THETFORD BOUDICA DISTRICT BY-ELECTION

We live in a town with so much potential. It is frustrating our local Councils do not serve us better. Many surrounding areas often look down on our community despite us offering so much historical, commercial and tourism opportunity.

We live in a beautiful area, which is just yearning for a voice. Yet nothing gets done and those opportunities are wasted. We need the right people to help unlock it. That’s why I am standing to be your District Councillor.

My name is Terry Land, I am 62-years-old, married to Jane and retired from work around two years ago. My hobbies include walking around Thetford, looking after our garden and watching my football team.

Having worked for many years as a journalist, I enjoyed writing a column for a local Thetford community magazine detailing my local walks.

We moved here immediately following the first Covid lockdown and both feel that we have landed in a real gem. As well as some lovely scenery, we have met more than our fair share of caring and inspirational people.

I feel privileged to volunteer, working for the Community Shop in the Charles Burrell Centre and I join litter picking teams around the town in an effort to at least reduce a bit the longstanding problem of untidy neighbourhoods.

Over the past few weeks, members of the Thetford Labour Team which I am pleased to be a part of, have been knocking on doors across the Boudica Ward chatting with residents about their concerns.

It is this level of connection and understanding I believe would make me a good District Councillor were I to be elected.

On all my election literature I include an email address as well as my personal phone number so that I can always be contactable and I intend to be fully accountable to you the electorate.

From the conversations that I have had with residents over the past few weeks, I know that many residents are exasperated at both fly tipping and general litter.

There are concerns too about the lack of care of our communities with weeds poking out everywhere and garage blocks left derelict. The relationship between Norfolk County Council, Breckland Council and Thetford Town Council seems almost designed to fail as cheques get pushed around without accountability.

Communities need cleaner streets, not more talk.

I will continue to put time into getting out and about over the next few weeks to talk to residents but if you have a specific question or want to know more about me or my priorities, please do not hesitate to contact me.