Search Result

Home
Search Result

[directorist_search_result]

Free electric blanket safety tests across Norfolk

Residents across the county are being encouraged to stay warm — and safe — this winter as free electric blanket testing Norfolk events return to libraries this October. Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are teaming up once again to offer professional safety testing for electric blankets, heated throws, and small portable heaters at no cost.

The free sessions will take place on the 13th, 14th and 15th of October at libraries across Norfolk, giving people the opportunity to ensure their blankets and heating devices are in safe working order before the cold weather sets in. The events coincide with National Burn Awareness Day on 15 October, offering additional advice on hot water bottle safety and home fire prevention.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities at Norfolk County Council, said:
“Electric blankets cause hundreds of fires each year across the country, so we’d like people to make sure theirs are safe by attending one of these events. If you know someone who uses an electric blanket or a heated throw and they can’t come along, please offer to bring theirs too. We want everyone to stay safe this winter.”

The initiative follows similar sessions held earlier this year, where a worrying 60% of tested blankets and throws failed to meet safety standards. The free electric blanket testing Norfolk events are designed to help prevent household fires by identifying faulty or damaged heating devices before they become dangerous.

During each session, visitors can have their electric blankets and throws checked by trained professionals and receive expert advice on how to keep warm safely. The friendly teams from Trading Standards and the Fire Service will also be on hand to answer questions about product safety, fire prevention, and general winter wellbeing.

As part of the campaign, residents are being reminded to check their blankets regularly for signs of wear or damage. Key safety checks include:

Inspecting the fabric for fraying or visible wear
Looking for scorch marks on the material
Checking for wires poking through the fabric
Examining the electrical cord for cracks or damage
Listening for buzzing noises or smelling burning when switched on
Ensuring the connector isn’t damaged or overheating

These warning signs could mean it’s time to replace your electric blanket or heated throw. Residents are also urged to be cautious when using hot water bottles, which should be replaced every two years and inspected frequently for deterioration.

A useful feature to look for is the flower symbol imprinted on the hot water bottle — it shows when the product was manufactured. Each petal represents a month, and the dots within each petal mark the weeks of that month. By checking this, users can easily tell how old their hot water bottle is and whether it’s still safe to use.

The free electric blanket testing Norfolk sessions will take place at the following libraries:

Monday 13 October
10am – noon: Fakenham Library
2.30pm – 4.30pm: Poringland Library

Tuesday 14 October
10am – noon: Downham Market Library
2pm – 4pm: Swaffham Library

Wednesday 15 October
10am – noon: Hellesdon Library
2pm – 4pm: Great Yarmouth Library

All sessions are open to the public, and no booking is required. Visitors can drop in at any time during the listed hours to have their blanket, throw, or small heater tested.

The initiative forms part of Norfolk County Council’s ongoing commitment to community safety and wellbeing, helping residents prepare for colder months with peace of mind. Electric blankets are a popular and energy-efficient way to stay warm, but they can become hazardous over time if not properly maintained or replaced when worn out.

Tortilla is teaming up with the sauce shop® to bring Buffalo chicken to the menu!

Serving up delicious burritos, tortillas, rice bowls, salad bowls and more, with some of the softest, richest meat and freshest salad – it is no surprise why Tortilla is the UK’s most loved Mexican restaurant.

And for those of you who love this high-street staple, they have just unveiled an exciting new flavour-packed collaboration which is guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling.

For a limited time only, Tortilla is joining forces with Sauce Shop® to launch the legendary Buffalo Hot Chicken.

This oven-roasted chicken addition, will be drenched in Sauce Shop®’s multi-award-winning Buffalo Hot Sauce, delivering a fiery, tangy, irresistible new menu item… and is already shaping up to be the must-try collaboration of the year.

This best-selling sauce is crafted with their signature fermented jalapeños, to establish a punchy balance of heat, tang and depth, and this mastered recipe has earned them a 3-star Great Taste Award.

