99.0 22 0.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 4 0.2 Ixworth 2,230 99.9 3 0.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Stanton 2,646 98.3 22 0.8 9 0.3 12 0.4 3 0.1
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The overwhelming majority of Keystone residents are white. There is little evidence of ethnic diversity within in the Keystone area.
Page 29 Keystone Community Profile
Households Consisting Of Lone Parents With Dependent Children
Table 1.12– Percentage of households consisting of a lone parent with dependent children
LONE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS WITH AREA DEPENDENT CHILDREN %
ENGLAND 6.4 EASTOF ENGLAND 5.2
NORFOLK 4.8 BRECKLAND 4.4 Conifer 2.6 Harling & Heathlands 3.4 Mid Forest 2.5 Thetford – Abbey 11.0 Thetford – Castle 2.3 Thetford – Guildhall 3.7 Thetford - Saxon 9.7 Wayland 1.9 Weeting 3.5 West Guiltcross 3.3
SUFFOLK 4.9 ST EDMUNDSBURY 4.6 Bardwell 2.7 Barningham 3.9 Ixworth 4.6 Stanton 2.9
FOREST HEATH 4.8 Brandon East 5.0 Brandon West 4.7 Iceni 2.5
KEYSTONE AREA 4.1% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The wards of Thetford-Abbey and Thetford-Saxon have twice the Norfolk average for the percentage of households consisting of lone parents living with dependent children.
Page 30 Keystone Community Profile
Households Consisting of Pensioners Living Alone
Table 1.13 below shows the percentage of households consisting of pensioners living alone.
Table 1.13 – Percentage of households with pensioners living alone
LONE PENSIONER AREA HOUSEHOLDS %
ENGLAND 14.3 EAST OF ENGLAND 14.1
NORFOLK 15.8 BRECKLAND 15.2 Conifer 13.3 Harling & Heathlands 12.9 Mid Forest 12.9 Thetford – Abbey 13.2 Thetford – Castle 19.8 Thetford – Guildhall 7.8 Thetford - Saxon 13.2 Wayland 11.7 Weeting 15.7 West Guiltcross 11.7
SUFFOLK 15.2 ST EDMUNDSBURY 13.5 Bardwell 14.8 Barningham 13.4 Ixworth 11.0 Stanton 15.2
FOREST HEATH 13.3 Brandon East 18.7 Brandon West 16.5 Iceni 9.6
KEYSTONE AREA 13.9% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The wards of Thetford Castle, Brandon East and Brandon West have a higher than average number of households consisting of one pensioner living alone, compared with the national picture.
Page 31 Keystone Community Profile
SECTION 2
INDICES OF DEPRIVATION
Page 32 Keystone Community Profile
Section 2 – Contents
Indices of Deprivation Page(s)
Indices of Multiple Deprivation...... 34-36
Indices of Income Deprivation...... 37-38
Indices of Employment Deprivation...... 39-40
Indices of Health & Disability Deprivation...... 41-42
Indices of Education, Skills & Training Deprivation...... 43-44
Barriers to Housing & Services ...... 45-46
Indices of Crime Domain...... 47-48
Living Environment Deprivation ...... 49-50
Page 33 Keystone Community Profile
INDICES OF DEPRIVATION
Indices of Deprivation (IOD) figures were released by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in 2004. The new IOD 2004 are based on the approach, structure and methodology that were used to create the previous IOD 2000. The IOD 2004 updates the IOD 2000 in two key ways: first, more up-to-date data has been used; and second, new measures have been incorporated as new and improved data sources have become available. Data has been produced at Super Output Area (SOA) levels.
Super Output Areas are a new geography designed to improve the reporting of small area statistics. They have been introduced initially for use on neighbourhood statistics but it is intended that they will eventually become the standard across national statistics. Each ward is broken down further into these SOAs. So, for example, the Abbey ward now has been broken into 3 smaller lower level Super Output areas. There are three layers of super output areas, upper, middle and lower. The IOD in this section are reported at the lower SOA level.
There are now 32,482 lower layer SOAs in England in England and these were generated by a computer programme which merged OAs taking into account measures of population size, mutual proximity and social homogeneity. The boundaries were released to the public in February 2004. Because of these changes, direct comparisons of the IOD 2000 and ID 2004 should not be made.
Indices of MULTIPLE DEPRIVATION (IMD) 2004
Definition The new Index of Multiple Deprivation 2004 contains seven domains which relate to Income deprivation, Employment deprivation, Health deprivation and disability, Education, skills and training deprivation, Barriers to Housing and Services, Living environment deprivation and Crime. There are also two supplementary Indices (Income Deprivation Affecting Children and Income Deprivation Affecting Older People).
The table below sets out the domain weights which were used to combine the Domains into an Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Table 2.1 Domain Weights for the IMD 2004
Index Domain Weight Income deprivation 22.5% Employment deprivation 22.5% Health deprivation and disability 13.5% Education, skills and training deprivation 13.5% Barriers to housing and services 9.3% Crime 9.3% Living Environment deprivation 9.3%
Source: The English Indices of Deprivation 2004
Page 34 Keystone Community Profile
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Table 2.2 – Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 for the Keystone SOAs
IMD Quintile for SOA SOA Code Ranking IMD
Breckland DC Conifer E01026424 20,796 4 Harling & Heathlands E01026439 27,192 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026440 21,830 4 Harling & Heathlands E01026441 17,475 3 Mid Forest E01026444 14,023 3 Thetford Abbey E01026465 10,417 2 Thetford Abbey E01026466 15,201 3 Thetford Abbey E01026467 3,902 1 Thetford Castle E01026468 16,331 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026469 21,098 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026470 25,778 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026471 27,132 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026472 19,869 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026473 28,369 5 Thetford Saxon E01026474 10,162 2 Thetford Saxon E01026475 21,999 4 Thetford Saxon E01026476 10,600 2 Thetford Saxon E01026477 9,602 2 Thetford Saxon E01026478 7,955 2 Wayland E01026491 18,352 3 Weeting E01026492 17,837 3 Weeting E01026493 19,324 3 West Guiltcross E01026494 20,635 4
Suffolk wards are continued on the next page.
Page 35 Keystone Community Profile
Suffolk Wards
IMD Quintile for SOA SOA Code Ranking IMD
Forest Health DC Brandon East E01029926 25,814 4 Brandon East E01029927 15,824 3 Brandon East E01029928 23,962 4 Brandon West E00129929 18,721 3 Brandon West E01029930 23,692 4 Iceni E01029941 20,795 4
St Edmundsbury BC Bardwell E01030094 22,771 4 Bardwell E01030095 22,767 4 Barningham E01030096 24,404 4 Barningham E01030097 19,349 3 Ixworth E01030121 29,516 5 Stanton E01030145 27,131 5 Stanton E01030146 22,572 4
Source: IOD 2004, ODPM
1/36 of the Super Output Areas in the Keystone area (Thetford Abbey - E01026467) is in the top quintile of most deprived SOAs nationally for MULTIPLE deprivation.
The 7 main deprivation indicators are itemised on pages 37-50.
Page 36 Keystone Community Profile
Indices of INCOME Deprivation Domain 2004
Definition The purpose of this domain is to capture the proportion of the population experiencing income deprivation in an area. It measures the numbers of: Adults and children in Income Support households (2001). Adults and children in Income Based Job Seekers Allowance households (2001). Adults and children in Working Families Tax Credit households whose equivalised income (excluding housing benefits) is below 60% of median before housing costs (2001). Adults and children in Disabled Person's Tax Credit households whose equivalised income (excluding housing benefits) is below 60% of median before housing costs (2001). National Asylum Support Service supported asylum seekers in England in receipt of subsistence only and accommodation support (2002). In addition, an Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index and an Income Deprivation Affecting Older People Index were created.
Table 2.3 – Indices of Income Deprivation 2004 for the Keystone SOAs
SOA SOA Code Ranking for Quintile for Income Income
Breckland DC Conifer E01026424 25,381 4 Harling & Heathlands E01026439 26,141 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026440 30,735 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026441 16,112 3 Mid Forest E01026444 18,692 3 Thetford Abbey E01026465 8,123 2 Thetford Abbey E01026466 15,917 3 Thetford Abbey E01026467 2,806 1 Thetford Castle E01026468 17,075 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026469 21,737 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026470 28,629 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026471 29,447 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026472 25,651 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026473 28,852 5 Thetford Saxon E01026474 10,617 2 Thetford Saxon E01026475 19,668 4 Thetford Saxon E01026476 9,711 2 Thetford Saxon E01026477 7,432 2 Thetford Saxon E01026478 6,667 2 Wayland E01026491 22,128 4 Weeting E01026492 15,644 3 Weeting E01026493 22,315 4 West Guiltcross E01026494 18,486 3 Suffolk wards continued on next page
Page 37 Keystone Community Profile
Suffolk Wards
SOA SOA Code Ranking for Quintile for Income Income
Forest Health DC Brandon East E01029926 27,128 5 Brandon East E01029927 12,721 2 Brandon East E01029928 24,336 4 Brandon West E00129929 13,906 3 Brandon West E01029930 24,713 4 Iceni E01029941 22,850 4
St Edmundsbury BC Bardwell E01030094 26,687 5 Bardwell E01030095 21,698 4 Barningham E01030096 24,083 4 Barningham E01030097 15,534 3 Ixworth E01030121 24,807 4 Stanton E01030145 25,231 4 Stanton E01030146 21,597 4
Source: IOD 2004, ODPM
1/36 of the Super Output Areas in the Keystone area (Thetford Abbey - E01026467) is in the top quintile of most deprived SOAs nationally for INCOME deprivation.
Page 38 Keystone Community Profile
Indices of EMPLOYMENT Deprivation Domain
Definition This domain measures employment deprivation conceptualised as involuntary exclusion of the working age population from the world of work. It measures: Unemployment claimant count (JUVOS) of women aged 18-59 and men aged 18- 64 averaged over 4 quarters (2001). Incapacity Benefit claimants women aged 18-59 and men aged 18-64 (2001). Severe Disablement Allowance claimants women aged 18-59 and men aged 18- 64 (2001). Participants in New Deal for the 18-24s who are not included in the claimant count (2001). Participants in New Deal for 25+ who are not included in the claimant count (2001). Participants in New Deal for Lone Parents aged 18 and over (2001).
Table 2.4 – Indices of Employment Deprivation 2004 for the Keystone SOAs
SOA SOA Code Ranking for Quintile for Employment Employment
Breckland DC Conifer E01026424 22,771 4 Harling & Heathlands E01026439 22,693 4 Harling & Heathlands E01026440 29,985 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026441 17,951 3 Mid Forest E01026444 17,843 3 Thetford Abbey E01026465 8,487 2 Thetford Abbey E01026466 17,874 3 Thetford Abbey E01026467 4,815 1 Thetford Castle E01026468 16,507 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026469 19,270 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026470 29,482 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026471 28,661 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026472 26,510 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026473 28,540 5 Thetford Saxon E01026474 11,942 2 Thetford Saxon E01026475 22,097 4 Thetford Saxon E01026476 11,712 2 Thetford Saxon E01026477 9,224 2 Thetford Saxon E01026478 12,533 2 Wayland E01026491 24,412 4 Weeting E01026492 15,009 3 Weeting E01026493 21,952 4 West Guiltcross E01026494 21,384 4
Suffolk wards continued on next page
Page 39 Keystone Community Profile
Suffolk Wards
SOA SOA Code Ranking for Quintile for Employment Employment
FHDC Brandon East E01029926 19,724 4 Brandon East E01029927 17,975 3 Brandon East E01029928 29,651 5 Brandon West E00129929 20,414 4 Brandon West E01029930 26,249 5 Iceni E01029941 27,466 5
SEBC Bardwell E01030094 24,513 4 Bardwell E01030095 23,091 4 Barningham E01030096 27,613 5 Barningham E01030097 18,032 3 Ixworth E01030121 29,744 5 Stanton E01030145 26,852 5 Stanton E01030146 21,112 4
Source: IOD 2004, ODPM
1/36 of the Super Output Areas in the Keystone area (Thetford Abbey - E01026467) is in the top quintile of most deprived SOAs nationally for EMPLOYMENT deprivation.
Page 40 Keystone Community Profile
Indices of HEALTH DEPRIVATION AND DISABILITY Domain
Definition This domain identifies areas with relatively high rates of people who die prematurely or whose quality of life is impaired by poor health or who are disabled, across the whole population. It measures: Years of Potential Life Lost (1997-2001). Comparative Illness and Disability Ratio (2001). Measures of emergency admissions to hospital (1999-2002). Adults under 60 suffering from mood or anxiety disorders (1997-2002).
Table 2.5 – Indices of Health & Disability Deprivation 2004 for the Keystone SOAs
Ward SOA Code Ranking for Quintile for Health Health & Disability & Disability
Breckland DC Conifer E01026424 26188 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026439 26517 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026440 29520 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026441 26478 5 Mid Forest E01026444 25036 4 Thetford Abbey E01026465 13801 3 Thetford Abbey E01026466 18778 3 Thetford Abbey E01026467 8445 2 Thetford Castle E01026468 18893 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026469 23494 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026470 27196 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026471 28384 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026472 26467 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026473 29278 5 Thetford Saxon E01026474 19949 4 Thetford Saxon E01026475 26833 5 Thetford Saxon E01026476 15933 3 Thetford Saxon E01026477 13231 3 Thetford Saxon E01026478 13492 3 Wayland E01026491 27296 5 Weeting E01026492 17726 3 Weeting E01026493 25492 4 West Guiltcross E01026494 29318 5
Suffolk wards continued on next page
Page 41 Keystone Community Profile
Suffolk Wards
Ward SOA Code Ranking for Quintile for Health Health & Disability & Disability
Forest Heath DC Brandon East E01029926 22737 4 Brandon East E01029927 18364 3 Brandon East E01029928 26843 5 Brandon West E00129929 23245 4 Brandon West E01029930 22885 4 Iceni E01029941 30057 5
St Edmundsbury BC Bardwell E01030094 24213 4 Bardwell E01030095 27773 5 Barningham E01030096 28916 5 Barningham E01030097 22351 4 Ixworth E01030121 26754 5 Stanton E01030145 25895 4 Stanton E01030146 23167 4
Source: IOD 2004, ODPM
None of the Super Output Areas in the Keystone area are in the top quintile of most deprived SOAs nationally for HEALTH AND DISABILITY deprivation.
Page 42 Keystone Community Profile
Indices of EDUCATION, SKILLS & TRAINING DEPRIVATION Domain
Definition This Domain captures the extent of deprivation in terms of education, skills and training in a local area. The indicators fall into two sub domains: one relating to education deprivation for children/young people in the area and one relating to lack of skills and qualifications among the working age adult population.
Sub Domain: Children/young people Average points score of children at Key Stage 2 (2002). Average points score of children at Key Stage 3 (2002). Average points score of children at Key Stage 4 (2002). Proportion of young people not staying on in school or school level education above 16 (2001). Proportion of those aged under 21 not entering Higher Education (1999-2002). Secondary school absence rate (2001-2002).
Sub Domain: Skills Proportions of working age adults (aged 25-54) in the area with no or low qualifications (2001).
Table 2.6 – Indices of Education, Skills & Training Deprivation 2004 for the Keystone SOAs
Ranking for Quintile for SOA SOA Code Education, Skills Education, Skills & Training & Training
Breckland DC Conifer E01026424 15,227 3 Harling & Heathlands E01026439 15,990 3 Harling & Heathlands E01026440 15,186 3 Harling & Heathlands E01026441 16,087 3 Mid Forest E01026444 11,652 2 Thetford Abbey E01026465 5,771 1 Thetford Abbey E01026466 7,864 2 Thetford Abbey E01026467 299 1 Thetford Castle E01026468 13,520 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026469 10,635 2 Thetford Guildhall E01026470 13,447 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026471 13,503 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026472 9,454 2 Thetford Guildhall E01026473 9,447 2
Saxon, Wayland, Weeting, West Guiltcross and the Suffolk wards are continued on the next page
Page 43 Keystone Community Profile
Continued...
Ranking for Quintile for SOA SOA Code Education, Skills Education, Skills & Training & Training Thetford Saxon E01026474 6,943 2 Thetford Saxon E10126475 10,090 2 Thetford Saxon E10126476 2,285 1 Thetford Saxon E10126477 2,815 1 Thetford Saxon E01026478 1,513 1 Wayland E01026491 15,139 3 Weeting E01026492 11,522 2 Weeting E01026493 14,720 3 West Guiltcross E01026494 20,585 4
Forest Heath DC Brandon East E01029926 13,965 3 Brandon East E01029927 5,535 1 Brandon East E01029928 15,216 3 Brandon West E00129929 7,668 2 Brandon West E01029930 12,232 2 Iceni E01029941 20,848 4
St Edmundsbury BC Bardwell E01030094 24,148 4 Bardwell E01030095 24,071 4 Barningham E01030096 20,338 4 Barningham E01030097 20,947 4 Ixworth E01030121 23,353 4 Stanton E01030145 17,813 3 Stanton E01030146 16,838 3
Source: IOD 2004, ODPM
The Keystone area suffers from EDUCATION, SKILLS & TRAINING deprivation. 6/36 SOAs in the Keystone area are in the top quintile of most deprived SOAs nationally. The Forest Heath wards have low scores but this could be skewed because of resident military personnel and their families who often have different educational qualifications originating outside the UK.
Page 44 Keystone Community Profile
Barriers to HOUSING & SERVICES Domain
Definition The purpose of this domain is to measure barriers to housing and key local services. The indicators fall into two sub-domains: 'geographical barriers' and 'wider barriers' which also includes issues relating to access to housing, such as affordability.
Sub Domain: Wider Barriers Household overcrowding (2001). LA level percentage of households for whom a decision on their application for assistance under the homeless provisions of housing legislation has been made, assigned to SOAs (2002). Difficulty of Access to owner-occupation (2002).
Sub Domain: Geographical Barriers Road distance to GP premises (2003). Road distance to a supermarket or convenience store (2002). Road distance to a primary school (2001-2002). Road distance to a Post Office (2003).
Table 2.7 – Indices of Housing Deprivation for the Keystone wards
Ranking for Quintile for SOA SOA Code Barriers to Barriers to Housing & Housing Services & Services
Breckland DC Conifer E01026424 1,897 1 Harling & Heathlands E01026439 16,348 3 Harling & Heathlands E01026440 801 1 Harling & Heathlands E01026441 2,155 1 Mid Forest E01026444 227 1 Thetford Abbey E01026465 28,946 5 Thetford Abbey E01026466 4,611 1 Thetford Abbey E01026467 26,739 5 Thetford Castle E01026468 29,312 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026469 21,900 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026470 6,279 1 Thetford Guildhall E01026471 8,218 2 Thetford Guildhall E01026472 3,455 1 Thetford Guildhall E01026473 29,205 5
Saxon, Wayland, Weeting, West Guiltcross and the Suffolk wards are continued on the next page
Page 45 Keystone Community Profile
Continued
Ranking for Quintile for SOA SOA Code Barriers to Barriers to Housing & Housing Services & Services
Thetford Saxon E01026474 9,608 2 Thetford Saxon E01026475 21,487 4 Thetford Saxon E01026476 22,043 4 Thetford Saxon E01026477 6,829 5 Thetford Saxon E01026478 9,670 2 Wayland E01026491 943 1 Weeting E01026492 15,909 3 Weeting E01026493 3,615 1 West Guiltcross E01026494 3,757 1
Forest Health DC Brandon East E01029926 19,655 4 Brandon East E01029927 29,428 5 Brandon East E01029928 8,897 2 Brandon West E00129929 18,243 3 Brandon West E01029930 11,214 2 Iceni E01029941 1,027 1
St Edmundsbury BC Bardwell E01030094 2,742 1 Bardwell E01030095 4,039 1 Barningham E01030096 3,059 1 Barningham E01030097 6,303 1 Ixworth E01030121 12,940 2 Stanton E01030145 12,327 2 Stanton E01030146 6,452 1
Source: IOD 2004, ODPM
The Keystone area suffers greatly from BARRIERS TO HOUSING AND SERVICES DEPRIVATION mainly due to its rurality. 15/36 SOAs are in the top quintile of most deprived areas SOAs nationally for this index.
