The poor quality of the A140 remains one of the major weaknesses in the county's infrastructure, especially at Long Stratton.
Long-suffering residents in the village have put up with thousands of cars and heavy trucks passing through their community for decades.
The proposed Long Stratton by-pass qualifies as a so-called Major Scheme, that is, one where the costs are more than £5 million.
It is the only Major Scheme put forward by County Hall for government to consider across the whole of Norfolk, an indication of its high importance even compared with other priorities.
So will it be plain sailing? Well, I hope so, but we can take nothing for granted.
I have recently explained to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling just how important the Long Stratton by-pass is, and asked him for an update on progress. I'll keep you posted.
People power
The ford is a pretty feature of the village and has attracted ducks and other wildlife since at least Victorian times but, without any consultation with the Parish Council, the County Council piped the ford underground and concreted over the surface - as reported by the Diss Express.
Residents feared that the alterations would not be able to deal with heavy rainfall.
I intervened with the Planning and Transportation Department at County Hall asking for an explanation. Following a residents' petition and talks with the Parish Council, the County has offered to re-instate the ford to its former glory.
▪ Need to see your MP? You can
make an appointment to see Richard by calling 01379
642769.
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