A Breckland School student met with local politicians today, Friday 15th May, about proposals aimed at improving road safety outside the school.

Louisa Silkstone held discussions with Nick Timothy, Member of Parliament for West Suffolk, and Tim Kent, the newly elected Suffolk County Councillor for Brandon, to outline her ideas for making the road outside the school safer for pupils and families. She was joined at the meeting by her friends Noemi and Sarah, who are also supporting the initiative.

The campaign, which was launched by Louisa earlier this year, is calling for the speed limit outside the school to be reduced from 30mph to 20mph, alongside improvements to make crossing the road safer for students travelling to and from school.

The discussion focused on the next steps, gathering support, and identifying what evidence would be needed to help move the proposals forward. Both Mr Timothy and Mr Kent backed the ideas and offered advice on how they could progress further.

As part of the plans, evidence will now be gathered during school pick-up times and passed on to Suffolk County Council alongside a petition which has already received more than 200 signatures.

The meeting was organised by school governor Mr Hawkins, with Mrs Irlam and Mrs Taylor also attending in support of the students and their efforts.

Mr Chapman, headteacher at Breckland School, said: “As a school, we are extremely proud of Louisa for raising this matter and for engaging the student leadership team in developing an appropriate response.

“Her collaborative approach, and the manner in which she has led and embedded this work across our community, reflect exemplary leadership.”

You can sign the petition here

Tim Kent has been elected as Suffolk County Councillor for Brandon after securing 42.8% of the vote in Thursday’s election.

Voters across the division went to the polls on Thursday 7th May 2026, with turnout recorded at 38.23% and a total of 3,335 ballots cast.

The Brandon seat was contested by seven candidates, with the full results declared as follows:

• Tony Blacker (Labour) – 150 votes (4.5%)
• Wayne Bland (Independent) – 212 votes (6.4%)
• Tim Kent (Reform UK) – 1,427 votes (42.8%)
• Victor Lukaniuk (Independent) – 492 votes (14.8%)
• David Palmer (Conservative) – 564 votes (16.9%)
• Gemma Raymond (Green Party) – 387 votes (11.6%)
• Adam Robertson (Liberal Democrat) – 103 votes (3.1%)

After the votes were counted, Tim finished comfortably ahead of the field to take the seat on Suffolk County Council.

The result will see him represent Brandon on key issues including local roads, education and social care as part of the authority’s decision-making body.

Following the result, Tim said: “I was delighted to receive the support of the residents of the Brandon electoral division. The majority is greater than I could have hoped for.

“I would like to thank West Suffolk Reform UK and our local members for their support, my wife and friends for their encouragement and of course everyone who has trusted me with their vote. The Reform UK majority in Suffolk should ensure we can start our long journey for change.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Victor Lukaniuk for his years of service to the Town and County and also to all candidates who put themselves up for election.”

The owner of the Brandon House Hotel was sentenced at Norwich Magistrates’ Court today, 27th February 2026, for a series of serious fire safety breaches.

Andrew Rose, a Brandon resident, was fined £27,000 and ordered to pay £6,858.99 in costs, totalling £33,858.99.

The case began when Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) Protection Team carried out a visit to the hotel on 17th April 2024 during refurbishment works and found that paying guests were being accommodated overnight. This was despite an earlier fire risk assessment stating that no one should sleep on the premises until the works were completed.

As a result of the unsafe conditions and the failure to follow fire safety guidance, protection officers issued a Prohibition Notice preventing anyone from sleeping at the premises, and an Enforcement Notice requiring several deficiencies to be addressed.

The breaches he was sentenced for were:

• A fire alarm system displaying faults and not in working order
• An obstructed fire exit
• Breaches in fire-resistant construction affecting protected escape routes
• Inadequate fire safety signage
• An inadequate fire evacuation plan

At an earlier hearing on 11th August last year at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court, Mr Rose pleaded guilty to all five offences. Sentencing had originally been scheduled for 7th November 2025 but was postponed to today’s hearing.