Page 46 Keystone Community Profile
Indices of CRIME Domain
Definition This domain measures the incidence of recorded crime for four major crime themes, representing the occurrence of personal and material victimisation at a small area level.
Burglary (4 recorded crime offence types, April 2002-March 2003). Theft (5 recorded crime offence types, April 2002-March 2003, constrained to CDRP level). Criminal damage (10 recorded crime offence types, April 2002-March 2003). Violence (14 recorded crime offence types, April 2002-March 2003).
Table 2.8 – Indices of Geographical Access To Services Deprivation for the Keystone SOAs
SOA SOA Code Ranking Quintile for Crime for Crime
Breckland DC Conifer E01026424 23,930 4 Harling & Heathlands E01026439 30,871 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026440 24,077 4 Harling & Heathlands E01026441 29,488 5 Mid Forest E01026444 30,278 5 Thetford Abbey E01026465 7,830 2 Thetford Abbey E01026466 15,918 3 Thetford Abbey E01026467 3,650 1 Thetford Castle E01026468 3,432 1 Thetford Guildhall E01026469 16,094 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026470 23,283 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026471 30,076 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026472 13,801 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026473 24,465 4 Thetford Saxon E01026474 1,701 1 Thetford Saxon E01026475 16,297 3 Thetford Saxon E01026476 10,021 2 Thetford Saxon E01026477 10,356 2 Thetford Saxon E01026478 9,381 2 Wayland E01026491 27,398 5 Weeting E01026492 21,629 4 Weeting E01026493 14,745 3 West Guiltcross E01026494 32,197 5
Suffolk wards are continued on the next page
Page 47 Keystone Community Profile
Suffolk Wards
SOA SOA Code Ranking Quintile for Crime for Crime
Forest Heath DC Brandon East E01029926 28,933 5 Brandon East E01029927 14,408 3 Brandon East E01029928 14,598 3 Brandon West E00129929 23,850 4 Brandon West E01029930 17,072 3 Iceni E01029941 27,385 5
St Edmundsbury BC Bardwell E01030094 28,431 5 Bardwell E01030095 22,217 4 Barningham E01030096 31,485 5 Barningham E01030097 26,518 5 Ixworth E01030121 31,251 5 Stanton E01030145 27,767 5 Stanton E01030146 27,182 5
Source: IOD 2004, ODPM
3/6 of the Super Output Areas in the Keystone area are in the top quintile of most deprived SOAs nationally for CRIME deprivation.
Page 48 Keystone Community Profile
Indices of THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT Deprivation Domain
Definition This Domain focuses on deprivation with respect to the characteristics of the living environment. It comprises two sub-domains: the 'indoors' living environment which measures the quality of housing and the 'outdoors' living environment which contains two measures about air quality and road traffic accidents.
Sub-Domain: The 'indoors' living environment Social and private housing in poor condition (2001). Houses without central heating (2001).
Sub-Domain: The 'outdoors' living environment Air quality (2001). Road traffic accidents involving injury to pedestrians and cyclists (2000-2002).
Table 2.9 – Indices of Child Poverty Deprivation for the Keystone SOAs
SOA SOA Code Ranking for Quintile for Living Living Environment Environment
Breckland DC Conifer E01026424 28,905 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026439 30,510 5 Harling & Heathlands E01026440 23,089 4 Harling & Heathlands E01026441 23,371 4 Mid Forest E01026444 16,054 3 Thetford Abbey E01026465 24,143 4 Thetford Abbey E01026466 30,544 5 Thetford Abbey E01026467 31,074 5 Thetford Castle E01026468 19,400 3 Thetford Guildhall E01026469 20,755 4 Thetford Guildhall E01026470 31,708 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026471 29,402 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026472 26,734 5 Thetford Guildhall E01026473 27,623 5 Thetford Saxon E01026474 24,492 4 Thetford Saxon E01026475 24,732 4 Thetford Saxon E01026476 25,056 4 Thetford Saxon E01026477 27,162 5 Thetford Saxon E01026478 19,194 3 Wayland E01026491 16,882 3 Weeting E01026492 27,904 5 Weeting E01026493 23,847 4 West Guiltcross E01026494 15,082 3
Suffolk wards are continued on the next page
Page 49 Keystone Community Profile
Suffolk Wards
SOA SOA Code Ranking for Quintile for Living Living Environment Environment
Forest Heath DC Brandon East E01029926 31,391 5 Brandon East E01029927 22,333 4 Brandon East E01029928 22,479 4 Brandon West E00129929 25,265 4 Brandon West E01029930 31,155 5 Iceni E01029941 17,325 3
St Edmundsbury BC Bardwell E01030094 16,726 3 Bardwell E01030095 23,663 4 Barningham E01030096 24,714 4 Barningham E01030097 22,263 4 Ixworth E01030121 31,887 5 Stanton E01030145 28,033 5 Stanton E01030146 31,768 5
Source: IOD 2004, ODPM
None of the SOAs in the Keystone area are in the top quintile of most deprived SOAs nationally.
Page 50 Keystone Community Profile
SECTION 3
EMPLOYMENT
Page 51 Keystone Community Profile
Section 3 – Contents
Employment Page(s)
Employment by Socio-Economic Classification...... 53
Employment by Industry...... 54-56
Local Employers...... 57
Labour Participation Rates...... 58
Transport To Work...... 59
Average Earnings 60-61 By Region...... 60 By Travel to Work Area...... 60
Unemployment Rates...... 62
Youth Unemployment...... 63
Long Term Unemployment...... 64
Unemployment Trend...... 65
Types of Vacancies Available...... 65
Page 52 Keystone Community Profile
EMPLOYMENT
See also Indices of Employment Deprivation (Page 36)
Employment by Socio-Economic Classification
Table 3.1 – Employment by Socio-Economic Classification in the Keystone Area
Working in Working in Higher Managerial & Upper Semi-routine & Routine AREA Professional Occupations Occupations % %
ENGLAND 8.6 20.6 EAST OF ENGLAND 9.1 20.3
NORFOLK 6.1 23.8 BRECKLAND 5.7 25.8 Conifer 6.0 22.1 Harling & Heathlands 8.7 21.9 Mid Forest 5.0 26.1 Thetford – Abbey 2.4 38.8 Thetford – Castle 6.3 26.4 Thetford – Guildhall 6.0 29.2 Thetford - Saxon 4.4 34.2 Wayland 8.5 20.3 Weeting 5.6 24.6 West Guiltcross 9.1 21.4
SUFFOLK 7.5 23.8 ST EDMUNDSBURY 7.9 24.6 Bardwell 10.3 18.2 Barningham 9.5 20.3 Ixworth 8.8 20.7 Stanton 7.1 26.0
FOREST HEATH 7.8 25.4 Brandon East 4.6 29.3 Brandon West 3.9 33.2 Iceni 9.8 23.3
KEYSTONE AREA AVERAGE % 6.9% 25.6%
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
In the Keystone area, less than the national average of people are employed in higher managerial and upper professional occupations and more than the national average of people are employed in the semi-routine and routine occupations (which are traditionally classed as semi-skilled or unskilled).
Thetford - Abbey ward has only 2% of people employed in higher managerial and professional occupations compared to the East of England average of 9%.
Page 53 Keystone Community Profile
Employment By Industry
Table 3.2 – Employment by Industry In the Keystone Area
Agriculture, Manufacturing Construction Wholesale/Retail Health & Public Hotel & Hunting, Real Other Trade/Repair of Social Admin & Catering Farming & Estate/Renting Industries * Motor Vehicles Work Defence Fishing & Business
ENGLAND 14.8 6.7 16.8 10.7 5.6 4.7 1.4 13.2 26.1 EAST OF 14.4 7.6 17.2 9.6 5.1 4.1 1.9 13.3 26.8 ENGLAND
NORFOLK 15.1 7.9 18.0 11.2 5.5 5.5 3.8 9.7 23.3 BRECKLAND 18.5 7.4 17.7 9.5 6.6 4.2 6.0 9.3 20.8 Conifer 19.3 6.7 14.5 9.2 8.0 5.4 9.7 7.7 19.5 Harling & 16.9 7.6 17.4 8.6 4.2 4.6 10.1 9.3 21.3 Heathlands Mid Forest 14.2 9.6 13.0 7.5 6.2 4.8 15.3 8.7 20.7 Thetford 26.7 5.8 19.2 7.9 5.9 5.8 1.2 8.4 19.1 Abbey Thetford 25.2 5.5 13.4 9.1 7.0 6.2 1.2 11.7 20.7 Castle Thetford 24.8 5.9 19.2 6.3 9.7 4.8 1.5 8.9 18.9 Guildhall Thetford 26.1 5.3 19.9 6.1 5.5 5.8 1.4 9.3 20.6 Saxon Wayland 19.2 7.6 14.4 7.4 4.5 3.4 12.7 12.4 18.4 Weeting 19.0 8.8 14.0 6.9 9.7 7.1 0 6.7 27.8 West 13.9 7.4 16.8 9.0 3.8 4.1 12.0 11.1 21.9 Guiltcross
Page 54 Keystone Community Profile
Employment By Industry (Continued)
Table 3.2 – Employment by Industry (Continued)
Manufacturing Construction Wholesale/Retail Health & Public Hotel & Agriculture, Real Other Trade/Repair of Social Admin & Catering Hunting, Estate/Renting Industries * SUFFOLK Motor Vehicles Work Defence Farming & & Business Fishing
ST EDS 19.8 6.7 17.7 10.9 7.4 5.3 2.8 11.0 28.4 Bardwell 14.9 6.1 16.5 7.9 15.4 3.3 5.9 11.6 18.4 Barningham 17.7 7.8 14.6 11.5 5.8 4.3 8.3 10.2 19.8 Ixworth 13.6 7.0 18.4 10.9 7.4 5.9 3.9 11.5 21.4 Stanton 15.8 8.1 16.7 9.8 11.6 4.9 3.3 8.1 21.7
FOREST 15.1 6.7 14.2 7.4 8.6 5.0 3.3 9.5 30.2 HEATH 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 Iceni 15.7 7.8 16.7 7.1 4.8 5.8 7.5 12.2 22.4 KEYSTONE AREA 19.1 7.1 16.4 8.1 7.6 5.2 5.9 9.5 21.0 AVERAGE %
* 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
Page 55 Keystone Community Profile
Norfolk
Thetford has higher than average employment in manufacturing. However, employment in this sector is predicted to fall by 13% by 2010. The town does exhibit strengths and growth clusters around the Advanced Engineering sector. Craft occupations are seen to be the most likely to increase in employee numbers in Breckland over the next few years but these are the hardest vacancies to fill due to a lack of suitably qualified labour being available. Alongside this, according to the Breckland Council Economic Development Strategy, adults living in Breckland are the least likely in Norfolk to access the internet. This provides difficulties in accessing local services, advice and training opportunities. This is exacerbated by rural remoteness and a limited transport infrastructure.
In 1982, Gross Value Added per employee in Norfolk was higher than the regional average (roughly 104% of the regional figure). By 2010 it is predicted that it will be almost 5% below the regional average. This implies that productivity gains amongst employees in Norfolk have been lower than elsewhere in the region. Source: Breckland Council – Economic Development Strategy 2001-2004 Norfolk Needs Analysis 2001
Suffolk
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.
Source: Economic Development Strategy to 2010, Forest Heath District Council, 2003 .
Page 56 Keystone Community Profile
Local Employers
Norfolk
The Norfolk economy comprises mainly of a majority of small employers (less than 5 people). However, the largest 5% of employers account for 70% of all jobs in the county.
Thetford Thetford is the industrial engine of the district. In the town there are a number of household names that are major employers; these include Tulip International (Danepak), Baxter Healthcare and Jeyes. The recent closure of Thermos was a major setback for the town but there is optimism that an 11- acre site would provide an opportunity, along with the Thetford Business Park (33 acres) to attract and grow significant employment and economic activity within the town and hinterland. This had been identified as a strategic site by Norfolk County Council (NCC) and East of England Development Agency (EEDA) for managed workspace and incubator units to meet unsatisfied latent demand in Southern Norfolk for smaller office/manufacturing workspace.
Market failure has created a gap between investment and return on land in the town, discouraging private sector investment in development and relocation onto employment land.
Source: Breckland District Council, Economic Development Strategy 2001-2004
Suffolk
Brandon 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 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 57 Keystone Community 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 3.3 – Labour Participation Rates
AREA Labour Participation Rates %
ENGLAND 86.1 EAST OF ENGLAND 87.3
NORFOLK 86.5 BRECKLAND 87.1 Conifer 88.7 Harling & Heathlands 88.7 Mid Forest 85.0 Thetford – Abbey 81.8 Thetford – Castle 71.7 Thetford – Guildhall 81.1 Thetford - Saxon 72.5 Wayland 88.4 Weeting 70.8 West Guiltcross 74.1
SUFFOLK 87.4 ST EDMUNDSBURY 88.4 Bardwell 90.0 Barningham 87.0 Ixworth 92.0 Stanton 89.5
FOREST HEATH 88.4 Brandon East 87.8 Brandon West 88.3 Iceni 88.4
KEYSTONE AREA 83.8% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The wards of Weeting, Thetford - Castle and Thetford - Saxon have the lowest labour participation rates in the Keystone area.
Page 58 Keystone Community Profile
Transport to Work
On the 2001 Census, residents were asked how they travel to work.
Table 3.4 – How People Travel To Work In The Keystone Area
Driving Passenger By By By By Work Other* AREA Car/Van in Car/Van Train Bus Foot Cycle From % % % /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
NORFOLK 59.3 6.3 0.7 4.7 10.6 5.2 10.4 2.8 BRECKLAND 63.6 6.4 0.4 2.1 9.8 4.1 11.4 2.2 Conifer 72.6 5.4 0.9 0.9 4.9 1.5 13.4 0.4 Harling & Heathlands 67.4 4.7 0.9 1.0 6.5 2.7 14.4 2.4 Mid Forest 67.5 5.2 0.5 0.9 5.6 2.2 15.1 3.0 Thetford – Abbey 55.4 8.1 0.5 2.9 19.3 5.3 5.9 2.6 Thetford – Castle 55.8 8.0 0.8 1.0 17.9 3.9 10.2 2.4 Thetford – Guildhall 66.9 6.7 0.4 1.1 11.3 5.0 6.0 2.6 Thetford - Saxon 57.2 7.0 0.3 2.2 20.7 4.6 6.0 2.0 Wayland 67.1 4.5 0.2 0.0 4.5 2.9 18.8 2.0 Weeting 73.6 7.3 0.4 1.8 4.6 1.7 9.3 1.3 West Guiltcross 66.2 5.0 1.4 0.7 4.4 1.7 18.0 2.6
SUFFOLK 60.5 6.2 1.4 4.2 10.0 4.9 10.0 2.8 ST EDMUNDSBURY 62.4 7.0 0.5 2.4 11.9 3.4 10.1 2.3 Bardwell 66.2 4.8 0.4 2.3 4.6 2.8 15.8 3.1 Barningham 68.8 4.8 1.0 1.0 4.7 1.9 16.6 1.2 Ixworth 69.7 7.3 0.3 1.9 7.3 1.7 10.3 1.5 Stanton 70.6 6.2 0.3 3.5 5.4 2.7 9.3 2.0
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 Iceni 70.6 6.2 0.3 1.6 4.0 2.0 12.9 2.4
KEYSTONE AREA AVERAGE % 66.5% 6.2% 0.5% 1.7% 8.4% 3.0% 11.5% 2.1%
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
* Others include travel by underground, tram, motorcycle, moped or taxi.
The majority of those employed drive to work in a vehicle. The Thetford wards have the highest percentage of people who walk to work. Despite there being railway stations in both Thetford and Brandon, less than 1% use this mode of transport to get to work. A higher than average percentage of people in the Keystone area work from home.
Page 59 Keystone Community Profile
Average Earnings
See also Indices of Income Deprivation (Page 37-38)
By Region
Table 3.5 – Average Earnings By Region (2003) For Full Time Employees On Adult Rates By Region 2003
Gross pay Average Pay Per week % Earning under Per hour With Overtime £250 per week Excluding overtime £ £
England 484.80 15.3 12.26 East Of England 508.80 12.9 12.82
Norfolk 414.10 19.0 10.17 Suffolk 452.40 15.2 11.14 Breckland 397.00 19.4 9.53
Source: New Earnings Survey, Nomis, 2003, ONS Crown Copyright
Although average earnings are higher in the East of England, they are lower in Norfolk and lower still in Breckland.
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 3.6 - Average Earnings by Travel To Work Areas (2003)
Gross Weekly % earning Hourly Pay Travel To Work Area Pay under £250 (excluding With overtime per week overtime) £ £
England 484.80 15.3 12.26 East of England 508.80 12.9 12.82
Thetford 400.00 20.3 9.73 Cambridge 553.60 9.5 14.21 Norwich 418.60 20.0 10.44
Source: New Earnings Survey, Nomis, 2003, ONS Crown Copyright
Page 60 Keystone Community Profile
There are marked differences between the regions’ average earnings. In real terms, this means that employees who work in the Thetford TTWA could earn £18 a week less than employees who work in the Norwich TTWA and £84 a week less than the average for England.
Average earnings in parts of East Anglia are considerably lower than the national average. Norfolk, in particular, is characterised by highly localised labour markets because of constraints on labour mobility related to transport issues and low wage levels, the values of which are pushed even lower by the addition of transport costs.
Source: Norfolk Needs Analysis, 2001
Page 61 Keystone Community Profile
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment Rates
Table 3.7 – Unemployment Rates (2001)
Unemployment Rate AREA %
ENGLAND 3.3 EAST OF ENGLAND 2.6
NORFOLK 2.9 BRECKLAND 2.6 Conifer 1.6 Harling & Heathlands 1.8 Mid Forest 2.5 Thetford – Abbey 5.8 Thetford – Castle 2.9 Thetford – Guildhall 1.9 Thetford - Saxon 3.7 Wayland 2.1 Weeting 2.4 West Guiltcross 2.8
SUFFOLK 2.6 ST EDMUNDSBURY 2.1 Bardwell 1.8 Barningham 2.3 Ixworth 2.1 Stanton 2.0
FOREST HEATH 2.2 Brandon East 2.0 Brandon West 2.0 Iceni 1.7
KEYSTONE AREA 2.4% AVERAGE %
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 the Keystone area and in Breckland as a whole. Thetford-Abbey and Thetford-Saxon wards have the highest percentage of people unemployed in the Keystone area. Abbey has twice the Breckland average of people unemployed.
Page 62 Keystone Community Profile
Youth Unemployment
Definition Youth unemployment is defined as those persons unemployed aged between 16-24 years.
Table 3.8 – Youth Unemployment
Of Those Unemployed, AREA Those aged 16-24 yrs %
ENGLAND 25.6 EAST OF ENGLAND 25.9
NORFOLK 25.3 BRECKLAND 28.6 Conifer 28.0 Harling & Heathlands 34.5 Mid Forest 22.5 Thetford – Abbey 38.8 Thetford – Castle 21.4 Thetford – Guildhall 37.0 Thetford – Saxon 33.5 Wayland 38.8 Weeting 23.8 West Guiltcross 15.9
SUFFOLK 25.9 ST EDMUNDSBURY 26.6 Bardwell 18.7 Barningham 20.4 Ixworth 25.0 Stanton 20.5
FOREST HEATH 28.2 Brandon East 25.3 Brandon West 16.6 Iceni 17.3
KEYSTONE AREA 25.8% AVERAGE %
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. Five out of the seventeen Keystone wards have youth unemployment rates of over 30%.