Sauce Shop®, founded in a Nottingham home kitchen in 2014, was born out of frustration with bland, mass-produced sauces. Today their 50-strong team is producing hundreds of thousands of bottles each week, but their mission hasn’t changed – to make sauces with bold flavour and real ingredients that elevate every meal. Sauce Shop® products are available at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose and online.

Al Porter, Sauce Shop® Marketing Director, said: “We’re thrilled to see our Buffalo Hot Sauce bringing the heat at Tortilla. It’s bold, it’s fiery, and made with fresh, punchy ingredients that perfectly complement their vibrant, flavour-packed menu. This is what great partnerships taste like.”

This introduction does not end here though. Completing the buffalo experience, two exclusive new toppings will also be joining the menu: pickled celery and avocado ranch.

These will add the perfect combination of a tangy and crunchy snap with a smooth and creamy sauce, made with lime, coriander and jalapeños – the perfect cooling richness.

Putting this trio of the Buffalo Hot Chicken, pickled celery and avocado ranch together creates the ultimate combination of spicy, tangy and indulgently creamy – a classic buffalo flavour, all in one tortilla.

Director of Food at Tortilla, James Garland, said: “We’re really excited to be teaming up with Sauce Shop® on this launch. Their Buffalo Hot has landed a 3-star Great Taste Award, and for good reason – it’s bold, fiery and seriously tasty. Pairing it with crunchy pickled celery and our smooth avocado ranch gives that classic buffalo, celery and ranch combo a Tortilla twist – big flavour, fresh ingredients and sure to be a crowd pleaser.”

As always, everything at Tortilla is made fresh to order in under 90 seconds – with ingredients prepared from scratch every single day, often twice. F rom hand-smashed guacamole made with ripe Hass avocados to grass-fed British Isle brisket used in the barbacoa, the focus remains firmly on quality, flavour and choice. Over 70% of the menu is plant-based and Vegan Friendly accredited, and every meal is fully customisable meaning the new Buffalo Hot Chicken can be enjoyed in whatever way suits your cravings or lifestyle.

The Buffalo Hot Chicken upgrade is available across Tortilla restaurants nationwide, with the exception of select university sites, travel hubs and delivery-only kitchens.

Customers can also enjoy it as part of Tortilla’s high-protein pots for £6, making it a great option for a post-gym refuel. Buffalo Hot Chicken is available for dine-in, takeaway, through Uber Eats, and via Order Ahead on the Tortilla app, with Burrito Society members receiving a free upgrade during launch week when ordering through the app.

Whether it’s a juicy burrito, a refreshing salad, tacos or a high-protein Protein Pot, Tortilla continues to offer fully customisable meals to suit all diets, cravings and lifestyles. Inspired by the taquerias of San Francisco, each Tortilla location delivers that same relaxed vibe with neon lights and feel-good tunes – perfect for casual meals with friends, family or colleagues.

Tortilla is proud to use 100% renewable electricity and source only the best ingredients, including grass-fed British Isle brisket for their barbacoa. With over 80 UK locations, 27 in France and 10 franchise sites in the Middle East, they remain Europe’s largest fast-casual Mexican brand and the UK’s most loved.

So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy!

For more information, click here.

Miffy’s 70th Birthday exhibition at Great Yarmouth museum

One of the world’s most beloved bunnies will be hopping into Norfolk this autumn, as the Miffy exhibition Great Yarmouth celebrates a very special milestone. From Saturday 11 October 2025 to Sunday 1 March 2026, Time and Tide Museum will host Miffy’s 70th Birthday—an exhibition exploring the charming world of the iconic white rabbit created by Dutch artist and illustrator Dick Bruna.

The exhibition brings together more than 50 original pieces, including screen prints, drawings, manuscripts, and paintings, to tell the story of how Miffy became a global cultural icon. Visitors will also be able to see stop motion models from the television series Miffy and Friends, alongside immersive displays designed to bring Bruna’s stories to life.