Allie O’Neill, Area Manager for Protection and Prevention at SFRS, said: “Fire safety laws exist to protect lives. By ignoring professional advice and allowing guests to stay in a building with such serious safety failings, Mr Rose put their safety at significant risk.

“We will always take enforcement action where necessary to keep people safe.”

Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer at SFRS, added: “This case underlines why fire safety regulations must be taken seriously and enforced robustly when ignored.

“I commend the Protection Team for their persistence, professionalism, and swift action in protecting the public from potential harm.”

Both the Prohibition and Enforcement Notices have now been complied with.

A man has been charged following an incident involving armed police on Yew Drive in Brandon yesterday.

Officers were called to a block of flats just before 10:10pm yesterday, Wednesday 28th January, to reports of a man making threats to harm himself and others.

When police arrived the man made threats towards officers and threatened to harm himself.

Armed police, negotiators as well as ambulance and fire crew responded to the incident, which was safely resolved after 11 hours – by approximately 9am the following day, Thursday 29th January.

A man aged in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and has been taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Adam Moran, of Yew Drive in Brandon, has now been charged with sending communication threatening death or serious harm.

He is due to appear before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 30th January.

A planning bid to install a seasonal wedding marquee and riverside gazebo at Bridge Hotel in Brandon has been refused – but the owners say the decision is far from the end of the road. Instead, they insist the refusal will help them return with a stronger, more refined application in the near future.

Owner Matt Arnold said the family had anticipated the outcome and deliberately allowed the process to run its course after seeking informal advice from the team at Shepherds Baa in Lynford – a café that, having faced its own planning battles, has first-hand experience of how challenging rural applications can be. He said the refusal had effectively provided “a checklist” of improvements needed for the resubmission.

In a statement released following the decision, Mr Arnold said:

“When our recent planning application for a seasonal wedding marquee and riverside gazebo was refused, some might have expected frustration. In reality, we welcomed it. After taking expert advice from the fantastic team at Shepherds Baa in Lynford – veterans of planning challenges – we let the application run its course. A refusal, they noted, provides the most accurate checklist of what needs addressing for a successful approval next time. And that’s exactly what we now have.

“But the process also brought a few misconceptions to the surface – particularly from a tiny handful of objectors – and a couple of those deserve clarification.

“One claim suggested we were planning gatherings of 200 to 400 people, as though we intended to host a festival on the banks of the Little Ouse. The truth is far simpler: our maximum wedding size is 80 guests. Not 400. Not 200. Eighty. It’s a limit we set ourselves because an intimate scale suits the gardens, the atmosphere, and the experience we want to offer local couples.

“And we understand this market. Every year we welcome hundreds of guests attending weddings at the brilliant Hockwold Hall – a venue we admire enormously. Our aim is simply to provide a more affordable, local alternative for brides and families who want beauty without the premium price tag.

“For long-time Brandon residents, weddings at Riverside Lodge evoke memories of my parents, Don and Chris Arnold, who for years hosted receptions in our gardens purely for the love of the community. They hardly made a penny from them – it was simply their way of giving back. Now in their late 80s, they remain central to everything we do and still refuse to take wages, preferring to help steward the family business that has grown from those early days.

“Together, we’re now planning further landscaping within Riverside Lodge’s gardens so that, in time, we can offer wedding settings on either side of the river we’re so lucky to own and protect.

“Because of their decades of service – from my mum leading the resurfacing of the town tennis courts to my dad’s tireless work on the Playing Fields Committee and his proud involvement with Thetford Singers – it hurts them deeply when a tiny minority directs negativity our way. But the overwhelming support from the wider community is what keeps us moving forward.

“The family now intends to revise and resubmit the application, addressing the issues raised by planners in the refusal notice. While it remains unclear how the planning authority will view a revised proposal, we are committed to working through every concern to secure a small-scale, locally focused wedding venue they believe would benefit the town.