Page 63 Keystone Community 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 3.9 – Long Term Unemployment
AREA Long Term Unemployed* %
ENGLAND 30.2 EAST OF ENGLAND 27.1
NORFOLK 30.0 BRECKLAND 26.1 Conifer 24.0 Harling & Heathlands 20.0 Mid Forest 25.0 Thetford – Abbey 20.3 Thetford – Castle 9.5 Thetford – Guildhall 19.0 Thetford - Saxon 25.3 Wayland 21.8 Weeting 21.4 West Guiltcross 27.2
SUFFOLK 28.8 ST EDMUNDSBURY 24.8 Bardwell 34.3 Barningham 27.2 Ixworth 34.3 Stanton 23.0
FOREST HEATH 22.8 Brandon East 14.6 Brandon West 22.2 Iceni 43.4
KEYSTONE AREA 24.3% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The Keystone area has a lower than average percentage of long term unemployment. Surprisingly, the Suffolk wards of Bardwell and Iceni have the highest rate of long term unemployment.
Page 64 Keystone Community Profile
Unemployment Trend
Unemployment has fallen over most areas of Norfolk and Suffolk 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
Types of Vacancies Available
In August 2003, there were 7,289 vacancies in Job Centres advertised. Table 3.10 below demonstrates what types of vacancies these were:
Table 3.10 – Types of Vacancies Available by County (2003)
England Norfolk Suffolk TYPE OF VACANCIES % % %
Managerial & Professional 5.0 3.9 5.4 Professional & Technical 8.0 7.8 6.1 Skilled Trades 11.3 15.2 10.9 Admin & Secretarial 10.5 9.4 14.3 Personal Services 8.2 9.2 7.6 Sales & Customer Services 15.9 10.2 16.6 Process Plant & Machine 11.6 15.2 11.2 Operatives Elementary Occupations 29.4 29.0 27.8
Source: Nomis, 2003, ONS Crown Copyright
Page 65 Keystone Community Profile
SECTION 4
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Page 66 Keystone Community Profile
Section 4 – Contents
Education & Training Page(s)
Attainment in Primary Schools In The Keystone Area...... 68-70
Attainment in Secondary Schools In The Keystone Area...... 71
Year 11 Destinations...... 72
Attainment at AS/A Level In The Keystone Sixth Forms...... 73-74
Higher Education...... 75
No Qualifications...... 76
Vocational Courses...... 77
Basic Skills...... 78
National Learning Targets...... 79
Page 67 Keystone Community Profile
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
See also Indices of Education, Skills & Training Deprivation (Page 38)
QUALIFICATIONS ACHIEVED
Attainment in Primary Schools In The Keystone Area
There are a number of primary schools (and middle schools) within the Keystone area ranging from small village schools in the rural areas to larger schools in the towns of Thetford and 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 4.1 – Attainment at Key Stage 2 (2004)
English Maths Science Average Point School % % % Score
England 78 74 86 27.5 Norfolk LEA 74 72 84 27.1
Queensway Community 57 47 60 24.4 Junior School, Thetford Abbey Junior 52 43 61 23.8 School, Thetford Admirals 63 63 73 25.3 Junior School Norwich Rd 61 68 82 26.6 Primary School Redcastle Furze 50 60 74 25.5 Primary School Weeting COE 86 79 86 28.0 Primary School Grt Hockham 68 63 79 26.4 Primary School East Harling 77 81 100 29.4 Primary School Mundford 96 81 85 28.2 Primary School Garboldisham Too few pupils to publish results Primary School Kenninghall 88 76 94 28.5 Primary School Gooderstone Too few pupils to publish results COE School St Andrews COE 73 73 91 26.8 School, Lopham
Source: Department of Education and Skills
Page 68 Keystone Community Profile
Table 4.1 – Attainment at Key Stage 2, 2004 (Continued)
School English Maths Science Average Point % % % Score
England 78 74 86 27.5 Suffolk LEA 78 74 85 27.3
Breckland 71 63 87 26.4 Middle School College Heath 72 41 87 25.6 Middle School Riverside 75 69 90 27.3 Middle School Ixworth 84 78 89 28.1 Primary School Blackbourne 83 79 98 28.3 COE, Stanton
Source: Department of Education and Skills
In the Keystone area, in 2004 at Key Stage 2,
8/16 schools (where results are available) were below their county LEA average and 11/16 were below the national average for attainment in English
9/16 schools (where results are available) were below their county LEA average and 10/16 were below the national average for attainment in Maths
6/16 schools (where results are available) were below their county LEA average and 7/16 were below the national average for attainment in Science.
Average Point Score
The APS is calculated by adding together the Total points for English + Total points for maths + Total points for science divided by the Total number of eligible pupils for each subject
Average point scores are awarded per subject per pupil as per the table below
Table 4.2 – Average point scores Awarded
Level achieved Score
Working below the level of the test 15 Not awarded a test level 15 Level 2 15 Level 3 21 Level 4 27 Level 5 33
Page 69 Keystone Community Profile
9/16 schools scored a lower than average point score compared to their county LEA and 10/16 scored a lower than national average point score.
Thetford Education Action Zone (EAZ)
It is considered that the Thetford Education Action Zone (EAZ) is influencing the standards in primary schools and the two Thetford High School Headteachers have hopes of higher levels of achievement among those primary school pupils who will be transferring to their schools. Unfortunately the EAZ ends in December 2003, although the work will continue under the ‘Excellence Clusters’ arrangements.
Page 70 Keystone Community 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).
The following GCSE figures are for results obtained in 2004.
Attainment in Secondary Schools in the Keystone area
Table 4.3 - Attainment in Secondary Schools in the Keystone Secondary Schools 2004
5 or more GCSE Average total SCHOOL passes at grades No Passes point score per A-C 15 yr old* % % England 53.7 4.1 340.3
Norfolk LEA 50.5 3.1 327.5 Thetford Area Rosemary Musker 25 5.0 271.4 High School Charles Burrell High 23 4.0 216.1 School Thetford Grammar School 96 4.0 414.5
Suffolk LEA 57.3 2.6 352.0 Brandon Area Methwold High School 39 4.0 288.8 Thurston College 69 2.0 393.6 Mildenhall College of 58 2.0 370.4 Tech.
Source: Department of Education and Skills
In the Keystone area, in 2004 at GCSE level, 3/5 secondary schools in the Keystone area (excluding Thetford Grammar School) had below average attainment compared to their county LEAs and nationally at GCSE attainment
Average total point score
The average point score for GSCE level is calculated by dividing the total number of points achieved by students aged 15 by the number of 15 year olds on roll.
3/5 secondary schools achieved a lower than average point score compared to their county LEA and nationally.
Page 71 Keystone Community Profile
Further Education
Year 11 Destinations (Aged 16)
In Norfolk, in 2002, 69% of school leavers at year 11 opted to continue in full- time education at school or college. A further 15% entered employment and 7% were either unemployed or looking to enter the labour market. This gives an overall rate of those in education or employment in Norfolk at 84%. This is below the national average of 86.5%.
A confidential review undertaken by the Norfolk LSC 2002 of school leavers showed that children in the Keystone area had an average stay on in education or employment rate of 78% (and an average unemployment rate of 9%). This is below both the Norfolk and national average.
As well as this, there is a national fall off rate between the ages of 16-17of 13% of those in full time education. Of the schools listed for the Keystone area, the student fall-off rate showed an average of 21% which is double the national average.
Source: Review of post-16 education and training in Western Norfolk, Norfolk LSC, June 2003
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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:
At ‘A’ Level: Grade A–120 points, Grade B–100 points, Grade C–80 points, Grade D–60 points, Grade E–40 points.
Attainment at AS/A Level in the Keystone area 2004
Table 4.4 – ‘A’ Level Point Score Per Student in the Keystone Sixth Forms 2004
Average AS / A Level Point Score AREA Per Student 2004
ENGLAND 269.2
NORFOLK LEA 243.4 Charles Burrell High School 117.2 Thetford Grammar School 384.0 Paston College 241.0 Methwold High School 181.6 College of West Anglia 153.4 City College – Norwich 174.0
SUFFOLK LEA 264.9 Mildenhall College of Tech. 276.3 Thurston College 274.4 Bury St Edmunds County 292.0 Upper School West Suffolk College 174.4
Source: Department of Education & Skills
Average Point Score
The average point score per student is calculated as the sum of the points awarded to each 16-18 year old student, using a pre-determined point scoring system, divided by the total number of 16-18 year old students entered for a GCE/VCE A level or key skill at Level 3.
In the Keystone area (excluding Thetford Grammar School), 6/9 sixth forms achieved a lower than average APS compared to their county LEAs and nationally.
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The Thetford Campus
The Thetford Campus involves the various providers of post-16 year old education in a common identity and focus for learning opportunities in the Thetford area. Eight partners, including three colleges, have established post-16 strategic and operational groups to promote all Thetford post-16 activities. The purpose of the Campus is to ensure that all providers of post- 16 education in the town work together to ensure that all resources available are used to best effect and in the interests of learners.
An exciting new development at Thetford is The Thomas Paine Sixth Form Centre. Based on the existing Thetford Sixth Form Centre serving Rosemary Musker and Charles Burrell High Schools, a joint management committee has formed from the two school’s governing bodies and will oversee the development of the centre; a director has recently been appointed. The new Centre which opens in September 2003, aims to increase participation in post-16 education in Thetford by expanding the curriculum range to meet the needs and interests of individuals. The emerging programme for September 2003 includes 16 A/AS level subjects, one AVCE, one GNVQ intermediate, Business Administration levels 1 & 2 and Key Skills levels 2 & 3.
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Higher Education
Definition Level 4/5 is defined as those achieving a first degree, higher degree, NVQ levels 4/5 or HND. Table 4.4 below, shows the percentage of people who achieved level 4/5 qualifications.
Table 4.5 – Percentage of people who achieved level 4/5 qualifications
Percentage of People aged 16-74 AREA Achieving Level 4/5 %
England 19.9 East of England 18.1
NORFOLK 14.6 BRECKLAND 12.1 Conifer 15.7 Harling & Heathlands 15.7 Mid Forest 11.9 Thetford Abbey 6.9 Thetford Castle 12.0 Thetford Guildhall 9.5 Thetford Saxon 8.0 Wayland 16.9 Weeting 11.8 West Guiltcross 19.5
SUFFOLK 16.5 ST EDMUNDSBURY 17.2 Bardwell 19.5 Barningham 18.4 Ixworth 18.8 Stanton 12.2
FOREST HEATH 15.2 Brandon East 10.5 Brandon West 9.3 Iceni 19.5
KEYSTONE AREA 13.9% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Both Norfolk and Suffolk are below the national average of 19.9% for the percentage of people who achieve level 4/5 qualifications. Keystone is below both of these averages. There are marked differences in achievement between Thetford Abbey ward where 6.9% of the population achieved level 4/5 qualifications compared to Thetford West Guiltcross and Bardwell wards where 19.5% achieved this higher level.
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No Qualifications
Table 4.6 – Percentage of people who have no qualifications
Percentage of People aged 16-74 WITH NO QUALIFICATIONS WARD %
ENGLAND 28.8 EAST OF ENGLAND 27.9
NORFOLK 32.4 BRECKLAND 33.7 Conifer 32.4 Harling & Heathlands 31.0 Mid Forest 38.0 Thetford Abbey 40.7 Thetford Castle 35.3 Thetford Guildhall 26.4 Thetford Saxon 41.5 Wayland 16.2 Weeting 16.6 West Guiltcross 15.1
SUFFOLK 30.2 ST EDMUNDSBURY 28.1 Bardwell 24.3 Barningham 28.3 Ixworth 23.9 Stanton 31.7
FOREST HEATH 30.4 Brandon East 36.0 Brandon West 38.8 Iceni 30.1
KEYSTONE AREA 29.8% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The Keystone area has a higher percentage of people with no qualifications than the national average. In the Thetford Abbey and Saxon wards, this is over 40%.
Low Aspirations Low aspiration is frequently mentioned in reviews as one of the factors affecting participation in education and training. A combination of readily available employment, difficult travel and the low proportion of higher education experience among parents seem to combine to have this effect.
Source: Review of post-16 education and training in Western Norfolk, Norfolk LSC, June 2003
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Vocational Courses
The Review of Post-16 Education and Training in Western Norfolk Report (Norfolk Learning and Skills Council (LCS), June 2003) highlighted that there are only a small number of vocational subjects available in schools in the Western area, but West Anglia College does offer a significant number of vocational options. In 2002/3 Methwold High offered only one Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE). Previously, the Charles Burrell Sixth Form offered levels 1 and 2 Business Administration programmes, but the number of students enrolled on these courses was very small.
The number of vocational courses has been expanded in 2003/04 with the introduction of the new Thomas Paine Sixth Form Centre. Level 1 and 2 courses are now being run in Childcare, Working Skills, Business Administration, Public Services, Health and Social Care and Information Technology. It is envisaged that the range of courses will again increase in September 2004, but that will depend on physical resources.
Keystone Development Trust secured funding in October 2003 to support a Social Enterprise Centre in Thetford. Their business plan details courses for students post 16 years.
Working Skills Level 1. (Practical skills in metal, wood and motor vehicle maintenance). An entry course for those who need to raise their general level of education, often combined with resitting GCSEs but providing a practical focus for those who want to move on to modern apprenticeships or specific trade training.
Construction GNVQ Level 2. A full-time course, over 1 year, enabling students to gain basic qualifications in skills necessary for the construction industry. These include bricklaying, joinery and associated trades.
Plumbing NVQ Levels 1 and 2. Part-time courses with work experience running over 1-2 years.
Catering – Important to reflect the needs of the local tourist industry. To be offered initially at level 1 C&G or NVQ plus basic food hygiene certification.
Hairdressing NVQ levels 1 and 2. There is a strong local need for this course at both post-16 and adult levels. This could be run in conjunction with local businesses and trainers who could provide the training and experience.
CACHE Childcare. Already running at TP6 in partnership with CoWA. The crèche could be used as a training base and work experience facility.
The Centre will also be used to support Music Technology, Health and Social Care and Business Administration courses by providing space and work experience for students.
Source: Keystone Development Trust, 2003
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Basic Skills
The Basic Skills Agency estimates that one in five adults have poor basic skills. Basic skills are assessed according to three levels of need as follows:
Low: These adults are regarded as on the borderline of functional literacy and numeracy and may need a little instruction to reach the national average. Most of these will reach this through private study or short courses etc.
Lower: These adults have some literacy and numeracy skills already, but would be expected to have difficulties in coping with at least some of the everyday literacy and numeracy requirements they encounter.
Very Low: These adults need intensive instruction to bring them up to the basic skills threshold and some may never reach it, particularly if they have significant learning difficulties.
In 2001, the proportions of the Norfolk population who fell into each category were classed as below:
Table 4.7 – Literacy Levels, 2001
Literacy Low Lower Very TOTAL Low National Average 15 5 4 24%
South West Norfolk 17 4 4 25% (Includes Keystone area)
The Policy Unit at County Hall, Norwich report that the Thetford-Abbey, Barnham Cross, Saxon and Brandon wards have a higher than average proportion of residents with poor literacy levels.
Table 4.8 – Numeracy Levels, 2001
Numeracy Low Lower Very TOTAL Low National Average 12 7 5 24%
South West Norfolk 11 7 6 24% (Includes Keystone area)
Source: Basic Skills Agency, 2001
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National Learning Targets
The Government have set national learning targets for adults, in the year 2002, 50% of adults should be qualified to level 3* or above and 28% of adults should be qualified to level 4** or above. In Norfolk, in 2000, 34% had achieved level 3. However, only 26% of people in South Breckland achieved level 3. In Norfolk and South Breckland in 2000, only 21% had achieved level 4 qualifications.
It is highly unlikely therefore that Norfolk reached the required levels by 2002.
Key *Level 3 = 2 or more A’ Levels, 4 or more AS levels, Higher School Certificate, NVQ *Level 3, Advanced GNVQ, **Level 4 = First Degree
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SECTION 5
HEALTH
Page 80 Keystone Community Profile
Section 5 – Contents
Health Page(s)
Local Health Facilities...... 82
Life Expectancy...... 83
General Health...... 84
Limiting Long-Term Illness...... 85
Disability Living Allowance...... 86
Provision Of Unpaid Care...... 87
Ambulance Service 999 Call-Outs...... 88
Fertility Rates...... 89
Teenage Conceptions (<18yrs)...... 90
Low Birth Weight (<2.5 Kg)...... 91
Very low Birth Weight (<1.5 Kg)...... 91
Mortality Rates 92-97 Infant Mortality Rates...... 92 Deaths From Coronary Heart Disease...... 93 Deaths From Bronchitis & Emphysema...... 93 Deaths From All Cancers...... 94 Deaths From Lung Cancer...... 94 Deaths From Colectoral Cancer...... 95 Deaths From Prostate Cancer...... 95 Deaths From Breast Cancer...... 96 Deaths From Cervical Cancer...... 96 Deaths From All Accidents...... 97 Deaths From Suicide & Unexplained Injury...... 97
Health & Substance Misuse...... 98
NHS Trusts & Star Ratings...... 98
Hospital Waiting Times...... 99
Number Of Hospital NHS Consultants...... 99
Dental Health...... 100
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HEALTH
See also the Indices of Health Deprivation (page 37)
The Keystone area is served by three Primary Care Trusts – Southern Norfolk PCT, Suffolk West PCT and West Norfolk PCT overseen by Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority.
Local Health Facilities
Within the Keystone area there are four main Surgeries and several smaller rural Surgeries. They are located at the locations listed below:
Table 5.1 - GP Surgeries in the Keystone Area
GP SURGERIES
Main Surgeries School Lane, Thetford Grove Lane, Thetford Forest Group Practice, Brandon Elbourne, Brandon Rural Surgeries East Harling Kenninghall Elveden Hopton Stanton Ixworth
Source: www.Suffolkwest-pct.nhs.uk www.gp-connect.co.uk/norfolk
Thetford and Newmarket have small cottage-style hospitals. The nearest acute hospitals are the West Suffolk in Bury St Edmunds (13 miles from Thetford), Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in Norwich (30 miles) and Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge (33 miles).
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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 5.2 – Average Life Expectancy in the Keystone Area by PCT
Average Life Expectancy Average Life Expectancy
Area Males (years) Females (years)
EU AVERAGE 75.8 81.6 ENGLAND 75.6 80.5
East of England 76.9 81.4 Norfolk 77.0 81.9 Southern Norfolk PCT 77.5 82.0 West Norfolk PCT 76.0 81.2
Suffolk 77.3 81.7 St Edmundsbury 76.9 81.4 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 Southern Norfolk PCT and Suffolk West PCT than the English average.
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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 5.3 - Percentage of Persons who considered that their health is ‘Not Good’.
Health Considered to be ‘Not Good’ AREA %
ENGLAND 9.0 EAST OF ENGLAND 7.6
NORFOLK 9.0 BRECKLAND 8.6 Conifer 8.1 Harling & Heathlands 7.0 Mid Forest 7.9 Thetford – Abbey 10.3 Thetford – Castle 12.8 Thetford – Guildhall 4.8 Thetford - Saxon 8.9 Wayland 6.6 Weeting 9.7 West Guiltcross 6.1
SUFFOLK 7.8 ST EDMUNDSBURY 7.0 Bardwell 6.6 Barningham 7.7 Ixworth 6.0 Stanton 8.3
FOREST HEATH 6.8 Brandon East 10.6 Brandon West 9.7 Iceni 6.3
KEYSTONE AREA 8.1% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Residents in the wards of Thetford Abbey and Castle and Brandon have a higher than average percentage who consider that their health is ‘not good’.
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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 5.4 - Percentage of households with one or more person with a limiting long-term illness
Households With Limiting AREA Long Term Illness %
ENGLAND 33.5 EAST OF ENGLAND 30.7
NORFOLK 34.6 BRECKLAND 34.0 Conifer 34.9 Harling & Heathlands 31.4 Mid Forest 35.4 Thetford – Abbey 35.0 Thetford – Castle 33.9 Thetford – Guildhall 22.6 Thetford - Saxon 35.0 Wayland 29.7 Weeting 36.5 West Guiltcross 28.7
SUFFOLK 31.8 ST EDMUNDSBURY 29.2 Bardwell 31.8 Barningham 32.0 Ixworth 28.8 Stanton 34.1
FOREST HEATH 28.0 Brandon East 37.0 Brandon West 34.0 Iceni 29.2
KEYSTONE AREA 32.4% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Norfolk has a higher than national average of people with a limiting long-term illness. Brandon especially has a high 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 in Brandon.
