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This article appeared in The Diss Express on 18 February 2005

In the latest of his constituency news features, Diss Express columnist and South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon casts his eye over more local issues

The threat to close Cygnet House at Long Stratton along with four other Norfolk residential homes caring for elderly patients with dementia could be lifted if public opinion is strong enough.

Pat Holman of the Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Partnership hinted that if enough people are against the closure then they are prepared to reconsider their plans.

Over the past months, I've been contacted by concerned constituents with elderly relatives who are resident at Cygnet House. They all praise the excellent care their loved ones receive. I saw this for myself on a recent visit to the home with Cllr Martin Wilby whose father was a resident.

A public meeting about the closure is being held at 1.30 pm on Monday 21 February at South Norfolk House in Long Stratton. I urge you to go along and have your say. Let's stop Cygnet House going the way of Dennyholme.

Police Progress

It is good news the police have started getting a grip on low level vandalism which was such a problem in Diss a few months back. Recently I met with Diss police Inspector Gina Hopkinson for a general update over a cup of tea.
	SAFER DISS: Richard Bacon MP discusses local crime issues with Diss police boss Insp Gina Hopkinson

I raised with Gina local worries about travellers, who sometimes leave a mess when they move on from a site. A problem for travellers is that there are not enough authorised sites. Sometimes a local farmer helps out, but more sites are needed. A little more consideration all round would go a long way.

Health Costs

Last week local NHS chiefs met MPs from across Norfolk to discuss the £30 million black hole in the county's health finances.

There was a useful discussion: we were able to cut through the spin and listen to hard working local professionals.

Many pressures have led to the present problems - more emergency admissions, the rising cost of drugs, reducing hours for junior doctors, the new contracts for GPs and for consultants, and the new Norfolk and Norwich hospital.

This year there will be an extra £59 million for the NHS in Norfolk yet amazingly only 13% of that will go into new developments. £35 million will be taken up by inflation - otherwise known as paying more for the same thing.

It's not just about extra money, though. We need better use of available resources. For example, should the NHS in Norfolk really have to send people to posh clinics in London? It's just common sense to invest in more local specialists.

▪ Need to see your MP? You can make an appointment to see Richard by calling 01379 643728.

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