Miffy’s 70th Birthday is divided into two main sections. The first explores Bruna’s creative process through original sketches, screenprints and posters, not only from the Miffy books but also from his other projects. These include early book covers designed for his father’s publishing company, A.W. Bruna & Zoon, and posters created for charitable organisations such as the Red Cross. Fans of Bruna’s broader work will also encounter illustrations of other beloved characters including Boris Bear, Poppy Pig and Snuffy.

The second section transforms Bruna’s two-dimensional art into a full sensory experience. Life-sized recreations of scenes from classic books such as miffy goes to stay, miffy in the tent, and miffy at school invite visitors to step inside Miffy’s world. Each setting features interactive elements encouraging play and creativity—children can hide among trees, explore Miffy’s classroom, or visit her friend’s home. The exhibition also includes puppets, colouring areas, and art activities to inspire families to create their own Miffy-style stories.

Alongside these installations are Bruna’s original sketches, acetates, manuscripts and typescripts for the three featured books. These artefacts reveal the artist’s distinctive creative method. Bruna traced drawings onto watercolour paper, using the grooves to guide his brush and achieve his signature “shaky” linework. He then layered hand-cut paper shapes in custom colours to complete his compositions. This meticulous process gave Miffy’s world its unmistakable blend of simplicity and warmth—an aesthetic that continues to captivate readers of all ages.

Miffy was first drawn on 21 June 1955 while Dick Bruna was on a seaside holiday in Holland. To entertain his young son on a rainy day, Bruna told stories about a little rabbit playing in the garden, sketching the character who would become known worldwide as Miffy. The series that followed—recognisable by its bold colours, simple lines, and gentle rhyming text—captured the joy and innocence of childhood. Since then, over 85 million copies of Bruna’s books have been printed and translated into more than 50 languages.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said:
“It’s a real delight to be welcoming such an iconic character to Great Yarmouth this October and helping to celebrate Miffy’s 70th birthday through this beautiful collection of artworks. The exhibition is playful, accessible and informative and I hope it puts a spring in the step of everybody who sees it.”

Nat Fairweather, Exhibitions and Events Officer at Time and Tide Museum, added:
“We are so excited to have Miffy in Norfolk, and we are looking forward to an autumn and winter of celebrating this special rabbit. It has been a pleasure to work with our colleagues at Leeds City Museum and Mercis in Amsterdam to make this exhibition a captivating look into the creative world of Dick Bruna and his beloved Miffy.”

The Miffy exhibition Great Yarmouth is a collaboration with Mercis, the global brand owner of Miffy. The project originated in 2022, when Leeds Museums and Galleries won a European award for its learning programmes. The award itself—a bronze sculpture of Miffy, created by Dick Bruna’s son Marc Bruna—sparked a partnership between Leeds, Mercis, and the Time and Tide Museum to curate this touring exhibition.

The exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the design heritage behind one of the world’s most recognisable characters. Miffy has evolved beyond her origins as a picture book character to become a universal symbol of friendship, innocence and good design. Supported by thousands of licensed products, television series, films, YouTube channels and global exhibitions, Miffy’s legacy continues to delight new generations.

Time and Tide Museum, located in a former herring curing works and smokehouse, provides a fittingly atmospheric setting for this celebration. Opened in 2004, the museum tells the maritime and social history of Great Yarmouth as part of the award-winning Norfolk Museums Service.

Admission prices for Miffy’s 70th Birthday are £8.20 for adults, £7.30 for discounted adults with a paid child ticket, £7.80 for concessions, and £6.90 for children aged 4–18, with under-fours entering free. Disabled visitors can bring a companion at no cost, and twilight tickets—available an hour before closing—are £2.50.

For general information, bookings, or family visits, contact yarmouth.museums@norfolk.gov.uk or visit www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

As Miffy’s 70th Birthday opens its doors this autumn, Great Yarmouth looks set to welcome fans old and new to rediscover the magic of Dick Bruna’s creation. With art, storytelling and interactive play, the Miffy exhibition Great Yarmouth promises a joyful and nostalgic journey into one of the most timeless worlds in children’s literature.