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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 5.5 shows the number of people claiming the higher rate DLA.
Table 5.5 – No of people claiming higher rate Disability Living Allowance (May 2000)
No. of People Claiming Higher Rate AREA Care Component
No.
ENGLAND 373,250 EAST OF ENGLAND 33,990
BRECKLAND 735 Conifer 10 Harling 15 Heathlands 10 Peddars Way 5 Thetford – Abbey 50 Thetford – Barnham Cross 40 Thetford – Guildhall 30 Thetford - Saxon 25 Weeting 15 West Guiltcross 5
ST EDMUNDSBURY 625 Barningham 20 Honington 10 Ixworth 40 Stanton 40
FOREST HEATH 255 Brandon East 80 Brandon West 45 Iceni 10
KEYSTONE AREA AVERAGE % 26.5
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The wards of Thetford – Abbey and Brandon have the highest number of people claiming higher rate Disability Care Allowance.
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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 5.6 – 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
NORFOLK 20.6 BRECKLAND 21.4 Conifer 23.2 Harling & Heathlands 16.4 Mid Forest 17.4 Thetford – Abbey 27.0 Thetford – Castle 18.6 Thetford – Guildhall 15.3 Thetford - Saxon 29.4 Wayland 20.2 Weeting 19.3 West Guiltcross 17.0
SUFFOLK 18.9 ST EDMUNDSBURY 17.7 Bardwell 12.6 Barningham 21.8 Ixworth 19.7 Stanton 22.2
FOREST HEATH 20.1 Brandon East 25.2 Brandon West 26.4 Iceni 14.4
KEYSTONE AREA 20.4% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The Brandon wards and Thetford Abbey and Saxon wards have a high percentage of people providing 50+ hours of unpaid care per week.
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Ambulance Service 999 Calls
Table 5.7 – Number and percentage of 999 ambulance calls (2002/03)
Ambulance Call outs as a AREA 999 Call Outs % of Ward Population No.
BRECKLAND Conifer 106 3.7 Harling 123 5.4 Heathlands 65 3.0 Peddars Way 82 3.8 Thetford – Abbey 604 12.0 Thetford – Barnham Cross 299 7.4 Thetford – Guildhall 458 5.1 Thetford – Saxon 328 8.9 Weeting 119 5.8 West Guiltcross 59 3.0
ST EDMUNDSBURY Barningham 86 3.6 Honington 65 2.7 Ixworth 87 2.9 Stanton 101 3.0
FOREST HEATH Brandon East 406 8.4 Brandon West 222 5.7 Iceni 49 1.0
KEYSTONE AREA AVERAGE % 5.0%
Source: East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust
As a proportion of the population, the residents of Thetford Abbey ward have the highest call out rates for 999 emergency ambulances. 3 out of the 4 Thetford wards and Brandon East have higher than average call out rates. The rural wards have the lowest call out rates.
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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 5.8 – Fertility Rates By PCT In The Keystone Area
General Fertility Rates Area (No of live births per 1,000 females between 15-44 yrs)
England 56.5
Southern Norfolk PCT 54.9 West Norfolk PCT 55.9 Suffolk West PCT 54.3
Source: Eastern Region Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set (1999-2001)
The three PCT’s in the Keystone area have a slightly lower fertility rate than the national average.
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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 5.9 – Teenage Conceptions (1999-2001) by Local Authority
Teenage Conception Rate
Per 1,000 girls Area aged 15-17 years
ENGLAND 43.8
Norfolk 38.0 Breckland 30.2
Suffolk 31.9 St Edmundsbury 28.3 Forest Heath 26.4
Source: Teenage Pregnancy Unit, Department of Health
Mile Cross in Norwich has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Norfolk. Thetford Abbey, Barnham Cross and Guildhall are all equal 9th worst wards in Norfolk.
Source: Teenage Pregnancy Advisor, Southern Norfolk PCT
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.
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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 5.10 – Low Birth Weight By PCT
Low Birth Rate < 2.5 Kg Area Per 1,000 Live Births
England 7.9
Southern Norfolk PCT 7.1 West Norfolk PCT 7.1 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 weight is linked to smoking in pregnancy and social deprivation.
Table 5.11 – Very Low Birth Weight By PCT
Area Low Birth Rate < 1.5 Kg Per 1,000 Live Births
England 1.5
Southern Norfolk PCT 1.3 West Norfolk PCT 1.2 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.
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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 5.12 – Infant Mortality Rates By PCT (1999-2001)
Infant Mortality Rates Area Per 1,000 live births
England 5.6
Southern Norfolk PCT 3.5 West Norfolk PCT 3.3 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.
All three PCT’s that serve the Keystone area have lower infant mortality rates than the average for England.
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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 5.13 - Death Rates From CHD In Persons < 75 Yrs By PCT (1999-2001)
Death from Coronary Heart Disease in < 75 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 107.4 36.3
Southern Norfolk PCT 86.2 23.1 West Norfolk 104.9 27.4 Suffolk West PCT 91.7 32.9
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
All the three PCT’s that serve the Keystone area have lower than average death rates from CHD.
Deaths from Bronchitis and Emphysema
Smoking is the commonest underlying cause of bronchitis and emphysema.
Table 5.14 – Death Rates From Bronchitis And Emphysema By PCT (1999-2001)
Death rate from Bronchitis and Emphysema Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 4.2 1.8
Southern Norfolk PCT 6.3 2.4 West Norfolk 3.3 1.4 Suffolk West PCT 3.6 2.6
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Southern Norfolk PCT has a higher than average death rate from bronchitis and emphysema.
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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 5.15 – Death Rates From All Cancers In Persons < 75 Yrs By PCT (1999-2001)
Death from All Cancers in < 75 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 147.8 117.7
Southern Norfolk PCT 121.7 107.7 West Norfolk PCT 146.5 112.1 Suffolk West PCT 122.5 104.3
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
Deaths from Lung Cancer
Lung cancer has a low survival rate and is the biggest cancer killer in the UK.
Table 5.16 – Death Rates From Lung Cancer In Persons < 75 Yrs By PCT (1999-2001)
Death rate from Lung Cancer in < 75 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 39.5 21.3
Southern Norfolk PCT 27.7 13.7 West Norfolk 28.9 20.1 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.
All three PCT’s have lower than average death rates from lung cancer.
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Deaths from Colorectal Cancer
Colectoral cancer (bowel cancer) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United Kingdom.
Table 5.17 – Death Rates From Colectoral Cancer In Persons < 75 Yrs By PCT (1999-2001)
Death from Colorectal Cancer Area in < 75 yrs Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 29.3 18.1
Southern Norfolk PCT 23.1 15.1 West Norfolk 27.0 14.2 Suffolk West PCT 21.0 13.8
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
All three PCT’s in the Keystone area have 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 5.18 – Death Rates From Prostate Cancer By PCT (1999-2001)
Death rate from Prostate Cancer Area Per 100,000 Population
England 28.1
Southern Norfolk PCT 32.5 West Norfolk PCT 30.0 Suffolk West PCT 24.0
Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set
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.
Southern Norfolk PCT and Suffolk West PCT in the Keystone area both have higher than average death rates from prostate cancer.
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Deaths from Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the commonest single cause of death among women aged 35-54 years.
Table 5.19 – Death Rates From Breast Cancer In Women Aged Between 45-64 Yrs By PCT (1999-2001)
Death rate from Breast Cancer in 45-64 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
England 72.4
Southern Norfolk PCT 71.1 West Norfolk PCT 61.0 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.
All the three PCT’s in the Keystone area have a lower 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 5.20 – Death Rates From Cervical Cancer In Women Aged Between 15-64 Yrs By PCT (1999-2001)
Death rate from Cervical Cancer in 15-64 yrs Area Per 100,000 Population
England 3.1
Southern Norfolk PCT 1.0 West Norfolk PCT 3.0 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. All the three PCT’s in the Keystone area have a lower than average death rate from cervical cancer
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Deaths from All Accidents
Injuries from accidents are largely preventable. 80% of accidents are due to either road traffic accidents or falls.
Table 5.21 – Death Rates From All Accidents By PCT (1999-2001)
Death rate from All Accidents Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 21.8 10.2
Southern Norfolk PCT 25.8 11.6 West Norfolk PCT 26.3 16.5 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’ Strategy which expects a 20% reduction by 2010.
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 5.22 – Death Rates From Suicide And Unexplained Injury By PCT (1999-2001)
Death rate from Suicide and Unexplained Injury Area Per 100,000 Population
Males Females England 12.8 4.0
Southern Norfolk PCT 12.7 2.6 West Norfolk PCT 15.2 2.0 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.
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Health & Substance Misuse See also page 119-120 in Chapter 7 – Crime & Disorder
In 2002/2003 there were 144 people receiving treatment for substance misuse in the Thetford area. 25% of these were 24 years and under.
Source: Public Health Resource Unit, 2003
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 5.23 below shows the star ratings that the NHS Trusts achieved within the Keystone area.
Table 5.23 – Star Ratings Achieved By NHS Trusts (2002, 2003 & 2004)
Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating NHS Trust 2004 2003 2002
West Suffolk Hospital 3*** 3*** 1* Norfolk & Norwich University 1* 2** 2** Hospital
Southern Norfolk PCT 2** 3*** Started 2003 West Norfolk PCT 2** 3*** Started 2003 Suffolk West PCT 1* 2** Started 2003
East Anglian Ambulance Trust 3*** 3*** 3***
Source: Commission For Health Improvement (CHI)
East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust achieved 3*** in all three years.
Page 98 Keystone Community 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 5.24 – Hospital Waiting Times
Norfolk & Norwich West Suffolk Hospital University Hospital Type of Appointment Days Days
Out-Patient Appointment 56 - 146 days 41 - 146 days
Day Case Appointment 217 - 345 days 64 - 322 days
In-Patient appointment 158 - 359 days 30 - 357 days
Source: www.nhs.uk/waitingtimes
There are considerable differences between Hospitals and Consultants within those Hospitals.
Number of Hospital NHS Consultants
The Eastern Region (Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire) has 56.0 Consultants per 100,000 population compared to England which has 53.3. Central London has 73.5 Consultants per 100,000
Source: Department of Health
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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 5.25 shows the results.
Table 5.25 – Tooth Decay In 5 Year Olds By PCT
Decayed Missing Filled % Active Decay NORFOLK 1.21 0.11 0.19 36.5 Southern Norfolk PCT 1.29 0.10 0.24 40.9 West Norfolk PCT 0.92 0.10 0.23 31.6
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
Southern Norfolk PCT have a higher than average percentage of tooth decay in 5 year olds.
Page 100 Keystone Community Profile
SECTION 6
HOUSING
Page 101 Keystone Community Profile
Section 6 – Contents
Housing Page(s)
Average House Prices – Regionally...... 103
Properties Available 104-107 To Buy...... 104 To Privately Rent...... 105 Social Housing...... 106-107
Planned New Housing...... 108-109
Housing Condition...... 110
Household Amenities...... 111
Affordable Housing 112-113 To Buy...... 112 To Rent...... 113 To Privately Rent...... 113
Housing For Local People...... 114
New Housing Needs...... 114
Housing Tenure...... 115
Page 102 Keystone Community Profile
HOUSING
See also Indices of Housing Deprivation (Page 39)
Average House Prices - Regionally
Average house prices regionally were:
Table 6.1 – Average House Prices (Oct - Dec 04 & July – Sept 2003)
AVERAGE AVERAGE AREA HOUSE PRICES HOUSE PRICES INCREASE 2004 2003 %
EAST ANGLIA 175,522 158,873 10.5
Norfolk 166,695 142,347 17.1 Breckland 166,795 140,771 18.5
Suffolk 179,722 153,696 16.9 St Edmundsbury 191,884 167198 14.8 Forest Heath 163,945 143524 14.2
Source: www.langreg.gov.uk
Using the figures above, house prices have increased by an average of 15.3% from 2003 to 2004. The biggest rise was in Breckland by 18.5%. For many people in the Keystone area, these house prices are unaffordable.
Page 103 Keystone Community Profile
Properties Available In The Keystone Area
A snapshot taken on 19th June 2003 of property sales showed that over the Keystone area there were 238 properties available. The average house price was £216,000. 80% of the properties for sale were detached properties. There was very little property for sale with less than 3 bedrooms.
To Buy
Table 6.2 – Properties For Sale in the Keystone Area (June 2003)
NO. OF AVERAGE PROPERTIES PRICE RANGE AREA AVAILABLE £ £
BRECKLAND Conifer 18 272,000 115 - 355,000 Heathlands 10 234,000 150 - 485,000 West Guiltcross 4 196,000 110 – 295,000 Peddars Way 12 222,000 155 – 275,000 Weeting 5 162,000 145 – 178,000 Harling 9 215,000 105 – 350,000 Thetford 81 148,000 40 – 385,000
ST EDMUNDSBURY Barningham 20 255,000 150 – 350,000 Honington 7 243,000 135 – 395,000 Stanton 14 214,000 75 – 450,000 Ixworth 21 237,000 109 – 395,000
FOREST HEATH Brandon 36 151,000 55 – 230,000 (East & West) Iceni 1 260,000 260,000
Keystone Keystone KEYSTONE AREA 238 Average Range TOTAL £216,000 £40-£485,000
Source: www.rightmove.co.uk, www.Teamprop.co.uk, as per 19th June 2003
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To Privately Rent
A search undertaken on the internet and around the Letting Agents in Thetford showed that there were 44 properties within the Keystone area to privately rent. The average rental price was £860 per calendar month (pcm), the range varied from £310-£1,100 per calendar month.
Table 6.3 – Properties To Privately Rent in the Keystone Area
NO. OF AVERAGE RANGE AREA PROPERTIES PRICE £ AVAILABLE £
BRECKLAND Conifer 0 Harling 0 Heathlands 0 Peddars Way 0 Thetford 34 650 pcm 350–1,100 pcm Weeting 4 730 pcm 550-1,000 pcm West Guiltcross 0
ST EDSMUNDSBURY Barningham 0 Honington 2 775 pcm 750-800 pcm Stanton 0 Ixworth 0
FOREST HEATH Brandon 3 705 pcm 310–1,100 pcm (East & West) Iceni 1 700 pcm
KEYSTONE AREA 44 £860 pcm £310 – 1,100 pcm
Sources: William H Brown, Duncan Estates, Chilterns Property Management, Hudson Property Services,Thetford www.rightmove.co.uk, www.TeamProp.co.uk
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Social Housing
The current housing stock in Breckland is owned and managed by Peddars Way Housing Association. Over this area there are 2,317 properties in the following areas.
Norfolk
Table 6.4 – Number of Social Housing Units in Norfolk
WARD NO. OF PROPERTIES WAIT TIME
Conifer 55 Long wait – years Harling & Heathlands 25 Long wait – never Mid Forest 44 18-24 months Thetford 2,030 Approx 2 years wait, indefinite wait in the Newtown area Wayland 35 18-24 months in Shropham Long wait in Hockham and Wretham Weeting 71 Long wait - years West Guiltcross 57 Long wait
TOTAL 2,317 units
Source: Peddars Way Housing Association, 2003
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Suffolk
Forest Heath Council maintains the majority of their housing stock of 609 properties. 117 units in Brandon are managed under a Registered Social Landlord. St Edmundsbury Council have a stock of 381 units in the Keystone wards.
Table 6.5 – Number of Social Housing Units in Suffolk
WARD NO. OF PROPERTIES
Bardwell 47 Barningham 63 units Ixworth 150 units Stanton 121 units
Brandon East 301 Brandon West 272 Iceni 36
TOTAL 990 units
Source: Housing Dept, Forest Heath Council, Housing Development Officer, St Eds Council
Forest Heath preferred not to give an average wait time as their properties are allocated according to need.
Over the Keystone area there are a total of 3,307 social housing properties. This accounts for 14% of all households in the Keystone area
Page 107 Keystone Community Profile
Planned New Housing
Breckland District Council The following areas in Breckland have planning permission as per summer 2003. The different columns in the table give an idea of when the houses are likely to be built - those with full permission could be built at any time and have five years to do so, but those with outline permission would need further permission which they need to get within two years. The brownfield column gives an idea of how many houses are on brownfield sites. The windfall column states whether housing has been allocated in the Breckland Local Plan or whether it has come forward from a private individual making a planning application, which is called windfall.
Table 6.6 –Planned New Housing in Breckland
Total Full Outline Brownfield Windfall CONIFER Cranwich 1 1 0 0 1 Didlington 2 2 0 0 2 Ickburgh 3 1 2 2 3 Mundford 6 5 1 4 6 Stanford 0 0 0 0 0 HARLING & HEATHLANDS Brettenham 5 5 0 4 5 Bridgham 2 2 0 1 2 Garboldisham 9 6 3 6 9 Harling 57 57 0 44 57 Kilverstone 3 3 0 0 3 Riddlesworth 2 2 0 1 2 Roudham 6 6 0 5 6 MID FOREST Foulden 9 7 2 3 9 Gooderstone 1 1 0 0 1 THETFORD Thetford 1069 1006 63 234 538 WAYLAND Hockham 6 5 1 1 6 Shropham 5 3 2 4 5 Wretham 8 8 0 4 8 WEETING Croxton 7 3 4 3 7 Lynford 3 3 0 0 3 Weeting 19 19 0 19 19 WEST GUILTCROSS Blo Norton 1 1 0 1 1 Kenninghall 19 19 0 10 19 North Lopham 8 7 1 3 8 South Lopham 3 3 0 1 3 Snetterton 4 3 1 2 4 Total 1258 1178 80 352 727
Source: Planning Dept, Breckland Council
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On average there are 550 new houses built in Breckland per year. In 2001/02, 60 of these were in Thetford, although it is not possible to say whether these new houses were sold on the market or are rented.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
St Edmundsbury Council currently have planned:
Ixworth – a 32 bed frail and elderly centre of excellence. Reeve Lodge - 16 units, mix of 2, 3 and 4 bed houses for people on the West Suffolk Housing Register Barningham - Two 4 bed houses for people on of the West Suffolk Housing Register. Stanton and Bardwell - There is no housing planned imminently in Stanton or Bardwell.
Note: All of the developments mentioned are currently awaiting the outcome of a bidding round to Government for funding and so are not definite.
Source: Strategic Housing Team, St Edmundsbury Council
Forest Heath District Council
The main housing allocation at Brandon 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. There is no significant new housing planned for the Iceni ward.
Source: Forward Planning Manager, Forest Heath Council
Page 109 Keystone Community Profile
Housing Condition
Breckland District Council (BDC)
The Breckland Council Housing Needs Survey (2001) estimated that over all areas and tenure groups within the BDC area, 4% of households (1,998 households) have a serious problem with their home being in major disrepair or unfitness.
Problems listed were:
Table 6.7 – Problems with Housing Stated, BDC
% of households stating a problem
External doors & Windows 45% Roof 38.5% Kitchen 37% Bathroom & Toilet 37% Living Room 14% Bedrooms 22% External walls 25% Other 21.5%
Source: Breckland Council Housing Needs Survey (2001)
Forest Heath District Council (FHDC)
FHDC 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.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council (SEBC)
No data was available from SEBC.
Page 110 Keystone Community Profile
Household Amenities
The 2001 Census asked residents to report on their household amenities. Table 6.7 shows the percentage of those households with no central heating (but have sole use of a bathroom).
Table 6.8 – Percentage of Households with No Central Heating
Percentage of Households with No AREA Central Heating %
ENGLAND 8.3 EAST OF ENGLAND 5.1
NORFOLK 7.0 BRECKLAND 4.6 Conifer 3.0 Harling & Heathlands 4.6 Mid Forest 7.8 Thetford – Abbey 1.3 Thetford – Barnham Cross 4.9 Thetford – Guildhall 5.4 Thetford - Saxon 3.9 Wayland 6.8 Weeting 4.0 West Guiltcross 6.9
SUFFOLK 7.6 ST EDMUNDSBURY 3.8 Bardwell 5.7 Barningham 4.3 Ixworth 1.6 Stanton 2.5
FOREST HEATH 4.4 Brandon East 5.4 Brandon West 2.8 Iceni 6.0
KEYSTONE AREA 4.5% AVERAGE %
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
Both the East of England and Keystone have a lower than average percentage of households with no central heating. The rural ward of Mid- Forest in the Keystone area has the highest percentage (7.8%).
