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This article appeared in The
Diss Express on 19 October 2007
Silver surfers enjoy a taste of the internet South Norfolk MP Richard
Bacon brings Diss Express readers up to date with some of his recent work in the community |
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Last week I was left speechless after receiving an email from DEFRA, the government department which supposedly looks after farming. They told me that a local cattle farmer had a cow which had tested positive for bluetongue. I rang the farmer to find out if there was anything I could do to help. It turned out they hadn't told him about the diagnosis. How can we have any faith in a government department which acts in this way? Spare a thought for our livestock farmers. Due to foot and mouth restrictions, farmers must continue to feed animals they would sooner have sold on by now, while paying record high prices for animal feed. And all because a government laboratory cut corners on bio-security and allowed the foot and mouth virus to get out. Farmers have every right to be deeply angry. Things are especially difficult for local pig farmers, but there is something everyone can do to help. Make absolutely sure you are buying British bacon, pork and sausages.
The November series at Diss is fully booked
but they are hoping to hold more sessions in the New Year. Led by Librarian Sally Blows, the sessions are fun as well as giving older people the confidence to use a computer, shop on-line or surf the web for information.
So, if you want to become a silver surfer, get your name down at Diss Library for one of these excellent courses.
I'm all for Safer Neighbourhood Action Panels (SNAP). They give you the chance to get something done about the problems you face locally. A number of panels have been set up across South Norfolk including Diss and Harleston.
Panel representatives come from a broad section of the public such as the police, local, district and county councils, schools, community workers and so on. Public meetings are held on a three-monthly basis for you to air your concerns on issues such as vandalism, anti-social behaviour, lack of public transport or speeding and parking. The panel chooses three items on which to concentrate and then reports back on progress three months later. The next meeting in Diss is at the end of November and in Harleston in January. Look out for details in the Diss Express or contact South Norfolk Council for more information.
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