Central Region Senior Club Games Comes to Cambridgeshire

Older residents across Cambridgeshire are being invited to take part in the first-ever Central Region Senior Club Games on 20 October, organised by Better Leisure (GLL), the not-for-profit social enterprise. The event will bring together over-60s for a day of fun, fitness and community connection.

The Central Region Senior Club Games will see teams representing areas including Cambridge, Lincolnshire, Welwyn Hatfield and Rugby compete in accessible sports such as Pickleball, Badminton, Boccia and Archery. It’s all about enjoyment, activity and togetherness, encouraging older adults to stay fit and social.

So far, a dozen residents aged 60 and over have signed up, and organisers are encouraging more to join. Individuals can still enter, either as pairs or on their own, and will be matched with like-minded teammates on the day.

The inaugural Central Region Senior Club Games will take place from 10:00am to 2:00pm at The Hive in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

The schedule promises friendly competition, light-hearted challenges and plenty of opportunities for new connections.

Operating under the Better brand, GLL has been running Senior Club Games in London for 19 years. Louis Green, GLL Community Sport Manager in Cambridge, said: “Billed as the ‘Older Persons’ Olympics’ the games are a popular annual fixture in London, so we’re delighted to be holding our own here.

“The Central Region Senior Club Games aims to bring together those aged 60 plus to take part in a mix of sports competitions, giving them the chance to represent their local leisure centre, make new friends and get active.

“We hope many will take the opportunity to get involved. The sports are accessible to all and participants of all fitness levels are welcome. The games will be lively, but above all, fun. It’s going to be a great day.”

UK’s first burns bus reduces health inequalities

The UK’s first mobile burns unit has treated more than 700 patients in its first six months, helping to close gaps in access to healthcare across the East of England. Nurses from the St Andrew’s Burns Unit, based at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, say the Burns Outreach Bus has already reduced health inequalities by providing at-home care to people who might otherwise struggle to attend appointments.

In total, the bus is estimated to have saved patients around 29,300 miles in travel — equivalent to about 128 flights from London to Paris. Advanced nurse practitioner Sue Boasman, who leads the project, said the service had reached communities across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Kent, and even parts of London.

“The reality is some patients are choosing between feeding their families a hot meal and coming to a burns appointment,” she said. “That’s what they’re feeding back to us.” The Burns Outreach Bus allows nurses to visit people in their homes to change dressings, monitor wounds, and provide recovery advice. Typically, it serves around eight to ten patients per day.

The bus was launched earlier this year as part of a one-year pilot funded by the London and South East Burns Network and the Doris Macer Foundation. It is run by the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees Broomfield Hospital. Chief medical officer Christine Blanshard said the initiative had already made “a real difference” to patients’ lives.

“We are committed to supporting this innovative way of working,” she said. “The service supports people in the wider East of England area and reduces health inequalities by providing burns care for patients who find it hard to travel. We are supporting the team in exploring future options for the service.”

Because burn patients are at high risk of infection, maintaining a sterile and comfortable environment inside the bus was one of the team’s top priorities. “This is the UK’s first burns bus, so we kind of made it up as we went along,” Ms Boasman said. “It’s important that it’s kept clean and that it’s easily cleanable, but we also want patients to feel safe and welcome when they come in for wound care.”

On Tuesday, members of the public were invited to Southend University Hospital to learn more about the bus and its work. Visitors met “Toothless Ted,” a training dummy used to demonstrate burn treatment techniques, and heard from the nurses leading the outreach project. Ms Boasman hopes the bus will continue beyond its initial pilot year, especially after seeing how it has improved access to care for vulnerable groups.

Burns are among the most common forms of trauma worldwide, ranking fourth after road accidents, falls, and violence. The World Health Organization estimates that around 180,000 people die every year from burn-related injuries, most in low- and middle-income countries. In the UK, approximately 250,000 people sustain burn injuries each year. Around 175,000 of them attend emergency departments, and 16,000 require specialist hospital care. The majority — about 90% — are classified as non-complex burns that can be treated outside of hospital settings.