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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 Keystone Travel To Work Area (TTWA) were as follows:
Table 6.9 – Keystone Area Gross Weekly Wage
Gross Weekly Wage
Thetford Travel to Work area £301.65
Source: Nomis, New Earnings Survey, 2003
To Buy
If the average earnings in the Thetford Travel To Work area are £301.65 per week, this would mean an average annual income of £15,685. In June 2003, the average house price in Thetford was £148,000. A 25 year interest only mortgage at 6% interest would cost approximately £740 per month. This equates to 61% of the average monthly salary. If 30% of the gross salary is the recommended amount, then entering the property market in Thetford would be difficult unless average earnings were higher or the mortgage providers were prepared to lend more than 3 times the recommended rate to their customers.
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To Rent
Social Housing
The average rental prices charged by Peddars Way Housing Association and Forest Heath are:
Table 6.10 – Average Social Housing Rental Costs
AVERAGE RENTAL AVERAGE RENTAL PER WEEK PER WEEK
Breckland Forest Heath PROPERTY £ £ 1 bedroomed 55 40 2 bedroomed 60 49 3 bedroomed 65 55 4 bedroom 70 64
Source: PWHA, 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.
If the average earnings in the Thetford Travel To Work area are £301.65 per week gross, after income tax and national insurance the net income would be £231 per week. This means that the average rental per week charged by Peddars Way would be between 23 – 30% of net income which is classed as affordable. It should be considered though that the wait times for such properties vary from a minimum of 18 months to two years wait time in Thetford and the remainder are classed as having a wait time of ‘years’.
To Privately Rent
The average cost within the Keystone area was £860 per calendar month which would be £215 per week. If the average earnings are £231 net per week, this would be 93% of net income. Clearly, the option of privately renting would not therefore be affordable to many, unless on a considerably higher than average income.
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Housing for Local People
Peddars Way Housing Association award extra points for people on the waiting list who have connections to the area for either employment or family.
New Housing Needs
The housing needs survey in Breckland (2001) provides a detailed analysis of housing needs issues within the Council area. The survey estimated that there is a requirement to provide an additional 600 affordable dwellings per annum for the next 5 years over the Breckland area if all housing needs are to be met. This will provide an additional 3,000 dwellings.
The Eastern Daily Press (EDP) reported in November 2003 that Norfolk is required to build a total of 76,000 new houses over the next 20 years. The largest proportion will be built in the Broadland area followed by Breckland. The problems highlighted with this however, are the lack of brownfield sites and the poor infrastructure to support continued development in the Keystone area.
Source: Breckland Housing Needs Survey, 2001 EDP, 10th November 2003
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Housing Tenure
The following table shows the percentage of home ownership in the Keystone area.
Table 6.11 – Housing Tenure in the Keystone area
Owned Outright Rented from Housing Rented from or Owned with a Association / Private landlord mortgage Registered Social or letting AREA Landlord agency % % % ENGLAND 67.9 6.0 8.8 EAST OF ENGLAND 72.1 11.6 7.5
NORFOLK 70.1 5.2 8.3 BRECKLAND 72.7 12.3 7.8 Conifer 73.9 8.5 9.8 Harling & Heathlands 73.8 8.6 8.3 Mid Forest 60.5 16.6 11.4 Thetford - Abbey 48.1 34.1 7.1 Thetford - Castle 70.8 9.4 14.4 Thetford - Guildhall 83.4 3.3 9.7 Thetford - Saxon 55.0 28.5 5.1 Wayland 74.5 5.3 11.0 Weeting 76.3 7.3 11.8 West Guiltcross 75.4 7.7 10.3
SUFFOLK 71.0 5.1 8.8 ST EDMUNDSBURY 70.4 3.4 7.4 Bardwell 62.3 1.4 14.1 Barningham 77.0 2.14 5.0 Ixworth 71.9 0.3 7.8 Stanton 72.9 1.5 3.6 FOREST HEATH 61.1 3.0 13.1 Brandon East 66.7 5.1 14.3 Brandon West 67.6 2.2 12.5 Iceni 57.7 0.0 19.4
Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
The table illustrates inequalities in the wards of Thetford where Abbey ward has only 48% of home ownership compared to Guildhall where 83% of residents own their home. Rental from a private landlord or letting agency is quite high in the Brandon and Iceni wards of Forest Heath. This is probably due to the high number of military personnel who live in these areas.
Page 115 Keystone Community Profile
SECTION 7
CRIME & DISORDER
Page 116 Keystone Community Profile
Section 7 – Contents
Crime & Disorder Page(s)
Overall Crime Rates...... 118
Crime Rates by Local Authority...... 119
Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01)...... 120
Crime in Thetford...... 121
Analysis of Selected Crime Types 122-125 Criminal Damage...... 122 Vehicle Crime...... 122 Theft of Motor Vehicles...... 123 Violent Crime...... 123 Burglary of Dwellings...... 124 Burglary Other Than Dwelling...... 124 Disorder Incidents...... 125 Rural Crime...... 125
Cost of Criminal Damage...... 126
Social Risk Factors...... 127
Domestic Violence...... 128
Racial Crime...... 128
Fire Service Call Outs & Malicious Calls...... 129
Substance Misuse (Drugs & Alcohol)...... 130
Health & Substance Misuse...... 131
Page 117 Keystone Community Profile
CRIME & DISORDER
Crime Rates
Overall Crime Rates Per 1,000 population The table below shows the number of recorded crimes between April 1st 2001 and March 31st 2002. The crime rates are calculated by dividing the number of recorded crimes by per 1,000 population.
Table 7.1 Overall Crime Rates by County per 1,000 population (2001-2002)
Overall Crime Rate
AREA Per 1,000 Population
EAST OF ENGLAND 74.9
NORFOLK 72.9 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. Norfolk and Suffolk both fall below the Eastern and national averages.
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Crime Rate By Local Authority
Table 7.2 shows crime rates by Local Authority in the Keystone area in 2002/03.
Table 7.2 – Crime Rates By LA per 1,000 Population (2002/03)
Burglary Dwellings Theft OF Theft FROM LOCAL Robbery Offences Motor Motor AUTHORITY Offences (per 1,000 households) Vehicles Vehicles
Breckland 0.2 4.1 2.2 8.1 St Edmundsbury 0.4 6.7 2.4 6.8 Forest Heath 0.3 10.0 3.0 10.2
Source: Crime & Disorder Partnership, Norfolk Constabulary
It was possible to obtain slightly more detailed ward data for the Keystone Suffolk wards. Table 7.3 shows crime rates by local wards
Table 7.3 – Crime Rates in Suffolk by per type of crime (2001/2)
Burglary Criminal Drugs Theft & Fraud & Violent Damage Offences Handling* Forgery Crimes** AREA 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 ST EDMUNDSBURY 9.0 23.3 1.7 38.4 4.6 15.3 Barningham 6.3 8.8 2.1 25.2 0.8 4.2 Honington 4.3 1.3 0.9 20.0 0.9 0.9 Ixworth 3.1 5.8 1.0 6.1 0.3 3.4 Stanton 5.8 3.3 0.3 13.1 3.0 3.6
FOREST HEATH 9.8 11.4 1.7 26.1 2.9 6.5 Brandon East 12.3 33.3 2.7 41.4 2.1 15.8 Brandon West 11.1 17.0 1.3 28.4 2.3 4.6 Iceni 5.9 5.3 0.6 32.4 0.8 3.6
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 offences in 2001/02
Page 119 Keystone Community Profile
Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01)
Breckland District Council undertook a Crime & Disorder Audit in 2000/01. As well as gathering data from Police records and incident statistics, a large public consultation was carried out in which 50,000 self-completed questionnaires were sent out to local residents. The main objective of this was to understand the main areas of concern by the Community with regard to crime.
The questionnaire showed that the main concerns of crime in the community were as follows:
1. Burglary from the home 2. Drug and alcohol related offences 3. Violent crime in public places 4. Criminal damage 5. Anti-social behaviour 6. Other theft 7. Racially motivated 8. Burglary to other premises 9. Domestic violence 10. Shop-lifting
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01) Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
The audit also showed that two thirds (64%) of all crime recorded over Breckland was in the three largest towns on Thetford, Dereham and Swaffham. 36% of crime was concentrated in Thetford. However, although a large proportion of crime is concentrated into a few locations, it should also be noted that 34% of crime is dispersed throughout the remaining small towns and rural villages. This does not offer the Police the same opportunities for targeting crime reduction resources. It suggests, however, that there is a need for some parallel action to tackle rural crime.
Page 120 Keystone Community Profile
Crime in Thetford
Table 7.4 lists the types of crimes recorded for the Thetford area between April 2002 - March 2003.
Table 7.4 – Types of Crime recorded for Thetford (April 2002 - March 2003)
THETFORD AREA TYPE OF CRIME No. of Crimes
Burglary (dwelling) 105 Burglary (non dwelling) 449 Theft of Motor Vehicle 121 Theft from Motor Vehicle 541 Theft - Other 890 Robbery 11 Violence Against Person 552 Sexual Offences 22 Criminal Damage 1,237 Drugs Offences 63 Crime - Other 233
TOTAL 4,224
Source: Norfolk Constabulary, November 2003
Burglaries, thefts and criminal damage account for 79% of the crimes. There appears to be a high incidence of criminal damage reported in the Thetford area.
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Analysis of Selected Crime Types
Criminal Damage
Table 7.5 shows the numbers of criminal damage crimes recorded in Thetford and as a percentage of all criminal damage crimes reported in Breckland
Table 7.5 – Criminal Damage (2000/01)
Type of Crime No. of Crimes % of Total Recorded Recorded In Thetford Crimes in Breckland
Criminal Damage 421 25.8%
A significant part of the criminal damage offences were to vehicles. This includes attempts to enter a vehicle and damage such as deliberately broken aerials and scratches. Criminal damage offences peak on Fridays and Saturdays between 9-1am which reinforces the view that much criminal damage is related to alcohol. Data shows that offenders are predominately male and aged between 16-20 years.
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01) Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
Vehicle Crime
Table 7.6 shows the numbers of thefts from motor vehicle crime recorded in Thetford and as a percentage of all theft from motor vehicle crime reported in Breckland.
Table 7.6 – Vehicle Crime, Theft from Motor Vehicles (2000/01)
Type of Crime No. of Crimes % of Total Recorded Recorded In Thetford Crimes in Breckland Theft from Motor Vehicle 441 39%
Theft from vehicles peaks on Friday and Mondays with a peak occurring in the afternoon at around 3.30pm. Data shows that offenders are predominately male and aged between 21-30 years.
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01) Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
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Theft of Motor Vehicles
Table 7.7 shows the number of thefts of motor vehicles in Thetford and as a percentage of all theft of motor vehicle crime reported in Breckland.
Table 7.7- Vehicle Crime- Theft Of Motor Vehicle
No. Of Crimes Recorded % Of Total Recorded Type Of Crime In Thetford Crimes In Breckland Theft of 88 34% motor vehicles
Theft of vehicles is a much smaller problem in Breckland than theft from cars.
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01, Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
Violent Crime (2000/01)
Table 7.8 shows the number of violent crimes reported in Thetford and as a percentage of all violent crime reported in Breckland.
Table 7.8- Violent Crime (2000/01)
Type Of Crime No. Of Crimes Recorded % Of Total Recorded In Thetford Crimes In Breckland
Violent crime 178 35%
Violent crimes are known to have large and long term effects on the victim compared with property crimes. Violent crime also has the greatest knock-on effect on society, with costs of police investigation and care provided by the NHS as well as loss of work days by the victim. Evidence suggests that the key hot spots for violent crime are located in town centres.
In Breckland, 32% of violent crime was recorded as common assault and battery, 26% being wounding and 19% harassment. There are clear peaks on Friday and Saturday and between 9pm-1am, again suggesting that violent crime is related to alcohol. Data shows that offenders are predominately male and aged between 21-40 years.
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01 Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
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Burglary of Dwellings
Table 7.9 shows the number of dwelling burglaries in Thetford and as a percentage of all dwelling burglaries reported in Breckland.
Table 7.9 - Dwelling Burglary (2000/01)
Type of Crime No. of Crimes % of Total Recorded Recorded In Thetford Crimes in Breckland
Burglary of Dwelling 159 47%
There were particular hot spots in the Thetford Abbey and Saxon wards. Data shows that the favoured point of entry for the burglaries was the front door followed by rear doors and windows. Data also shows that offenders are predominately male and aged between 16-30 years.
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01 Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
Burglary Other than Dwelling (2000/01)
Table 7.10 shows the number of non-dwelling burglary crimes reported in Thetford and as a percentage of all non burglary crimes reported in Breckland.
Table 7.10 - Non Dwelling Burglary (2000/01)
Type of Crime No. of Crimes % of Total Recorded Recorded In Thetford Crimes in Breckland
Burglary – Non Dwelling 387 40%
Hot spots were identified in the Thetford Abbey and Saxon wards. 66% of premises entered were shed and garages, mostly associated with houses Again, offenders are predominately male aged between 16-30 years.
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01 Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
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Disorder Incidents
Table 7.11 shows the number of disorder incidents reported in Thetford and as a percentage of all disorder incidents reported in Breckland.
Table 7.11 - Disorder Incidents (2000/01)
Type of Crime No. of Crimes % of Total Recorded Recorded In Thetford Crimes in Breckland
Disorder Incidents 942 45%
Data shows that disorder hot spots are usually in the town centres or specific estates and are similar to the hot spots for criminal damage. In Thetford, there are concentrations of disorder incidents within the Abbey and Saxon wards. In most areas, disorder incidents tend to peak on Fridays and Saturdays, consistent with the theory that much disorder is associated with weekend drinking.
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01 Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
Rural Crime
There is no generally agreed definition of what constitutes “rural” so analysis of “rural crime” is almost impossible. However, in 2000/01 the crime rates in the rural wards were listed as in table 7.12 below.
Table 7.12 - Rural crime Rates
WARD Crime Rate per 1,000 population
Weeting 60.2 Peddars way 58.7 Heathlands 55.4 East Guiltcross 47.6 Mid Forest 45.2
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01, Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
Page 125 Keystone Community Profile
Cost Of Criminal Damage
The Breckland audit highlights the cost of work carried out to council owned property caused by criminal damage was £45,400. Table 7.13 illustrates the cost of damage to some of the wards within the keystone area.
Table 7.13 - Cost Of Criminal Damage Within Keystone Wards (2000/01)
WARD COST £
Thetford Abbey 2,894.51 Thetford Barnham cross 585.22 Thetford Guildhall 3,906.95 Thetford Saxon 1,107.25 Peddars way 851,34
Peddars Way Housing Association also reported cost of criminal damage to their property to be in the region of £30,000.
Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01, Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
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Social Risk Factors
The Breckland audit collated a range of social background information to assist with tackling the underlying cause of offending. Table 7.14 below identifies the key risk factors.
Table 7.14 - Key Risk Factors For Offending
Type Of Risk Factor Risk Factor
Low family income Family Harsh and erratic discipline Poor parental supervision Family stress and family breakdown
Truancy School Exclusion Disruptive behaviour Low achievement
Community disorganisation Community Availability of drugs High child densities Opportunities for crime
Alienation Individual/Peer Friends involved in anti-social behaviour High proportion of unsupervised time with friends
No qualification or skills Early Adulthood Unemployment or low income No advice or support Homelessness
When these risk factors coincide, the risk of adverse outcomes such as school failure, ill health, social exclusion and offending become much greater. National research conducted by the Audit Commission in 1996 established that young people who have been excluded or who are truant are more likely to offend. 80% of those permanently excluded offended.
Data shows that in 2000/01, there were 351 fixed term exclusions, 54% of which were in Thetford. Source Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01, Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership
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Domestic Violence
The Domestic Violence Unit in Thetford collates data on the domestic incidents reported. From April 2002 – February 2004, there were 2,159 reported domestic incidents in Thetford. Table 7.15 below illustrates how this compares to other areas.
Table 7.15 – No Of Reported Domestic Incidents (April 2002-Feb 2004)
AREA No of Reported Domestic Incidents
Thetford 2,159
Norwich 6,102 North Walsham 1,795 Great Yarmouth 2,793 Kings Lynn 2,347
Source: Domestic Violence Unit, Thetford, Norfolk Constabulary
Racial Crime
Breckland District Council reported that for the sixth month period from April- September 2002 there were 12 reported racial crimes. 9 were reported for racially aggravated harassment and 3 were reported for racially aggravated criminal damage. For the same six month period April-September 2003, there were 15 reported racial crimes. 5 were reported for racially aggravated wounding, 7 were reported for racially aggravated harassment and 3 were reported for racially aggravated criminal damage.
Suffolk reported 345 racial crimes over the whole of the county 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
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Fire Service Call Outs & Malicious Calls
Fire cover over the Norfolk part of the Keystone area is mainly provided by Thetford, East Harling and Methwold Fire Stations with the exception of Foulden and Gooderstone which are covered from Swaffham Station and Snetterton and Shropham which are covered from Attleborough Station.
Fire cover over the Suffolk part of the Keystone area is mainly provided by Brandon, Ixworth and Mildenhall Fire Stations.
Table 7.16 lists the number of incidents attended by Norfolk (2001) & Suffolk Fire Services (2002/03).
Table 7.16 – Fire Calls 2001 (2001 & 2002/3)
TOTAL Malicious CALLS Calls STATION Norfolk 10,998 304 East Harling 59 1 Methwold 90 0 Thetford 524 23
Suffolk Brandon 52 3 Ixworth 38 5 Mildenhall 92 8
Source: Norfolk Fire Service 2001 Suffolk Fire Service 2002/03
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Substance Misuse (Drugs and Alcohol)
Definition Substance misuse is defined as any usage of alcohol and drugs which causes harm to the user or others or is perceived to be problematic by professionals or the community at large.
It is almost impossible to quantify the level of substance misuse as the cases reported generally reflect only ‘the tip of the iceberg’.
There is some evidence however, from a report undertaken into substance misuse over the Keystone SRB area in 2001, that there is significant substance misuse in the SRB 6 area, with a concentration in the Thetford area and to a lesser extent in Brandon. Thetford Magistrates Court convicted more than 60 cases in 1999/2000 with drug connections, nearly twice as many as Norwich and Yarmouth.
To protect individual’s confidentiality, the following is a summary of the report:
There was a marked increase from 1997-2000 in the number of clients reporting for treatment for substance misuse. The greatest percentage increase in clients was in the 18-20 years age group. The biggest rise in type of drugs taken was for heroin with the recorded number of users doubling since 1997 and again the greatest percentage of use was recorded between the 18-20 yrs group. The report showed that females accounted for 22% of cases whilst the biggest user group was undoubtedly male. There is an established link between addiction and deprivation with 73% of cases of users being unemployed. It is unclear whether the problematic drug use is promoted by low job prospects or whether misuse is a significant factor in loss of employment. Deaths related to drugs and alcohol misuse show that drug-related deaths greatly outnumber those related to alcohol. Deaths were mainly associated with postcode IP24 area (Thetford). Data from pre-sentence reports in on Offenders showed a general trend in substance involvement. Suffolk Police in particular identified a strong association between crime and heroin misuse in the Brandon area. Norfolk Police also indicate serious concerns about the spread of heroin abuse in the Thetford area, particularly amongst teenagers. They report that drug mis-users finance their habit through petty acquisitive crimes in the area. (In 1999/2000 Thetford Court dealt with over 60 cases of drug related offences).Research by the National Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders (NACRO) suggests that in the region of 30% of recorded crime is drug related. Those professionals who work in the field of substance misuse in the Keystone area report that there is a significant substance misuse problem in the Keystone area.
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There was particular concern about the increasing number of young people engaged in alcohol and drug misuse, including heroin and other harder substances, eg. Amphetamines. Use of cannabis among young people was described as endemic and the use of this and Ecstasy were depicted as a cultural norm for teenagers and young adults.
