Asbestos in schools has become a big issue.

Asbestos was widely used in the construction of schools between the 1950s and 1970s and much of it is still in place.

Wear and tear of school buildings, vandalism and even maintenance can all lead to the release of cancer-causing asbestos fibres into the air.

We can’t remove all asbestos from schools immediately but the school rebuilding programme presents an opportunity to deal with the problem, and in the meantime proper management will make a difference.

I have met Norfolk County Council officials to discuss their current methods for verifying the existence of asbestos in the county’s schools.

The problem is not confined to Norfolk so I am now seeking meetings with both the Schools Minister and Shadow Minster for Schools to highlight the need for prompt action nationwide to protect students and staff.

Applicants can ensure their plans have a fair chance of acceptance.  Objectors can put forward valid reasons for opposing plans rather than just saying: “I don’t want it here”.

So I was worried to discover that South Norfolk Council has been advising people to consult a planning policy on proposed gypsy and traveller sites (HOU23) which had been scrapped.  Actually, a broader policy statement from the government (ODPM 01/2006) is now the main policy for the council in this area, until South Norfolk finalises a new policy of its own. 

This may sound technical but it is important.  Local people have the right to clear and accurate advice from the council.

The chief constable has delivered 1,660 police officers for Norfolk, the highest number I have known, while altering shift patterns to get the best use out of officers’ time. He tells me that better management of back office functions like payroll could release still more for the frontline.

Given the economic crunch, those running public bodies have to deliver better service without extra money.  Mr McPherson looks like just the man for the job.