Children are particularly vulnerable: they account for nearly half of all severe burn cases, and those under five make up between 50% and 80% of childhood burns. Burns are the eleventh most common cause of death in children aged one to nine, and the fifth most common cause of non-fatal injury. Certain groups face higher risks — including elderly people, those with mobility issues, or those with cognitive or sensory impairments that make it harder to react quickly to danger.

Complications from burns can range from infection and hypothermia to toxic shock syndrome and long-term scarring. Recovery often requires multiple dressing changes, physiotherapy, and psychological support — services that can be difficult to access for people living far from specialist hospitals. That’s where the Burns Outreach Bus comes in. By bringing treatment directly to patients’ homes, the mobile unit reduces travel costs, improves continuity of care, and lowers the risk of infection for people who are housebound or financially struggling.

It also helps reduce pressure on hospitals, freeing up resources for the most severe or complex burn cases. The NHS team behind the project believes the model could be replicated elsewhere in the UK, not only for burn care but for other types of specialist community healthcare. For now, Ms Boasman and her colleagues are focused on keeping the bus on the road. “We’ve seen firsthand how much this service means to people,” she said. “It’s helping them heal — not just physically, but emotionally, too.”

Norfolk & Suffolk may unite under elected mayor

Norfolk and Suffolk are on the verge of a major transformation in local governance.

Councillors set to vote on 16 October on proposals to transfer powers and funding from Whitehall under the UK government’s Devolution Priority Programme.

If approved by both counties, the two counties would form a combined authority led by a directly elected mayor from May 2026, responsible for steering local priorities in jobs, housing, transport, economic growth, and environmental planning.

The initiative is part of a wider government push following the English Devolution White Paper and the Plan for Change, designed to put more decision-making power into local hands rather than Westminster.

Under the proposals, the mayor and combined authority would oversee local transport, skills and jobs, housing development, economic growth, regeneration, and environmental priorities.

From 2027, responsibilities would expand to include police and crime commissioner and fire and rescue authority functions.

Norfolk County Council leader Councillor Kay Mason Billig said, “The devolution proposals and annual investment fund give us a major opportunity to improve lives in Norfolk and Suffolk, by boosting our economy, jobs, transport and housing. It would enable us to focus on local needs – whether it’s for the types of training required to attract quality jobs, the sites we need to develop for industry and housing and the transport links we need to get the two counties moving.”

Suffolk County Council has already voted to proceed, while Norfolk will make its decision at a special meeting on 16 October. Both councils must approve the plan for it to move forward.

The proposals include a multi-million-pound investment fund guaranteed for 30 years, allowing the new authority to prioritise spending according to local needs. Elected mayoral control brings strategic leadership, faster decision-making, and clear accountability.

Citizens can directly vote for a mayor responsible for regional strategy, ensuring local concerns are communicated to central government, as Jim McMahon OBE MP, former Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution noted: “While devolution can be hard to understand sometimes, the aims of this programme are simple: it puts more money in people’s pockets, leads to quicker, better, cheaper transport, designed with local people in mind and puts politics back in the service of working people.”

The combined authority would also improve coordination between Norfolk and Suffolk councils, streamlining decision-making in two-tier areas. This can accelerate housing approvals, infrastructure projects, and skills investment while targeting funding to meet regional labour market needs.

Having a mayor allows for the kind of directness of policy and tailored political action that can attract and retain key businesses, unlock housing and employment sites, and position the region for long-term growth. Devolution also provides opportunities for further powers and funding in the future.

However, concentrating power in a single office carries risks. Democratic oversight may be challenged if council priorities conflict with the mayor’s agenda. Also financial responsibility also becomes critical, as mismanagement could significantly affect local services. With more power comes significantly more responsibility.

There may also be operational concerns at the executive level. Political dynamics between councillors and the mayor will require negotiation and compromise. Due to democratic considerations of voter numbers some rural areas may benefit less than urban centres. Balancing strategic leadership with local representation will be essential to ensure equitable outcomes.