There is a general dissatisfaction with access to drug and alcohol specialist services over the Keystone area and considerable evidence that these services are over-stretched. The complexities of multiple organisational boundaries add to service problems. There are also deficiencies in other interventions such as arrest and referral schemes, quick access crisis housing and other social support services.
Source: Substance Misuse Review- Thetford SRB area, May 2001, BKK Consultancy
Crime figures from Norfolk Police show that in Breckland, from April 2002- March 2003, there were 10 offences recorded for trafficking in controlled drugs and 75 recorded offences for possession of controlled drugs.
Source: Corporate Data Unit, Norfolk Constabulary
Health & Substance Misuse
The most recent data (2002/2003) obtained shows that there were 144 people receiving treatment for substance misuse in the Thetford area. 25% of these were 24 years and under.
Source: Public Health Resource Unit, 2003
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SECTION 8
THE KEYSTONE COMMUNITY
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Section 8 - Contents
Community Page(s)
Child Care Provision...... 134
Nursery/Playgroups...... 134
Child Protection...... 135
Citizen’s Advice Bureau...... 136-137
Community Access To Local Councils 138-140 - Thetford Town Council...... 138 - Breckland District Council...... 138 - St Edmundsbury Borough Council...... 138 - Forest Heath District Council...... 139 - Norfolk County Council...... 139 - Suffolk County Council...... 140
Voter Turnout Rates 141-142 - Local Elections 2003...... 141 - General Elections 2001...... 142
Community Groups...... 143
Community Development...... 143
Community Involvement...... 144-149
Community Space...... 149
Community Open Spaces...... 149-150
Recreation Facilities...... 150
Village Facilities...... 151
Access To Services...... 152
Local Authorities’ Future Plans For Community Buildings 153
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THE KEYSTONE COMMUNITY
Child Care Provision
In the Keystone area, there are 24 registered childminders listed on the Childcare Link web-site. These were located as follows:
Table 8.1 – Childcare Provision in the Keystone Area
LOCATION No of Childminders Registered with Vacancies Childminders (August 2003)
Thetford 10 0 Mundford 1 0 Brandon 4 1 Ixworth 4 2 Barningham 1 1 Honington 1 0 Stanton 3 1
Source: www.childcarelink.gov.uk
As per 29th August 2003, only 5/24 had any vacancies.
Nursery / Playgroups
Pre-School Playgroups
There are 4 pre-school playgroups listed within the Keystone Area.
Table 8.2 – Pre-School Playgroup Provision in the Keystone area
Vacancies LOCATION (August 2003) Brandon Pre-School Play Group Yes Brandon - Fledglings Yes Ixworth Playgroup Yes Stanton Parents & Under 5’s Yes
Source: www.childcarelink.gov.uk
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Day Nurseries
There are three independent day nurseries in the Keystone area, La Ronde, Castle Nursery and Nu Nu. Sunbeams Day Care Centre and Crèche sadly suffered a fire in October 2003 and these premises are now closed. Most Primary Schools now offer a nursery provision and because of this, several private Nurseries have closed. Concern is expressed by Nurseries who say they are unable to retain children due to the admission policies of these nursery classes attached to schools. This has resulted in sustainability issues for the private nurseries with lower numbers of children attending and people being unwilling to pay for child care generally, due to low paid employment in the area.
Source: Surestart Thetford, Delivery Plan, 2003
Child Protection
Child protection is a major concern to all associated agencies. In the Keystone area, Thetford has the highest number of children on the Child Protection Register for its size and population in the whole of Norfolk. Child protection is strongly associated with deprivation and health inequalities.
As per 30th November 2003 there were 14 children on the child protection register in the Norfolk Keystone area. This excludes children who temporarily reside in Norfolk as they remain the responsibility of another Local Authority. In addition, there were 36 “looked after” children in the area. This excludes children looked after solely under a series of short term placements.
Source: Research & Information Officer (C&F) Norfolk Social Services
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Citizen’s Advice Bureau
The Thetford and District CAB has been operating in Thetford for over 30 years. Described below is just some of the work that the CAB undertakes for the residents of the Keystone area.
Debt
In 2000/01 81% of their Consumer contacts involved debt issues. They saw 195 new clients, dealt with a caseload of 253 clients and had 119 ongoing client files, all concerning debt issues. 62% of priority debt problems included housing arrears. The CAB also reports a rise in the number of clients experiencing debt problems with Mail Order Catalogues. Of those clients with debt problems:
54% were in employment 30% lived alone 44% rented from a Housing Association 66% were receiving some form of benefit 55% had no children 6% were pensionable age or above 14% considered themselves to be disabled/disadvantage in some way.
Welfare Rights
The CAB report that the majority of their workload here is related to Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Many clients find the forms too complex and ask for help.
In March 2003, the CAB carried out a client survey of their debt services and achieved a 30% response rate. Clients reported that as a result of help from the CAB, 81% considered that their household budgeting was much better or better, 83% considered that they were coping with their debts much better or better. 57% considered that their relationships were much better or better. 67% reported a rise in self-esteem, 67% considered their effectiveness at work was much better and better and 61% considered their health was much better or better.
Source: Thetford & District Citizens Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Annual Report 2000/01 Has the Debt Service Thetford CAB Given To Its Clients Made A Difference? Thetford and District CAB, March 2003
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Thetford and District Volunteer Bureau
The Thetford Volunteer Bureau (TVB) is funded by Health and Social Services. It is part of the Norfolk Voluntary Services. There are presently 18 Coordinators in Norfolk most of which are based in Health Centres. Thetford is fortunate in that it has its own Office and Staff which are located at Riversdale Centre in Thetford.
As well as Volunteers self-referring to the Bureau, the TVB takes referrals form health professionals. These can be from departments such as Occupational Therapy or from the Patients themselves. The TVB has recently secured funding for 3 years to employ a person working especially with those with special needs. There are many case histories that show that volunteering has improved the health including the mental health of the volunteers.
Much of the Bureau’s work is to promote the value of volunteering. This is increasing especially as Employers are now recognising that volunteers are useful and valuable to the company. Some Employers will keep jobs open for an individual if a volunteering secondment is taken. Employers also favour volunteering on a CV. Volunteering is also being promoted by Norfolk COMPACT which is an organisation that promotes voluntary organisations working alongside the statutory organisations. It hopes to recognise and enhance the image of voluntary bodies and the work they do.
As of June 2003, there were 205 volunteers registered with the TVB ranging from 13 years - 80+ years. Overall, the Thetford Volunteer Bureau (TVB) reports that there are positive volunteering efforts in Thetford, especially with the amount of younger people who are coming forward.
Source: Thetford Volunteer Bureau, June 2003
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Community Access to Local Councils
Thetford Town Council
Thetford has 16 councillors. There are two information points for the public to access information. These are outside the Kings House and King St poster point. Future plans are to place information on a Thetford Town Council web- site and to also distribute a newsletter, possibly quarterly to every household in the area.
Some Councillors have occasional surgeries but these are not held routinely. Councillors may choose to hold a public meeting if they wish to address a particular issue, but these too, are not held routinely.
The minutes from the Town Council meetings are kept in the Town Council Offices at Thetford. Any member of the public can ask to see the minutes. The Offices are open on Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm. There is no disabled access to the Offices at present but staff will provide assistance at the ground floor level if required.
Source: Town Clerk, Thetford Town Council
Breckland District Council
The minutes from Breckland District Council meetings are all available on the Breckland web-site. Hard copies are available in Thetford Library and at the Town Council Offices. They will also send hard copies to people when requested. Members of the public can attend all public meetings but have to request permission to speak at Development Control meetings and are not able to speak at any other meeting.
Source – Committee Service, Breckland Council
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
The minutes from St Edmundsbury Council meetings are available on their web-site. All the Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings are open to the public, unless a vote is taken at the meeting to exclude them. This can only be done under specific circumstances, for example if the subject under discussion is confidential or commercially sensitive. Any member of the public can ask questions in the designated question time in council meetings. All decisions taken by the Committees are also displayed on their web-site.
Source: Committee Services, St Eds Council
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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
Norfolk County Council
Norfolk County Council replied:
“I understand that hard copies of most agenda papers are located in the larger libraries. The one in Thetford is quite large so should have hard copies of the papers. In any event I understand that if the member of your community concerned went to the library the staff there would be happy to locate the relevant papers on the internet for her and copy any report they wanted. If there is a particular issue they are concerned about (rather than a general interest) and they let me know (01603 222966) I would be happy to send them an agenda and relevant reports.
Public Attending NCC Meetings All formal meetings of the Council are open to the public. Only the Planning (Regulatory) Committee allows public speaking and this is only in relation to planning applications before that Committee. Written notice (48 hours before the start of the meeting) is required with a brief note of the points to be raised.
The Cabinet and Review Panels have provision for public questions. Two working days notice have to be given. A person can ask two questions (or one question and a supplementary question when they hear the answer). If you look at the Council's web site there is a copy of the Council's Constitution which sets out the procedure in detail. It is in Appendix 10 paragraph 5, Appendix 11 Paragraph 13 to 16 and Appendix 24. You could copy relevant bits for the person concerned. If not I would be happy to send them relevant extracts if you let me know their details”.
Source: Administrative Office Committee Services, Norfolk County Council
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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
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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 Parishes Parish Elections District Elections AREA May 2003 May 2003 % %
NORFOLK Breckland 37.5% 34% Conifer Gooderstone 35 Uncontested Heathlands Blo’ Norton 53 45 Croxton 49 (Harling and Heathlands) Harling Harling 35 45 Thetford - Abbey 19 18 Thetford Barnham 31 31 Cross (now Castle) Thetford - Guildhall 22 22 Thetford - Saxon 17 17 Weeting Weeting with 33 36 Broomhall West Guiltcross North 45 41 Lopham (Harling and Heathlands)
SUFFOLK St Edmundsbury 38.4% Barningham Uncontested Ixworth Uncontested Stanton Uncontested
Forest Heath Brandon East 27.7 27.7 Brandon West 24.2 24.2 Iceni 39.4 39.4
Source: Breckland Council, Forest Heath Council, St Edmundsbury Council, 2003
The wards of Thetford Abbey and Guildhall had particularly poor turnout rates.
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General Elections 2001
Table 8.4 – General Elections 2001
Constituency Voter Turnout Rate Elected Constituent
UK 59.4% New Labour
Norfolk South West 63% Gillian Shepherd (Conservative) Suffolk West 60% Richard Spring (Conservative)
Source: Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council, 2001
Both Norfolk and Suffolk Constituencies had higher than national voter turnout rates.
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Community Groups
There are over 100 different community groups operating over the Keystone area offering a large variety of interest. Examples range from the Thetford & District Model Railway Society and The Thetford Society in Norfolk to the Elveden Village Produce Association and the Ixworth Carpet Bowls Association in Suffolk.
Community Development
There are several organisations and individuals who currently work to develop community involvement.
Keystone Development Trust is the accountable body for the ‘Growing Together’ project which delivers single regeneration budget (SRB) projects in the area. From April 2003, Keystone became a Development Trust with an objective to ‘promote, support and invest in community development’. The statement of intent reads “Community development aims to increase the opportunities for local people to get involved and make a difference and ensure that everyone feels that they can take part in tackling their own issues and concerns”.
Other organisations include the Norfolk Rural Community Council (NRCC) which is a charity that promotes, supports and works with rural communities through active partnerships to sustain and improve the quality of life for the people of Norfolk.
Suffolk ACRE 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.
Thetford Association of Voluntary Organisation (TAVO) aims to develop the capacity of local voluntary and community organisations. Based in Thetford, TAVO’s objectives are to actively support and encourage the effectiveness, level and quality of the voluntary groups in their community. A Community Development Worker is employed part-time.
Age Concern is an organisation that supports all people over 50 ensuring that they get the most from life. The local Thetford and District Age Concern provide vital services such as lunch clubs and transport to the West Suffolk hospital.
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Community Involvement
Some examples of community involvement, especially in developing policies, are listed below:
Parish Transport A partnership was set up as a result of three Parish Plans (Barningham/Hopton/Bardwell). The scheme provides an extension to an existing bus service to Bury to include evening services (well used by young people, and exceeding original expectations). This was developed purely as a result of community developed consultation and action.
Parish Plans Barningham now has a Youth Club as a result of their Parish Plan - run purely voluntarily.
Two facility developments are taking place as results of Parish Plans - Hopton are in the process of extending their Village Hall to develop expanded and new services for the community. Barningham are developing a sports recreation ground.
In Ixworth there is a Patients' Association that runs a purely voluntary transport support scheme for the Surgery. This includes volunteer drivers / admin volunteers etc. Source – Suffolk ACRE
Weeting Community Centre Weeting 21 is a community organisation which grew from an informal group of people who initiated a village appraisal and community planning day. The Old School House in Weeting (Norfolk) was to be made redundant when the new school was built, so local people thought it would make an ideal community resource centre.
The school has been at the heart of village life for over 200 years, so the local community thought it was only right that it should continue to do so in the 21st century. The building was also listed grade II and a rare example of a thatched schoolhouse. The local community acquired the lease on the building, drew up the plans, worked up a detailed business plan and applied for major grants for the work.
They tendered for the work and employed contractors to carry it out; they managed the budget and cash-flow, and oversaw the equipping of the centre and the employment of the first staff. Weeting 21 is now the leaseholder of a newly refurbished community resources centre, in the Old School House.
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This was a major achievement for a small community and is an excellent example of community involvement with local people influencing provision of services for their community.
Farmer’s Market Another example is the Lopham Farmer’s Market. As a community initiative, North and South Lopham (Norfolk) share a village hall and decided to hold a local Farmers Market. This is now very successful and is held monthly.
Source: Norfolk Rural Community Council
Local Community Representatives Keystone Development Trust actively encourages the community to join their organisation as members. Being a member gives people the right to elect Trustees to sit on the Board, to receive regular up to date information about Keystone activities and to be involved in specific consultations about major plans and developments. As part of Keystone’s initiative to involve the wider community, members are consulted (via e-mail) about potential SRB projects and are invited to comment within a 2-week period. All comments are then fed back to the Keystone Management Team. There are currently 500 ‘members’ of Keystone.
Another example of the community being represented on committees is the Thetford Community Involvement Panel. This has been formed recently in a joint venture by Keystone and Southern Norfolk PCT to assist with the development of proposals for a new healthy living centre at Thetford. The Panel consists of 17 members of the community who provide the ‘patient’ perspective. The Panel so far, have been actively encouraged to attend Bidders meetings for a new Healthy Living Centre alongside the health professionals.
Neighbourhood Forums, Residents and Tenants Associations There are active resident’s forums on the 3 west Thetford estates. These are the Abbey Tenants and Residents group who meet monthly, the Redcastle Action Group (RAGS) who meet monthly and the Barnham Action Group (BAGS) who meet bi-monthly. There is also a cross-estate group who meet to discuss mainly Community Centre issues. They meet every 4-6 weeks.
Community Events Thetford has a weekly free paper – The Thetford and Watton Times which carries local stories of interest. However, it is not delivered to all parts of Thetford or to the rural parishes. There is also the Bury Free Press weekly free paper which covers stories mainly from Bury but also Thetford and some villages in West Suffolk. Regional newspapers include the Eastern Daily
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Press and the East Anglian Daily Times. Some Parishes have their own village newsletter.
There is no local radio station particularly covering the Keystone area, although Vibe FM and BBC Radio Norfolk and Radio Suffolk cover parts of East Anglia.
Community Consultation In 1994, the Healthy Thetford 2000 working group undertook a research project by devising a community needs assessment questionnaire survey entitled “How are you today?” The questionnaire gave people chance to identify issues and concerns about their health and to comment on what it felt like to live in Thetford. These results were fed back later to the public in a general health forum in August 1994. The next stage of the project was to hold structured interviews of local community focus groups. For these, small groups of local people were drawn together to discuss their experiences of living in Thetford and to list and prioritise common concerns that adversely affected the quality of their lives. Nineteen focus groups were held in all. From these a Partnership group consisting of multi-agency representatives was formed and was the basis of the Fit for The Future regeneration plan for Thetford for which SRB funding was obtained.
More recently, the Keystone Development Trust held a workshop for its members in July 2003. In this first workshop, members were given the opportunity to discuss various issues around Keystone and the community. Discussions included Communication with the Community, The Thetford Carnival 2004, the development of Social Enterprise projects for the area and what this means and also reinforcement of the new Keystone aims and objectives. Those who attended considered that it was a valuable and constructive day.
Village Appraisals APPRAISALS give communities the opportunity to examine their own needs. By gathering information and opinions of residents, appraisals document the past, examine the present and plan for the future. By being a part of the process local people are able to express their views and the community has a collective voice.
There may be a number of individuals who need special care, the local shop might be under threat, or more public transport might be needed. Local people will have an idea of what the issues are in their community and how they should be tackled.
Part of the appraisal process is the production of a written document with an action plan. COMMUNITY ACTION PLANS list specific actions and projects to be undertaken by the community and a timetable for doing so. Through collective action the long-term survival of a community can be improved.
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The following villages have undertaken their own village appraisal
Table 8.5 – Village Appraisals
Norfolk:
No Thinking of Appraisal Completed Re/visiting / WARD Appraisal Starting Underway Appraisal Updating Appraisal Appraisals
Conifer Foulden X Gooderstone X Mundford X Cranwich X Didlington X Ickburgh X
Harling & Heathlands Harling X Blo’Norton X Brettenham X Croxton X Kilverstone X Garboldisham X Riddlesworth X
West Guiltcross Kenninghall X N. Lopham X S. Lopham X
Peddars Way Brigham X Grt Hockham X Roudham X Snetterton X Shropham X Wretham X
Thetford X
Weeting Lynford X Stanford X Sturston X Weeting X
Source: Breckland Council, October 2003
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Table 8.5 – Village Appraisals (Continued)
Suffolk:
No Thinking of Appraisal Completed Re/visiting / WARD Appraisal Starting Underway Appraisal Updating Appraisal Appraisals
BARNINGHAM Barningham X Coney Weston Hopton X Knettishall X Market Weston X Thelnetham X
HONINGTON Barnham X Euston X Fak. Magna X Honington X Sapiston X
IXWORTH Bardwell X Ixworth X Ixworth Thorpe X
STANTON Hepworth X Stanton X
BRANDON E Brandon East X (MTI) S. Downham Part of MTI
BRANDON W Brandon West X (MTI) Wangford Part of MTI
ICENI Cavenham X Elveden X Eriswell X Icklingham X Tuddenham X
Source: Suffolk Acre
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.
In the Breckland District Council Local Plan 1999, Thetford is described as being well provided for in respect of recreation facilities, open spaces and recreation areas compared to this standard.
Brandon has an average of 5.2 hectares per 1,000 population, which is well above the standard.
Community Open Spaces
Castle Mound & Park – The site of the old Castle in Thetford. It is now a massive mound, 27 metres high and 333 metres round the base.
Three Nuns' Bridges - The area is now a favourite picnic site in Thetford - with Ford Meadow along the river Thet.
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) The BTO site is 200 acres of land south-east of Thetford in the valleys of the Rivers Thet and Little Ouse. There are six small lakes (flooded gravel workings), woodland, scrub and wetland areas and a meadow of botanical interest. This area is now managed as the Nunnery Lakes Nature Reserve. Public access to much of the reserve is available via two kilometres of permissive footpaths with interpretation boards and interpretative panels and an observation hide. Local residents are welcome to get involved with management and maintenance.
Kings Gardens – Thetford. Situated at the back of Kings House, these beautiful gardens are open to the public.
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.
Knettishall Country Park - situated 6 miles east of Thetford. The heath has four hundred acres of breckland, heath and woodland. On the heath and meadows, there is a herd of semi wild Exmoor ponies. These ponies are descended from Britain's natural wild pony of 130,000 years ago.
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Thetford’s Forgotten Garden is a beautiful site, which is steeped in history, and until 30 years ago was a productive kitchen garden for Ford Place. It lay derelict until Thetford’s Heritage Officer, and the owner of Ford Place got together and decided this Thetford ‘gem’ should be brought back to life as a public garden. This also honoured an old bill of sale by Sir William Gentle, a previous owner, which stated his wish that the garden should be open to the people of Thetford.
