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bullet The character of South Norfolk
bullet The main towns
bullet The economy of South Norfolk
bullet More information
 

The character of South Norfolk
Click map to enlarge

The South Norfolk constituency takes in some of the most beautiful rural landscapes in East Anglia. The area is widely recognised as one of the most unspoilt parts of Norfolk, whose market towns fill with shoppers on market day and the picturesque villages boast many
ancient churches, thatched cottages and welcoming pubs.

Covering some 350 square miles, South Norfolk stretches from the southern fringe of Norwich down to the Suffolk border. The bulk of the population is to the north, in the suburban areas of Norwich (such as Costessey) whilst further south, the area becomes more sparsely populated and rural in nature.  South Norfolk is home to more than 100 small parishes and approximately 51 conservation areas. This ensures its gentle and picturesque countryside is preserved for future generations.

The main towns
Diss Harleston Hingham
Loddon Long Stratton Wymondham
Click on a town to find out more
Diss
The heart of the thriving market town of Diss is the beautiful mere. The popular market is held on a Friday. Diss also sits on the main railway line from Norwich to London.
Harleston
Situated in the tranquil Waveney Valley, Harleston is a slice of life from a more elegant age. The 12th century coaching inn located in the centre of town is surrounded by small, speciality shops. It is quite fitting that market day in Harleston is on the traditional day – Wednesday.
Hingham
Hingham's unique role in history is as home to the ancestors of the sixteenth American President, Abraham Lincoln, a role commemorated in its beautiful church. Hingham's picturesque greens are fringed with Georgian town houses.
Loddon

Sitting on the River Chet, Loddon truly comes to life in the summer, buzzing with tourists heading for the Norfolk Broads. The striking 15th century church, Holy Trinity, is its crowning glory.

Long Stratton

Long Stratton is most notable as the home of South Norfolk District Council and also straddles the A140, one of the region's main arterial roads. It's a long ribbon development and can be a bottleneck for traffic.

Wymondham

The historic town of Wymondham (pronounced Windum) boasts the spectacular 12th Century Abbey and Market Cross. Norfolk Constabulary has its headquarters here, close to the A11.  Wymondham's  weekly market is held on a Friday.  
The South Norfolk economy
Economically speaking, South Norfolk is a surprisingly diverse area to live and work in. The influence of Norwich on the area's economic activity is strong, given that around half of the economically active residents of South Norfolk are employed there.

There over 4,000 employers in South Norfolk, with over 75% employing five or less people. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, South Norfolk District Council and the Norfolk Constabulary Headquarters are amongst the large public sector employers.  There are also a significant number of large private sector employers, primarily in the automotive, electronics, engineering, manufacturing and retail sectors.

Although land use in the district is mainly for agricultural purposes, this industry provides employment for roughly 6% of the workforce. That said, the wealth of agricultural expertise in the area means that food-related activity features highly in the local economy.

More information
More further information on South Norfolk, follow these links:

South Norfolk District Council
Tourism in Norfolk
The Southern Broads
East of England Development Agency
2001 Census: South Norfolk population statistics

 

 
© Richard Bacon 2008