Lessons from other regions, such as North Yorkshire’s unitarisation in 2023, show that structural reform combined with strong leadership can deliver measurable financial and service improvements.

The government is also simplifying governance nationally, reducing bureaucracy, and inviting councils in two-tier areas to create unitary proposals. This supports mayoral devolution by allowing the mayor to focus on strategic priorities rather than operational matters.

If approved, Norfolk and Suffolk residents could benefit from locally designed transport, expanded housing and industrial development, investment in skills, a strengthened economy, and a more accountable political leadership.

Councillor Billig emphasised that devolution allows a focus on local needs, transport links, and industry and housing sites. The region could become a model for effective, mayor-led governance, demonstrating how strategic leadership, long-term funding, and local decision-making can unlock growth and improve public services, while highlighting both the advantages and challenges of elected mayoral control.

One Year On Since Two Magpies Acquired Hilton Macarons

The East Anglian Two Magpies bakery is celebrating their one-year anniversary of Hilton Macarons ownership.

Following its acquisition by Two Magpies Bakery Group last year, Hilton Macarons has gone from strength to strength with new product launches and a location move.

“Since Hilton Macarons joined the Two Magpies family a year ago, we have really focused our efforts on new product development and growing the brand significantly,” explains Steve Magnall, owner of Hilton Macarons. “Hilton Macarons already had a loyal customer base nationwide, but we have increased this by adding 30 new flavours and introducing the brand into different markets such as the wedding industry.”

In order to better utilize the new partnership and team on site, Suffolk-based Two Magpies closed the brand’s production unit based in Framlingham and moved it next to the Two Magpies Bake School in Darsha – giving Hilton Macarons a bigger space to operate from for further growth.

“Hilton Macarons is a perfect fit for Two Magpies and the acquisition has been lucrative for both brands as a result. Hilton Macarons has worked closely with our expert team to develop new, fun and exciting flavours, launched brand new products and achieved three more Great Taste Awards, giving it a total of 11!” adds Steve, “With the unit now based in Darsham next to the Two Magpies Bake School, we have also been able to launch a macaron masterclass, offering local baking enthusiasts the opportunity to learn the technical skills required to create handmade macarons.”

Rucha Gogte, Pastry Chef and Michelle Wade, new product development manager at Two Magpies

Two Magpies has further supported Hilton Macaron by enhancing its branding, creating corporate and promotional macarons for PR and company events, as well as linking with aligned businesses on collaborations. “This year has all been about expanding the product range and reaching new customers with exciting and innovative products such as our macaron ice cream sandwich and newly developed Christmas macaron wreath. There will be even more of that innovation in the year to come,” adds Steve.

Hilton Macarons produce award winning handmade macarons in Suffolk using only the finest ingredients. Purchased by Two Magpies Bakery Group in 2024, it’s Italian shells are made with free-range eggs, whilst its fillings are comprised of Belgian chocolate, all natural flavours, and contain nothing artificial.

All its macarons are vegetarian and gluten-free, meaning they make a tasty treat for people with a variety of dietary requirements.

For more information on the Bakery, click here.

Norfolk Walking Aid Recycling Scheme Nominated for National Award

A pioneering partnership in Norfolk has been recognised on the national stage, with the Walking Aid Recycling Scheme nominated for the Social Value Award at the National Recycling Awards (NRAs). The initiative brings together Norfolk County Council, the NHS, HM Prison and Probation Service, and Norse Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) to give used walking aids a new lease of life—delivering both environmental and social benefits.

The scheme allows residents to recycle unwanted walking aids at any of Norfolk’s 19 recycling centres. Hospitals including the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and the James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth have already seen hundreds of items returned. The equipment is then transferred to HMP Norwich, where prisoners are trained to refurbish and clean the aids before they are sent back to the NHS for reuse with new patients.

Councillor James Bensly, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “It’s great to see the hard work of our fantastic Recycling Team, in partnership with NEWS, being recognised. This has been a hugely successful initiative which sees three Norfolk institutions working together for the good of the community.”