Figure 8.1 – Thetford’s Forgotten Garden
Source: Printed in The Thetford Magazine, Summer 2001, The Thetford Society Printed with permission from Theresa Mason, Designer of the Forgotten Garden
Recreation Facilities
Breckland Leisure Centre in Thetford offers an extensive range of sporting facilities. These include swimming, short tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball, table tennis, football, basket-ball & volleyball, hockey, tennis and also a gym and fitness centre.
Brandon also boasts a leisure centre. Facilities there include 5 a side football, badminton, tennis, volley ball, aerobics, squash, indoor bowls and also a fitness studio.
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Village Facilities
As in any rural area, facilities in the parishes vary. The Rural Services Report (2000) undertaken by the Countryside Agency showed that 12% of parishes in the East have no community hall or centre. Keystone has 54 rural parishes in its area. 24 of these contributed to the Rural Services Report. Of our 24 parishes in this ‘Keystone sample’, 5/24 had no community hall or centre (21%). A similar audit was undertaken by Breckland Council (circa 1995) which showed that 5/19 rural parishes had no community hall or centre (26%).
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ACCESS TO SERVICES
See also Indices of Geographical Access to Services Deprivation (page 40)
The Rural Services Report 2000 The Rural Services Report 2000 looked at the provision of services in rural areas.
General Stores (A general store is defined as one selling a range of household goods including basic foodstuffs) 69.9% of parishes in the East have no general store 17/24 (71%) villages in the Keystone sample had no general store.
Small Village Shops 73.2% of parishes in the East have no village shop 18/24 (75%) villages in the Keystone sample had no small village shop.
Public Houses 25.3% of parishes in the East have no pub 9/24 (37.5%) of parishes in the Keystone sample had no pub.
Bus Services 13.9% of parishes in the East have no bus service 4/24 (17%) of parishes in the Keystone sample have no bus service in the daytime and 96% of villages have no service in the evening.
Dial-A-Ride / Community Transport 53.6% of parishes in the East have none of these services 20/24 (83%) of villages in the Keystone sample have no Dial-A-Ride or community taxi service.
Community Internet 91.8% of parishes in the East have no community internet facilities. 23/24 (96%) of villages in the Keystone sample have no community internet facilities
GP’s Surgeries / Health Centres 87.4% of parishes in the East have no health centre or surgery 19/24 (79%) of villages in the Keystone sample have no GP service in that parish.
Source: Rural Services Report 2000, Countryside Agency
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Local Authority’s Future Plans For Community Buildings
Breckland District Council
Breckland DC is currently seeking consultation on their new local plan and a draft is due to be published in September. The Consultation paper states that local communities and facilities are important and the need for local community facilities was an issue of particular concern to rural communities in the Local Plan Forums.
Where a need is identified through village appraisals, the Local Plan will allocate appropriate sites for new facilities.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
St Edmundsbury’s new Local Draft Plan, 2006-2016, currently being devised states that: “Community buildings play an important role in meeting local needs and although the activities they are used for may change over time it is essential they are kept and, where possible, improved. The Borough Council will ensure that sites allocated for Community uses are not developed for other purposes”
Forest Heath District Council
Forest Heath DC in their draft Local Plan, 2006-2016, also 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 therefore, that all three Councils are committed to the provision of current and future community facilities.
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SECTION 9
THE KEYSTONE ENVIRONMENT
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Section 9 - Contents
The Keystone Environment Page(s)
The Keystone Environment...... 156
Agricultural Land Quality...... 157
Air Quality 158-164 Carbon Monoxide...... 158 Benzene...... 159 1,3 Butadiene...... 160 Nitrogen Dioxide...... 161 Fine Particle (PM10)...... 162 Sulphur Dioxide...... 163 Noise...... 164 Aircraft Noise...... 164
Drinking Water Quality...... 165
River Water Quality 166-167 Chemistry...... 166 Biology...... 167 Nitrates...... 168 Aesthetics...... 167
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s)...... 168
Ramsar Sites...... 169
Areas of Special Protection...... 170
Areas of Special Conservation...... 170
National Nature Reserves...... 171
County Wildlife Sites...... 171-172
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THE KEYSTONE ENVIRONMENT
The Keystone area is very fortunate in that the three local authorities it lies within are all situated in enviable countryside covering both parts of Norfolk and Suffolk. Breckland, which covers a lot of the Keystone parishes, is described on the Council web-site as the place of enormous skies and wide open spaces, gentle English countryside with quirky villages and bustling market towns. Alongside this is the magnificent Thetford Forest and the unique Brecks landscape. Forest Heath is described as being surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside with open roads and Britain’s largest lowland pine forest. St Edmundsbury claims it is an area of unspoilt natural beauty, largely excluded from the developments of the Industrial Revolution and with a keen sense of its rural heritage.
Source: Breckland, Forest Heath & St Edmundsbury Council Web-Sites
This section examines the environmental aspects of the Keystone area including the agricultural classifications of the land, the air quality, the drinking water standards and the impressive range of environmentally important sites.
The Brecks Countryside Project
The Brecks Countryside Project aims to champion the conservation of the landscape, wildlife and history of the Brecks.
The Brecks is a natural area that stretches from Swaffham in the north to Bury St Edmunds in the south with Thetford at its centre. It is a place of strange beauty and hidden stories that go back to the Stone Age.
Norfolk and Suffolk local authorities fund the Project together with European Objective 2 funding. Further information can be found on www.brecks.org.
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Agricultural Land Quality
The quality of agricultural land in England & Wales is assessed according to a system devised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It was revised and published in 1989 and is known as the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system. This is a nationally applicable system used for land use planning and development control.
The ALC is based on the following factors: i. Climate: accumulated temperature which indicates the build up of energy available for crop growth from late winter to early summer and annual average rainfall ii. Topography: gradient, micro-relief and flood risk iii. Soil: wetness, droughtiness, depth and stone content
Land is graded between 1 – 5 as below:
Table 9.1 – Agricultural Land Classifications
Grade 1 Excellent Quality Agricultural Land Grade 2 Very Good Agricultural Land Grade 3 Good – Moderate Quality Agricultural Land Grade 4 Poor Quality Agricultural Land Grade 5 Very Poor Agricultural Land
Source: MAFF (1988), Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales
The agricultural quality of the land surrounding Thetford is classed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and being of Grade 4 quality.
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Air Quality
Key µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic metre ppm = parts per million ppb = parts per billion
POLLUTANTS
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
In the United Kingdom, it has been estimated that some 6.7 million tonnes of carbon monoxide are emitted into the atmosphere each year and that 87% of this comes from petrol-engined vehicles. In the home, gas cookers, paraffin heaters and bottled gas heaters operating in poorly ventilated rooms, or badly installed or maintained flued gas, oil or solid fuel heaters may cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the air, leading to tiredness, unconsciousness or even death.
The national standard for concentrations of carbon monoxide in the air is 10µg/m3 (8.6 ppm) over a running 8-hour average. Table 9.2 shows the carbon monoxide levels over the Thetford area.
Table 9.2 – Carbon Monoxide Levels – Thetford Area 2003
Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide Projected Levels by Projected levels by 2005 2010
Annual Mean Annual Mean LOCATION mg/m3 mg/m3
Mundford Rd, Thetford 0.36 0.25 Teasel Drive, Thetford 0.27 0.19 Autumn Close, Thetford 0.33 0.23 A1075 Thetford 0.35 0.25 Boston Rd, Thetford 0.28 0.17
Source: Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003, Breckland Council Environmental Health Department Defra, UK
Breckland Council found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for carbon monoxide.
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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 9.3 shows the levels of benzene over the Thetford area.
Table 9.3 - Benzene Levels – Thetford and Brandon Areas 2003
Benzene Benzene Projected Levels by Projected levels by 2005 2010
Annual Mean Annual Mean LOCATION mg/m3 mg/m3
Mundford Rd, Thetford 0.44 0.32 Teasel Drive, Thetford 0.34 0.24 Autumn Close, Thetford 0.41 0.29 A1075 Thetford 0.43 0.31 Boston Rd, Thetford 0.33 0.23
June 02 Brandon 1 0.9 Brandon 2 0.4 Brandon 3 0.6 Brandon 4 0.6 Wangford
Source: Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003, Breckland District Council Environmental Health Department Scientific Officer, Forest Heath Council Defra, UK
Both Breckland and Forest Heath Councils found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for benzene.
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1,3 Butadiene
The 1,3 butadiene in the air derives solely from human activity. It is an important industrial chemical, being used particularly in the manufacture of synthetic rubber for tyres. Some commercial liquid petroleum gases also contain up to 8 percent by volume. However, apart from accidental releases from such industrial activities, the 1,3 butadiene in the ambient air comes from combustion. It is mainly derived from combustion of petrol and diesel fuel, but some also comes from house fires and the burning of other fossil fuels. 1,3 Butadiene is also present in cigarette smoke.
The national standard for concentrations of 1,3 butadiene is 2.25µg/m3 (1ppb) over a running annual mean. Table 9.4 shows the 1,3 butadiene levels over the Thetford area.
Table 9.4 - 1,3 Butadiene Levels – Thetford Area 2003
1,3 Butadiene 1,3 Butadiene Projected Levels by Projected levels by 2005 2010
Annual Mean Annual Mean LOCATION mg/m3 mg/m3
Mundford Rd, Thetford 0.31 0.21 Teasel Drive, Thetford 0.19 0.12 Autumn Close, Thetford 0.26 0.18 A1075 Thetford 0.27 0.19 Boston Rd, Thetford 0.28 0.18
Source: Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003, Breckland Council Environmental Health Department Defra, UK
Breckland Council found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for 1,3 butadiene. Forest Heath Council do not measure for 1,3 butadiene.
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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 9.5 shows the nitrogen dioxide levels over the Thetford area.
Table 9.5 - Nitrogen Dioxide Levels – Thetford Area
Nitrogen Dioxide Nitrogen Dioxide Projected Levels by Projected levels by 2005 2010
Annual Mean Annual Mean LOCATION mg/m3 mg/m3
Mundford Rd, Thetford 30.37 25.07 Teasel Drive, Thetford 24.71 20.95 Autumn Close, Thetford 28.25 23.91 A1075 Thetford 29.97 24.78
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
Since the first round of assessments, the A11 has been duelled at Snetterton and this may impact on air quality. It is felt however, that emissions of N02 along the A11 are likely to be lower due to the reduced congestion and improved traffic flow.
Breckland Council and Forest Heath Council found that that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide although 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. Table 9.6 shows the level of fine particles over the Thetford area.
Table 9.6 - Fine Particle (PM10) Levels – Thetford Area
Fine Particles Fine Particles Projected Levels by Projected levels 2005 by 2010
Annual Mean Annual Mean LOCATION mg/m3 mg/m3
Mundford Rd, Thetford 26.89 24.78 Teasel Drive, Thetford 23.84 23.03 Autumn Close, Thetford 26.01 24.26 A1075 Thetford 26.66 24.65 Boston Rd, Thetford 26.58 23.94
Source: Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003, Breckland Council Environmental Health Department Defra, UK
There are no blackspots of poor air quality in the Keystone area but Breckland Council are currently investigating the levels of PM10 particulate matter in the air. The Environmental Health Department hope that further tests and guidance will determine whether the source of particulates is significant, ie soil/agricultural rather than industrial. This is currently ongoing.
Breckland Council found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for fine particles by the standard for 2004. However, there is a likelihood of an exceedence of the annual mean for 2010 in areas under large scale cultivation (agricultural areas). They propose that a detailed assessment of PM10 in the more rural areas should be made.
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Forest Heath 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 Council
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
Breckland Council has used diffusion tubes for monitoring SO2 in the vicinity of the poultry litter fired power station near Thetford. The 38MW station is controlled under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 by the Environment Agency. Monthly concentrations of SO2 were very low ranging between 0 and 14µg/m3 between 2000-2002. However, although these monthly means are not comparable to the air quality standards which are based on short term exposures, it is not thought likely that any of the objectives for SO2 will be exceeded.
Areas of Domestic Coal Burning
Domestic coal burning was not considered likely to lead to an exceedence of the air quality objective for SO2 in the first round of reviews and assessments. Levels of coal burning have not increased and it is still unlikely that such activity would lead to an exceedence of the air quality standard for SO2 or PM10 in 2004.
Source: Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003, Breckland Council Environmental Health Department
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Noise
There are no national standards for noise. Breckland Council has no noise abatement zones. The Environmental Health Departments investigate complaints, the majority of which are about domestic noise and dog barking. They also aim to prevent potential noise problems by assessing planning applications.
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. At present, there are no black spots in the Breckland area.
Aircraft Noise
The Environmental Health Department at Forest Heath District Council report that there are no reported problems with aircraft nose flying over the Brandon and Lakenheath area. 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.
A RAF Lakenheath Spokesperson was quoted in the Bury Free Press newspaper (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 co-operation with parish councils and Forest Heath District Councils over noise levels and try to respect our environment by not flying at weekends or on public holidays.”
Source: Bury Free Press, 3rd March 2000 www.lakenheath.freeuk.com www.cnd.yorks.gn.arp.org.uk
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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, Nunnery Lodge, Barnham Cross and Brandon. There are water storage points at Barrow Hill reservoir, East Wretham Tower, Mundford Road reservoir and Brandon High reservoirs.
Table 9.7 shows the results of component tested in water from the Keystone area
Table 9.7 – Drinking Water Samples Tested
Component Allowed Thetford Brandon Limit
Nitrates 50 mg/l 41.9 33.2 Lead 50 µg/l 0.15 0.15 Iron 200 µg/l 19.5 17.1 Fluoride 1,500 µg/l 144 128 Pesticides 0.5 µg/l 0.05 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 9.8 – Chemistry Samples in Local Rivers
River Stretch Grade
Little Ouse River Thet – Santon Downham B Little Ouse The Black Bourn – River Thet B Little Ouse Rushford Dairy Farm – The Black Bourn C Little Ouse Knettishall Heath – Rushford Dairy Farm C Thet Brettenham Rd Bridge – Little Ouse B Little Ouse Hopton Fen – Knettishall Heath C Little Ouse Botesdale Lake – Hopton Fen E Whittle East Harling Common – River Thet B Larling Brook Knight Fen Hockham – River Thet B Black Bourn A1088 Rd Bridge – Pakenham Stream C Black Bourn Pakenham Steam – Mill Farm, Bardwell B
Source: Environment Agency
Biology
The macro-invertebrates (small animals that can be seen with the naked eye) found in the kick-samples taken are identified. The range of species found is compared with the range that would be expected in the river if it was not polluted or physically damaged.
Grade A = Very Good, B = Good, C= Fairly Good, D = Fair, E = Poor, F = Bad
Table 9.9 – Biology Samples in Local Rivers
River Stretch Grade
Little Ouse The Black Bourn – River Thet A Little Ouse Knettishall Heath – Rushford Dairy Farm A Little Ouse Hopton Fen – Knettishall Heath A Larling Brook Knight Fen Hockham – River Thet A Black Bourn A1088 Rd Bridge – Pakenham Stream B
Source: Environment Agency
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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 9.10 – Nitrate Samples in Local Rivers
River Stretch Grade
Little Ouse River Thet – Santon Downham 5 Little Ouse The Black Bourn – River Thet 5 Little Ouse Rushford Dairy Farm – The Black Bourn 4 Little Ouse Knettishall Heath – Rushford Dairy Farm 5 Thet Brettenham Rd Bridge – Little Ouse 5 Little Ouse Hopton Fen – Knettishall Heath 5 Little Ouse Botesdale Lake – Hopton Fen 5 Whittle East Harling Common – River Thet 5 Larling Brook Knight Fen Hockham – River Thet 6 Black Bourn A1088 Rd Bridge – Pakenham Stream 6 Black Bourn Pakenham Steam – Mill Farm, Bardwell 5
Source: Environment Agency
The level of nitrates in the rivers is high in most areas and very high on the stretches between Hockham Fen to the River Thet and the A1088 to Pakenham Stream.
Aesthetics
Aesthetic quality is assessed by surveying sites for things which spoil the look and smell of rivers: the amount and type of litter, oil, scum, foam, sewage fungus, colour and odour. Both the water surface and the banks where there is public access are considered. Grading is as follows:
1= Good, 2 = Fair, 3 = Poor, 4 = Bad
Table 9.11 – Aesthetics Grading For River Little Ouse
River Stretch Grade
Little Ouse The Black Bourn – River Thet 2
Source: Environment Agency
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ENVIRONMENTALLY IMPORTANT SITES
There are many areas of environmental importance within the Keystone area, some are known as internationally important.
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.
In the Keystone area the following areas are designated Sites of Specific Scientific Interest:
Norfolk: o Thetford Forest o Barnham Cross Common o Blo Norton with Thelnetham and Hinderclay Fens o Cranwich Camp o Didlington Park Lakes o East Harling Common o East Wretham Heath o Elm Rd, Thetford o Foulden Common o Gooderstone Warren o Kenninghall and the Banhan Fens with Quidenham Mere o Stanford Training Area o Thetford Golf Club and Marsh o Weeting Heath o Wretham Park Meres
Suffolk: o Wangford Warren & Carr o Hopton - Hopton Fen - Nationally important SSSI o London Rd Industrial Estate, Brandon o Lord’s Well, Eriswell o Nr Littlay Field, Eriswell o Weather and Horn Heaths, Eriswell o Barnham Heath o Cavenham Heath o Cavenham & Icklingham Heaths o Deadman’s Grave, Icklingham
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o Berner’s Heath, Icklingham o Black Ditches, Cavenham o Ixworth – Bangrove Wood o Stanton – Stanton Woods o Coney Weston Fen o Knettishall - Knetttishall Heath o Thelnetham – Thelnetham Fen o Buggs Hole SSSI o Fakenham Magna – Fakenham Wood
Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Ramsar Sites
Definition Ramsar sites are designated under the International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat.
In the Keystone area, the following are designated as RAMSAR sites:
o Redgrave and South Lopham Fen. o Breckland Farmland (SSSI parts) o Breckland Forest SSSI – part of Breckland SPA
Source: Breckland District Council Local Plan & www.wetlands.org.uk
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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.
In the Keystone area, there are many areas considered worthy of special protection.
Sites include: Barnham Heath, Barnham Cross Common, Berner's Heath, Icklingham, Bridgham and Brettenham Heaths, Cavenham-Icklingham Heaths, Cranberry Rough, Hockham, Cranwich Camp, Deadman's Grave, Icklingham East Wretham Heath, Eriswell Low Warren, Field Barn Heaths, Hillborough Foxhole Heath, Eriswell, Gooderstone Warren, Grimes Graves, How Hill Track, Lakenheath Warren, Little Heath, Barnham, Old Bodney Camp, Rex Graham Reserve, Stanford Training Area, Thetford Golf Course and Marsh Thetford Heaths, Wangford Warren and Carr, Weather and Horn Heaths, Eriswell, Weeting Heath, West Stow Heath, Breckland Forest, Breckland Farmland.
Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Special Areas Of Conservation
The Breckland area as a whole is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The area is unique in that in the Stone Age ‘Brecks’ were originally temporary fields, cultivated until the soil became exhausted. Then, ancient heathland took over to form a unique community of plants and animals. It is now a colourful world of sandy soil and glowing heather. There are Neolithic flint mines at Grimes Graves and fine Tudor architecture at Oxburgh Hall. Flint tools are still found scattered on the ground to this day. There is also water with meres and pingo ponds full of wildlife and in the summer, the heaths buzz with dragonflies.
Source: Brecks Countryside Project
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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.