“For those with long memories, my journey in Brandon’s food scene began at The Peacock Grill Bar and Restaurant in the 1980s. Back then, I was a young chef turning out steaks and burgers before leaving the town in 1983 to pursue a career that eventually took me to ITV and GMTV. Today, that site thrives as Ali’s Kebabs, a testament to the enduring culinary spirit of the area – and a reminder that our town’s food culture has deep roots.

“After returning to Brandon in 2010, I dedicated four years to planning the relaunch of the Bridge Hotel, combining my experience in hospitality and media to transform the site into the vibrant community hub it is today.

“Our journey has also been shaped by the incredible people who’ve supported us over the years. When we opened our Brewery House annexe in 2017, we were honoured to welcome Fiona Phillips – one of Britain’s best-loved television presenters – to officially launch it. She arrived with her husband, Martin Frizell, my former boss at GMTV and later the long-standing editor of This Morning.

“Their presence wasn’t about celebrity sparkle; it was a testament to enduring friendships and their belief in what we were building here in Brandon.

“When I relaunched the Bridge Hotel in 2014 – following a career that took me from Royal Navy pilot training to ITV and GMTV – the staff list was short. I was the breakfast chef. Silvia, now our exceptional manager, was the cleaner. That was it.

“A decade on, we proudly employ between 13 and 16 local people – a team who have become extended family. Their dedication to service, food quality, and immaculate rooms has driven our reputation to new heights.

“The financial impact is significant. When we began, the old Bridge House B&B turned over about £60,000 a year. Today, we’ve grown eightfold, surpassing half a million in one recent year – with more than £150,000 annually flowing directly into the pockets of local staff and, in turn, into local businesses.

“These aren’t figures for bragging; they are a clear indicator of the vital part this business plays in Brandon’s economy.

“The riverside has always been the soul of our site – and the community has embraced it wholeheartedly. Walkers, cyclists, paddle boarders, wild swimmers, and families all use our gardens and river access as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Little Ouse.

“Our Riverside Café has become a vibrant hub over the past two summers, and with chef Danny Coates – who juggles our now-famous “heroic” hotel breakfasts with his acclaimed Fuego pop-ups – Sundays have become a social ritual. Locals arrive for relaxed walk-up breakfasts, often with visiting friends and family, and frequently linger long after the last plate is cleared.

“Because community matters more than commerce, we’re perfectly happy for families to bring their own picnics to enjoy by the river in fair weather. Of course, we hope people might enjoy a fresh coffee or a drink from the bar – but it’s never a requirement. What matters is that people feel welcome on the land we are privileged to care for.

“Looking ahead, once our marquee planning is approved, we hope to create a brand-new hardstanding area beneath it – whichever riverside site becomes preferred. Not only will this give the marquee a perfectly level base, but during the months when the marquee isn’t in use, the space could become a Padel court: a brand-new facility for the town to enjoy.

“We have always believed The Bridge Hotel should be more than a business. It should be a hub, a gathering place, and a warm welcome to the town itself.

“And while a small minority may persist in trying to disrupt the progress of a legitimate, hard-working, and deeply rooted local enterprise, their voices don’t represent the community we serve – or the future we’re building.

“We will continue to grow. We will continue to invest. And we will continue to make Brandon proud.

“After all, that has always been the heart of this family’s mission – from Don and Chris’s garden weddings at Riverside Lodge, to our staff today, to every visitor who crosses the bridge that gives the hotel its name.”

Brandon Town Council opposed the planning application, stating the following reasons:

• Over development of site within Brandon’s Heritage Asset
• Marquee will obscure an important view
• Insufficient parking for a marquee that has potential to hold 200-400 people
• Unsuitable adjacent to residential properties with regard to noise, disturbance, antisocial
  behaviour and loss of amenity

Cllr Wayne Bland was one of the most vocal to oppose the plans, as both a councillor and nearby resident, giving the following reasons among 6 pages of comments:

• The proposed development is within Brandon’s conservation area and heritage asset, it is also within a designated important view
• The site is simply a bed and breakfast despite being named a hotel and is not suitable for events given its location as it is surrounded by residential properties, a pub, campsite and hotel, the noise and anti social behaviour, along with loss of amenity, would be considerable
• The large marquee has already been erected, without permission, and used for an event, before WSC Enforcement ordered it removed, the noise from the event was unbearable
• The small marquee has been permanently erected and used since April 2024, under permitted development, despite the fact it is not class G compliant as it is over 3m in height
• The marquees and toilet block are clearly for weddings and events, these have large numbers of people and can go on late into the night
• At 20m long, 9m wide and nearly 6m high the large marquee will be an overpowering eyesore within Brandon’s important view and conservation area
• The toilet block is placed under a tree, the pads and posts will require excavation through the root zone … Place Services have failed to consider the water and electricity supplies to the block itself
• The toilet block encroaches onto the existing carpark
• How does this Application test against NPPF Paragraph 208? Associated works on a Planning Application proposal is open to exploitation … it would give the applicant permission to carry out anything they want and claim it as associated works

Other comments from residents included:

• I also feel that the toilet block is a safety concern due to its style and an opportunity for the wrong type of people to misuse it for drugs and crimes against others.
• With up to 400 people able to attend events on a very small site where are they all going to park … are we not only to suffer from the extreme noise but people parking all up the high street blocking access to our homes
• This site is massively over developed even at this stage and adding to it and potentially cramming up to 300 plus people into such a small space is irresponsible
• I have seen this large marquee in position and it is shocking. I do not agree with something like this which will be used for events being used in close proximity to residential properties, it will give rise to serious loss of amenity
• I don’t see how the toilet block and all the services can be installed without killing the tree which is
  in a conservation area

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Weeting at the weekend.

It happened at around 5.30pm, on Saturday 8th November on the B1106 (Lynn Road) when a blue Dacia Duster collided with a child pedestrian.

The road was closed while emergency services, including ambulance and air ambulance, attended the scene.

The child, a girl, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with life threatening injuries. Sadly, she has now died.

The road reopened at 3am on Sunday 9th November.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have any relevant dashcam footage. The driver is assisting police with their enquiries.

Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch quoting reference NC-08112025-345 via the website at www.norfolk.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/, email to SCIU@norfolk.police.uk or by calling 101.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Brandon in Bloom has once again struck gold at the prestigious Britain in Bloom awards, maintaining its Gold standard and taking home top honours in the Town category.

The group was one of six finalists in its category and among 44 finalists nationwide competing across all sections of the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship competition.

Adding to the celebrations, Brandon in Bloom director Rachel Sobiechowski received a Community Champion Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to the group and the wider community.

Gary Brocklehurst, fellow director of Brandon in Bloom, said: “It’s fantastic to have maintained our Gold standard again this year, and even more special that, for a second awards ceremony running, one of our members has been recognised as a Community Champion.”

Rachel Sobiechowski said the day had been an emotional one: “I’m completely overwhelmed by today’s event – it was such a special experience and a huge surprise to receive a Community Champion Award. I’ve shed more than a few tears!

“My heartfelt thanks go to all our volunteers and my fellow directors – none of what we do would be possible without each and every one of these wonderful people.”

The group previously won Gold in the 2023 Britain in Bloom awards and continues to be recognised for its dedication to enhancing the town’s environment, promoting sustainability, and bringing the community together through horticulture.

Brandon in Bloom volunteers are celebrating another remarkable achievement after securing their fifth consecutive Gold Award in the Town category at this year’s Anglia in Bloom Awards.

Eight dedicated volunteers travelled to Burgess Hall in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday 4th September to represent the town at the prestigious ceremony.

Hosted by radio presenters Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt, the annual event shines a spotlight on excellence in horticulture, sustainability, and community pride across the Anglia region.

The day began with the Virtual Awards, which recognise achievements in areas such as cemeteries, public parks, and hotels through photographic submissions. Brandon did not put forward entries in these categories this year, but the group is encouraging local organisations and businesses to consider getting involved in the future.