In just the first nine months, the scheme helped avoid almost 16,000kg of CO2e emissions—the equivalent of driving 29,000 miles. Beyond the environmental gains, the programme provides vital skills training and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates, while ensuring the NHS benefits from a cost-effective, sustainable supply of refurbished equipment. James Laurens, Industries Manager at HMP Norwich, added: “This initiative has been truly transformative. Not only are we giving walking aids a second life, but we’re also helping individuals build the skills and confidence they need for a new start. It’s a win for the community, the environment and rehabilitation.”

The National Recycling Awards, run by Materials Recycling World (MRW), are the UK’s leading celebration of innovation and achievement in the recycling and resource management sector. Categories range from Digital Innovation and Circular Economy Initiative to the Social Value Award, which specifically recognises projects that deliver measurable benefits to communities, improve skills, and demonstrate how business and public services can be a force for good. This year’s awards are supported by a number of industry leaders, including Fairport—the UK’s first and largest specialist in container refurbishment and waste management services.

Fairport, founded over 32 years ago, has grown from a family-run business into a nationwide operator with depots in Lancashire and Somerset, a fleet of 15 specialist HGVs, and more than 100 staff. The company provides a full circular solution for waste management and public sector clients, extending the lifespan of container fleets, improving safety, and reducing environmental impact. Holding triple ISO certification in Quality, Environmental Management, and Occupational Health and Safety, Fairport is recognised as a leader in sustainable waste solutions and innovation.

Walton’s Mountsteven Avenue Community Centre to be sold to pharmacy

A reportedly “under-used” community centre is being sold to enabling a local pharmacy to expand its services and provide improved healthcare access.

Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet approved the disposal of Walton Community Centre on Mountsteven Avenue at a meeting held on Thursday 2 October.

The decision is part of the council’s Localities Assets Review, an ongoing programme launched last year to ensure that its land, buildings and facilities are managed efficiently and provide value for money. The review is designed to ensure that underutilised properties are repurposed or sold, with revenue reinvested in services and facilities that benefit residents.

Walton Community Centre has long been regarded as a local hub. In the past, it hosted meetings, classes and social gatherings. However, usage has declined steadily, with most community services now delivered elsewhere. As attendance fell, the costs of keeping the site operational – including utilities, insurance and maintenance – became disproportionate to the benefits it offered.

Councillor Mohammed Jamil, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Governance, acknowledged the loss of the site while stressing the practical benefits of the move.

He said: “Whilst it’s sad to see the loss of Walton Community Centre, this sale will generate a capital receipt for the council, eliminate ongoing maintenance costs, and result in improved access to primary healthcare for Walton and neighbouring residents.

“Our key aim is that the Localities Review results in sustainable assets that benefit our communities in the long term.”

The centre will be sold to the neighbouring pharmacy. The operator intends to expand into the site, allowing it to increase capacity and deliver new health services to the local community.

The pharmacy is not simply a place to sell over the counter medication and collect prescriptions. It offers a wide range of services including blood pressure checks, free emergency contraception, free COVID-19 lateral flow tests, and support for minor ailments. Maladies such as earache, impetigo, shingles sinusitis, infected insect bites, and urinary tract infections can all be diagnosed and have treatment provided at a pharmacy rather than a GP practice.

Members of the Cabinet were told that the sale represents value for money. The transaction is to be completed with cash funds as an unconditional sale, not subject to planning permission, making transfer much faster.

Independent valuation confirmed that the deal meets legal requirements for best consideration under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The council said the sale removes the risk of vacancy while preventing the building from falling into disrepair, which would incur greater costs. The transformation of the site into an expanded healthcare facility is also expected to support local jobs, strengthen links with NHS services, and keep the site in active community use.

Alternative options were considered, including leasing the property or transferring it to a community organisation. However, these approaches were ultimately declared unfeasible due to the centre’s declining usage and high maintenance requirements.

The sale is one of several outcomes from the Localities Review, which aims to rationalise council property across Peterborough. For Walton, it marks a shift from community space to health hub, a decision shaped by changing needs and the desire to provide long-term benefits for residents