Keystone has NNRs on:
o Brettenham Heath, o Weeting Heath, o Cavenham Heath, o Lopham Fen and o Thetford Heath
Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
County Wildlife Sites
Keystone also boasts several designated wildlife sites in its area. These are listed below:
Norfolk: o Banham o Blo Norton o Brettenham o Brigham o Didlington o Foulden o Garboldisham o Gooderstone o Harling o Hockham o Ickburgh o Kenninghall o Kilverstone o Lynford o Mundford o North Lopham o Riddlesworth o Roundham o Shropham o Snetterton o South Lopham o Thetford o Wretham
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Suffolk: o Brandon Artemisia o Redgrave & Lopham Fen o Thelnetham Fen o Wangford Warren
Source: Breckland District Council, Local Plan 1999-2006 Suffolk Wildlife Trust
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SECTION 10
THE KEYSTONE CULTURE & HERITAGE
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Section 10 - Contents
Keystone’s Culture & Heritage Page(s)
Cultural Facilities...... 175-177
Cultural Associations...... 178-181
Historical Associations...... 182-185
English Heritage Sites...... 186-187
National Trust Sites...... 188
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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
Neither Thetford nor Brandon has a Theatre or Cinema. The nearest ones are in Bury St Edmunds, Norwich and Dereham which are 12½ and 30 miles away respectively.
Art Galleries
Thetford has its own Art Gallery which is in the Guildhall in Market Place. The Gallery was formed by volunteers over 20 years ago. It is self-supporting and displays work by local artists and craftspeople, both young and old. The exhibitions are changed every two to three weeks which enables the Gallery to exhibit a wide variety of art and crafts throughout the year. There is also a coffee bar.
An art workshop runs at the Gallery on Monday evenings. There are also regular demonstrations by various art mediums held on selected Saturday mornings. An art competition is held annually which has two categories, one for experienced artists and one for beginners. Admission to the Gallery and all the demonstrations are free.
Brandon has no Art Gallery.
Imagine Project
Imagine is a social exclusion arts and heritage project which visits schools over the area, encouraging children to feel, smell and touch museum exhibits and to look at the past in a new light. It is hoped that ‘Imagine’ will have a permanent home in Thetford with space for theatre or dance events and art exhibitions.
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Museums
The Ancient House Museum The Ancient House Museum is a magnificent timber framed Tudor merchant's house, built about 1490, with an extension added about 1590. The house is jettied and timber-framed, using oak, with wattle and daub in-fill with a fine carved ceiling and fireplace timbers.
Figure 10.1 – The Ancient House Museum
Source: www.poppyland.co.uk/norfolk/thetford.htm
Thetford has a connection with an Indian Prince, the Maharajah Duleep Singh which can be seen at the Ancient House Museum. Originally founded by Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, the Maharajah's second son, the Museum displays a range of original family photographs and items from the family’s collections. It also houses the Thetford Treasure, a hoard of late Roman jewellery and spoons and one of the area’s most dramatic finds of recent years. The Ancient House Museum displays a selection of replicas of the Treasure made by Peter Shorer, copied from the originals at the British Museum.
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 Thetford and Brandon have Libraries. Both Libraries offer a wide range of services including free internet access, loans, local studies and reference material.
Thetford has three special collections which belong to the town and are of particular interest to Scholars and local Historians. The first is the GW Staniforth bequest comprising of 9000 books dating from 1815-1920 and reflect the interest of well to do Victorian readers. The second is the Prince Duleep Singh collection which is a large collection of books, maps and
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illustrations, all relating to East Anglia. The third is the Thomas Paine collection. Made up of 3 elements, this collection amounts to about 1500 books and pamphlets plus over 200 other artefacts including photographs, portraits and various personal items. The third is a large collection of ‘Norfolk Studies’ which holds newspapers, journals, ordnance survey maps, genealogical and census information and early photographs. In total, there are over 14,000 items held in these three special collections.
Source: Thetford Official Guide
Charles Burrell Museum St Nicholas Works in Thetford was established as a foundry and agricultural machinery works by Joseph Burrell in 1803. Joseph's nephew Charles built the company's first steam engine. Over the next 125 years Charles Burrell & Sons were to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of traction engines employing over 300 people and exporting to all corners of the world. During the First World War the company produced munitions.
The foundry turned out machinery widely regarded as the ‘Rolls Royces’ of the steam industry. The works attracted engineers from London, the Midlands and Yorkshire until it closed in 1928.
The Museum now houses a recreated workshop, steam engines and agricultural machinery, photographs, letters and documents.
Figure 10.2 – Charles Burrell Steam Engine
Festivals & Events There are several events held in the towns including the Thetford International day, the Thetford Festival and Thetford Heritage Open Days. Brandon, similarly holds events, such as the ‘Chalk It Up Day’ and ‘The Mile Gallery’.
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Cultural Associations
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Thomas Paine was one of the influential writers of the 18th Century. He was born into a Quaker family in Thetford in 1737, the son of a Staymaker. The family lived at the top of Whitehart Street and he was educated at The Thetford Grammar School. Paine’s writings include The Case of the Officers of Excise and Common Sense, followed by The American Crisis and his best known work, The Rights of Man. In 1802, his book The Age Of Reason, an uncompromising critique of religious dogma made him many enemies as it sold widely and provided the basis of ideas for numerous radical societies which were being formed at the time.
Paine died in 1809 at the age of 72 and was buried on his farm in New Rochelle. The author, William Cobbett visited the farm, dug up the bones and brought them back to England. His intention was to use the relics to stimulate interest in Paine. When Cobbett died, the bones, which had been kept in a chest, were lost! A statue of Thomas Paine now stands outside the Town Hall in Thetford Town Centre.
Source: Thetford Town Guide
Figure 10.3 – Thomas Paine Statue in Thetford
Source: www.poppyland.co.uk/norfolk/thetford.htm
Boudicca (died AD60) One of two British women to be mentioned by the Romans in their writings. She was the wife of King Prasutagus who was given the Kingship of the Iceni, after the Icenian civil war of 47AD. Following her husband’s death around 60AD her kingdom was pillaged and when she took the matter to a higher Roman authority, she was publicly flogged and her daughters violated. Indignant at her treatment she instigated a rebellion within her tribe and, plundered the Romano-British towns of Colchester, St. Albans and London. The Romans won in the end and the Iceni were put to flight. There is a concentration of Iceni coin hoards in the Thetford area and the discovery of an
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important Boudiccan period site at Gallows Hill, Thetford, indicate that the area was a likely home for Boudicca and her people. Source: www.wuffings.co.uk
Maharajah Duleep Singh (1838-1893) Maharajah Duleep Singh became the last ruler of an independent Sikh Punjab as a boy in 1843. Wars with the British led to the eventual annexation of the Punjab and the surrender by young Duleep Singh of his sovereign rights and property (including the world famous Koh-i-Noor Diamond), to the British Crown in exchange for a pension. He came to live in England where Queen Victoria befriended him.
He bought the Elveden estate near Thetford in 1863 where he led the life of a country gentleman and followed his sporting interests. His pension was insufficient to support this lifestyle however and relations with the Government became strained. He tried to return to India but this was refused and he died in Paris in 1863 and he was buried at Elveden churchyard.
His second son, Prince Frederick was a keen local historian and lived at Blo Norton. He wrote Portraits in Norfolk Houses. A benefactor of Thetford, he gave the town his portrait collection and purchased a house on Whitehart Street for use as the town's museum.
Today a statue of the Maharaj can be seen at Butten Island in Thetford and a few of the Duleep Singh collection of paintings are on display at King's House and the Ancient House Museum.
Figure 10.4 – Maharajah Duleep Singh statue in Butten Island, Thetford
Source: www.vieweastanglia.com
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Cornell Fison (1793-1880) James Fison moved to Thetford in 1808 and developed a business dealing in wool, corn, malt and fertilisers. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Fisons was one of the principle businesses in Thetford and grew into the well- known fertiliser company.
Source: An A-Z of Thetford and the Brecks Dad’s Army Much of this popular TV programme was filmed around Thetford and the surrounding areas. The cast stayed in the Bell Hotel when they were filming and the hotel commemorates this with a plaque and photographs dedicated to Dad’s Army in their reception.
Figure 10.5 – Dad’s Army
Source: Dad’s Army Appreciation Society, March 2000
The Man in the Iron Mask – Harry Bensley (1890-1970) A lesser well known story from Thetford is the story of Harry Bensley, the Thetford man who agreed to walk around the world on a $100,000 bet with eccentric American millionaire John Morgan. The challenge was taken up in a London club with very unusual conditions. Mr Bensley agreed to complete his walk while pushing a baby’s pram and while wearing a full faced iron mask, which he was prohibited from taking off when soliciting marriage proposals from women across the globe!
Mr Bensley’s bet saw him depart from Trafalgar Square on New Year’s Day in 1908 for what was to become a 30,000 mile, six and a half year adventure. He left with just £1 in his pocket after agreeing to fund his journey by selling postcards in the countries he criss-crossed. Ironically, Mr Bensley’s only brush with the law was in England when he was arrested at Bexley Heath, Kent, for selling postcards without a hawker’s licence. Fortunately, he was allowed to keep his mask on in court. The mask itself was made to measure and weighed 4lb 6oz. At the court he was fined a half-a-crown (12 1/2p) and allowed to go on his way.
Mr Bensley did not collect the $100,000 prize despite trekking across England, Ireland, Canada, America, China, Japan, India, Persia, Egypt, Turkey and the Balkans. He arrived in Genoa, Italy, on August 14th, 1914 - on the last lap of his journey - when he was handed a telegram announcing that the bet was off because of the declaration of the First World War.
The dejected 24-year-old removed his iron mask, returned to England and handed the £4,000 he was given as compensation to charity. Perhaps his
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only consolation was that during his amazing around-the-world odyssey, he received 200 marriage proposals. In keeping with the strange tale, he married none. Instead, many years later he married a Yorkshire girl and moved to Brighton where in 1970 both he and much of the Man in the Iron Mask legend died.
Source: Raising Our Sites, A Heritage Strategy for Thetford, 1998
Sweine Forkbeard King of the Danes, Sweine, came to Thetford during the wars between the English and the Danes, in 1004 and again in 1010. As one of the most important East Anglian centres, it was a natural target. On both occasions the forces of the Anglo Scandinavian leader Ulfketel Snilling were defeated. Thetford was ravaged and burnt. Sweine (along with Thomas Paine) is commemorated on the town's sign.
Figure 10.6 – One side of the Thetford Sign showing Sweine Forkbeard
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Historic Associations
Thetford: Ancient Earthworks Thetford was one of East Anglia's major towns in the later Anglo-Saxon period and became the seat of the region's bishops after their move from North Elmham in 1075 until Norwich Cathedral was built in the 1090's. Today, the most prominent surviving feature of the old Thetford is the immense Norman motte of Castle Hill, which, at 81 feet high, is one of the largest man-made mounds in the country. It was probably built soon after 1066 and remained a baronial stronghold until it was confiscated by King Henry II in 1157, who had its defences dismantled after the war of 1173.
The great motte stands in the angle of a bailey with unusually large double ramparts surviving to the north and east. Excavations have suggested that it is unlikely that these continued round into the flood-plain to the south, where the Rivers Thet and Little Ouse run. Indeed, the bailey appears to have been formed from the earthworks of an Iron Age promontory-fortress which ran in a curve to the north of the rivers, with the latter forming its southern defences.
Figure 10.7 - Thetford Norman Motte
Sources: Thetford Ancient Earthworks and Buried Treasure www.wuffings.co.uk
Thetford Treasure Unknown to the English, the Danes, and the Normans, a treasure-hoard lay buried on Gallow's Hill to the north of the town near a Romano-Celtic altar site. It was here that in 1979 the Thetford Treasure was discovered by a freelance metal detectorist. This very rich hoard dates from the second half of the fourth century and includes gold and silver bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and rings, many of which are bejewelled with precious stones. Also found were 33 silver spoons, many of which bear inscriptions to the woodland fertility god, Faunus.
Sources: Thetford Ancient Earthworks and Buried Treasure www.wuffings.co.uk
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King's House The offices of the Thetford Town Council and Registrar Office, the house was visited by Henry 1st and later, after rebuilding, by Elizabeth 1st. James 1st used it regularly, it carries the royal coat of arms over the door - as a place from which to go hunting.
Three Nuns' Bridges The ancient crossing point of the Icknield Way over the Little Ouse. The three bridges take their name after the nearby Nunnery of St. George. During the Middle Ages it was the town ducking pond.
Boudiccas Grave Folklore tells that next to the Devil's Ditch on Garboldisham Heath, a round barrow is supposedly the resting place of Queen Boudicca.
Principle Towns and Settlements in the Iceni territory • Brettenham • Lackford, nr. Icklingham, - A posting station. • Ixworth - Major settlement succeeded an earlier Roman fort. • Thetford - Major religious centre at an important river crossing. • Woodcock Hill - (Hockham Heath) - Small settlement or posting station north-east of Thetford.
The Town Bridge Previously a toll bridge used from the 16th to the late 19th centuries.
Figure 10.8 - Thetford Town Bridge
Source: www.poppyland.co.uk/norfolk/thetford.htm
The Nunnery (HQ to the British Trust for Ornithology) The headquarters of the BTO is located at The Nunnery in Thetford. Parts of the fabric of the medieval Benedictine Nunnery of St George can still be seen on this site, which was given to the BTO in 1990. The twelfth-century convent
Page 183 Keystone Community Profile church and a small eighteenth-century manor house were incorporated into the BTO headquarters in an award-winning restoration project.
Stanton Windmill A post mill dating from 1751 still in working order; it produces stoneground flour for sale.
Wyken Hall, Stanton Seven acres of vines and four acres of gardens surround an Elizabethan manor house and 16th Century barn. There is a woodland walk, popular restaurant and country store.
Thelnetham Water Mill A 19th Century tower mill, working regularly to produce and sell stoneground flour.
Bardwell Windmill A fully working windmill, built in 1825 and restored in the mid 1980's. It is now run as a family business making whole foods and visitors are welcome throughout the year to witness corn being ground as it was 150 years ago.
Euston Hall Home of the Duke and Duchess of Grafton. The Hall was built in the 1660's by the Earl of Arlington, Secretary of State to Charles II. It became home for the Dukes of Grafton when the Earl's daughter, Isabella, married Charles II's son, Henry Fitzroy, the first Duke of Grafton. It houses a large selection of 17th and 18th Century paintings, including Arlington's fine collection of paintings of Charles II, his family and court, and work by George Stubbs and Sir Anthony Van Dyck. The hall is surrounded with beautiful grounds and parkland.
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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 10.9 – Desert Rats Monument, A1065, Mundford
Source: The Desert Rats, 7th Armoured Division http://www.fmdinning.freeserve.co.uk/
Honington was the base for the 364th Fighter Group and Air Depot. There is a memorial at the airfield and a seat in the Rose Garden in Bury St Edmunds. The base is used today as an operational base for the RAF Regiment.
The nearby RAF Knettishall was home to the 388th Bomb Group. A memorial stone now stands at the entrance in Coney Weston.
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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RAF Barnham The bomb store at RAF Barnham was built specifically to store and maintain atomic weapons and was completed by 1955. By the early 1960s this specialized facility was obsolete, as free fall nuclear bombs were superseded (as the principal British nuclear deterrent) by the stand off missile Blue Steel, and the storage and maintenance of nuclear weapons was moved to the Vth bomber airfields. The last nuclear weapons were probably removed from the site by April 1963.
The site was sold to its present owner in 1965, and is now used as a light Industrial estate.
English Heritage Sites
The Keystone area has 5 English Heritage Sites listed. These are described below:
Weeting Castle - Weeting Ruins of a substantial early medieval manor house within a shallow rectangular moat.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Thetford Located on the west side of Thetford off the B1107, this is the ruined nave of a priory church of the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre and is the only surviving remains in England of a house of this order
Thetford Warren Lodge - Thetford Also situated on the west side of Thetford off the B1107, this is a medieval hunting lodge.
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.
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Thetford Priory - Thetford Situated near the railway station, the Priory of Our Lady of Thetford belonged to the Order of Cluny, and was founded in 1103 by Roger Bigod, an old soldier and friend of William the Conqueror. Originally based in the town, the Priory was moved a few years later to the site on which the ruins now stand. Work began on the new site in 1107 but was not completed until 1114. Though little of the twelfth century structure remains, later structures, such as the gatehouse still stand in tact.
Early in the thirteenth century a large Lady Chapel was added to the church. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared in a vision to inhabitants of Thetford requesting that a chapel be built in her honour. During the construction of the chapel, the old stone statue of Our Lady was found to have a hollow in the head containing relics of saints. Pilgrims, hearing of the relics, flocked to Thetford hoping to benefit from their alleged healing powers. This cult brought considerable profit to the priory, and before the end of the century the east end of the church was rebuilt on a more elaborate scale.
After the death of the last Roger Bigod in 1306, the Norfolk estates passed to the Crown, and later, to the Dukes of Norfolk. In 1536,the King’s visitors descended on the priory and its suppression was in sight. Despite petitioning by the reigning Duke, who pointed out that the King’s own natural son Henry Fitzroy, was buried there, the Priory was dissolved. On 16th February 1540, the last prior and sixteen monks surrendered the priory to the King’s commissioners.
Figure 10.10 - Thetford Priory
Source: English Heritage
In a visitor Survey undertaken in Thetford in 2001, 37% of respondents considered Thetford to be “full of history and heritage”
Source: Thetford Visitor Survey, 2001
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National Trust Sites
There are no National Trust properties within the Keystone area although Oxbourgh Hall and Estate in Norfolk and Angel Corner in Suffolk are both a short distance away.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Air Quality Report, 2001 Breckland Council
An A-Z of Thetford & The Brecks http://freespace.virgin.net/peter.steward/atoz.htm
Brandon Community Partnership Delivery Plan, 2003-2004 Brandon Community Partnership
Brandon Town Centre Appraisal Report, June 1999 Brandon Regeneration Group
Breckland District Council, Local Plan, Adopted 1999 Breckland District Council
Desert Rats, 7th Armoured Division http://www.fmdinning.freeserve.co.uk/
Deprivation in Norfolk 2000 Norfolk County Council, Planning & Transportation
Economic Development Strategy to 2010, August 2002 Forest Heath District Council
Fit For The Future, Regenerating West Thetford, 1997 Thetford Partnership
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
Has the Debt Service Thetford CAB Given To Its Clients Made A Difference? Thetford and District CAB, March 2003
Health Delivery Plan 2003-2006 Southern Norfolk PCT
Household and Employers Surveys, Breckland, 1998 EGA Marketing Research Surveys
Housing Needs Survey, July 2002 Breckland District Council
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Labour Market Information, December 2002 Norfolk Careers Services
Norfolk Needs Analysis Summary Report Learning & Skills Council
Raising Our Sites, A Heritage Strategy for Thetford in the Brecks, July 1998 Nigel Boldero, Thetford Partnership
Region in Figures – East of England, Winter 2002 Office of National Statistics
Review of Post 16 Education and Training in Western Norfolk, June 2003 Norfolk Learning & Skills Council
Rural Services 2000 Countryside Agency
Substance Misuse Review, Thetford SRB 6 Area, May 2001 BKK Consultancy
Surestart Thetford, June 2003 Delivery Plan
Thetford – A Century Remembered. From 1900-Present Day, 1996 David Osbourne
Thetford Ancient Earthworks and Buried Treasure www.wuffings.co.uk
Thetford & District Citizens Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Annual Report 2000/01 Thetford CAB
Thetford Visitor Survey, 2001 The Research Unit, East of England Tourist Board
Touchstone, Your Community News, 2003 Keystone Community Partnership
Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003 Breckland District Council
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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.
ALC – Agricultural Land Classification
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.
BDC – Breckland District Council
CAB – Citizen’s Advice Bureau
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
EAZ – Education Action Zone
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
HDO – Health Development Officer
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
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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.
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
NCC – Norfolk County Council
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
SNPCT – Southern Norfolk Primary Care Trust
SO2 – Sulphur Dioxide
SRB – Single Regeneration Budget
SSSI – Site of Special Scientific Interest
SWPCT – Suffolk West Primary Care Trust
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TVB – Thetford Volunteer Bureau
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:
Breckland District Council East Anglian Ambulance Service Eastern Region Strategic Health Authority Forest Heath District Council Imagine – Simon Hoffman (front cover design) Keystone Development Trust Norfolk Fire Service Norfolk Museum & Archaeology Service Norfolk Constabulary Norfolk Rural Community Council Peddars Way Housing Association St Edmundsbury Borough Council Southern Norfolk PCT Suffolk Acre Suffolk Fire Service Suffolk West PCT Surestart Thetford
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