Attention then turned to the Special Awards – categories that cannot be entered but are chosen directly by the judges, making each nomination both unexpected and highly valued. Brandon was shortlisted in three of these awards:

• Area for Wildlife: Wellington Close
• Sustainable Planting: Fred’s Green Wall
• 30 Years of Anglia in Bloom: Parading Parasols

These nominations reflect the breadth of Brandon in Bloom’s work, from supporting local biodiversity and promoting sustainable planting to bringing creativity and colour to public spaces.

The highlight of the ceremony came when Brandon once again struck Gold in the Town category, reaffirming its reputation for consistent excellence year after year.

Adding further cause for celebration, long-serving volunteer Mick Flack was presented with the George Dawson Award, a special recognition of his outstanding commitment to the bloom initiative.

Alongside the awards, guests enjoyed a light lunch, raffle, and the chance to share ideas and experiences with other bloom groups. Dunstable in Bloom took home the overall title of Anglia in Bloom 2025 winner, while Oxburgh Estate was named Best Newcomer.

Looking to the months ahead, Brandon will play host to the Autumn Seminar on 13th November at The Harvest Centre. The event will welcome participants from six counties, provide feedback from judges, and reveal results for Brandon’s 15 It’s Your Neighbourhood entries.

But first, attention turns to the national stage, where Brandon will proudly represent the town at the Britain in Bloom Awards in Brighton on 31st October.

A man who was discovered hiding in a roof space has been jailed for his role in a large cannabis factory in Brandon.

Police raided an address in Twickenham Avenue on Monday 28th July and uncovered 1,209 cannabis plants being cultivated inside the property.

Arben Meta, 24, of no fixed address, was found concealed in a box within the roof lining when officers searched the building. He was arrested at the scene and later charged with cultivating cannabis.

Meta was also detained on suspicion of assault with intent to resist arrest and assaulting a police officer. He was released under investigation for those matters while enquiries continue.

Appearing before Ipswich Crown Court on Wednesday 27th August, Meta pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. He was sentenced to 14 months in prison and ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Moore said: “This conviction is the result of the discovery of a substantial grow, after police acted on intelligence from the community.

“This was an operation on an industrial scale, and the sentence demonstrates that the courts will not tolerate this type of offending.”

A second man, Arlina Laci, 37, of Sugden Way, Barking, was also arrested in connection with the incident. He was later charged with cultivating cannabis but pleaded not guilty. Laci has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on 15th January.

Breckland School is celebrating a year of excellent GCSE results, with students achieving top grades across a wide range of subjects.

Among the standout performances was Natan Zadworny, who achieved Grade 9s in Maths, Science and Computer Science. Natan will go on to study Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Abbeygate Sixth Form with hopes of a future career in nuclear engineering.

Harriet Gibson-Manser secured strong Grade 8s in English, Maths and PE. She is looking forward to continuing her studies in Geography, French and Environmental Sciences at Abbeygate, with ambitions to pursue a degree in Environmental Sciences and work in conservation overseas.

Cullen Ashford also excelled, achieving Grade 9s in English and French as well as Grade 8s in Maths, Science and Geography. Other high achievers included Abigail Goldsmith and Leonie Burrows, who both received Grade 9s in Textiles, and Layla Wharf, who earned a Grade 9 in Art.

Student Harry Robinson reflected on his results, saying: “I have chosen to study A Levels in Geography, Business and PE, but now I am considering also studying English with my Grade 9 result today.”

The school highlighted significant progress across a broad range of subjects this year, with particular gains in Art, Drama, Music, Computer Science, French, Geography and English.

Deputy Headteacher Mrs Culley-Tea praised the students’ efforts, saying: “We are absolutely thrilled with the class of 2025 and the host of success stories. These results are a true reflection of their unwavering dedication, resilience and incredible focus. The school continues to be ambitious for our future generations.”

Headteachers and staff thanked families and the wider Brandon community for their ongoing support, adding that the results reaffirm Breckland School’s commitment to providing education the town and surrounding villages can be proud of.