RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION FORMED FOR VILLAGE MARSHLAND ST JAMES: A residents association has been formed for the people of a Fenland village, after funding was provided by West Norfolk Borough Council. The Marshland Residents Association will cover the

RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION FORMED FOR VILLAGE

MARSHLAND ST JAMES: A residents association has been formed for the people of a Fenland village, after funding was provided by West Norfolk Borough Council.

The Marshland Residents Association will cover the village and outlying areas of the parish, and a committee has been appointed to administer its running.

West Norfolk councillor David Markinson said the new group will be an integral part of a new vision for the parish.

Cllr Markinson said: "This is something that is badly needed and long overdue. People are desperate to have a say in village affairs and at present there is nowhere that can happen.

"A great deal of improvement is needed in this area and this new residents association will be one of the major delivery vehicles used to achieve that goal. It will act as an agent for project funding, work towards improvements in the village and have a strong voice in future planning.

"Local people will be able to meet and raise their concerns, and be able to communicate directly to West Norfolk Council through their ward representative. It will offer an excellent opportunity in accordance with the current push towards community engagement."

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STAFF AND PUPILS AT SCHOOL PRAISED BY OFSTED

WHITTLESEY: Pupils enjoy their education at New road Primary School in Whittlesey and feel safe and secure, according to Ofsted.

An inspector from the Office for Standards in Education praised the excellent relationships between staff and pupils and the strong pastoral support of the head teacher.

His report said: "The pupils enjoy their education and they feel safe and secure. This is because the staff are very caring and ensures that there is effective promotion of good personal development and well-being."

He said the teachers in all four classes had good knowledge of the subjects they teach and managed pupils well. He particularly praised the provision and achievement of children in the Foundation Stage.

Pupils were highlighted for their good behaviour and attitudes to school. He said: "Pupils are happy and well motivated. They enjoy school and show much respect for adults. Their polite attitudes and their good and outstanding behaviour make the school a pleasant and purposeful place."

The inspector said head teacher Roger High ensured the school ran smoothly. The report said: "His caring attitude to pupils and parents is appreciated by the whole school community. He provides strong pastoral support and recent improvements in provision demonstrate the school's commitment to raising standards."

COLLEGE'S PLANNED NEW CAMPUSES WILL STILL GO AHEAD, DESPITE PLANNING SETBACK

FELAND: College bosses last night said a planning setback would not derail hopes of building two new campuses in King's Lynn and the Fens.

The College of West Anglia wants to develop new centres on the Nar Ouse Regeneration Area and the outskirts of March, to bring student facilities into the 21st Century.

The £100m scheme, which is the biggest of its kind currently under way in the country, would greatly boost degree course provision in Lynn.

To fund it, the college plans to develop its current sites in Lynn and Wisbech for housing. But an application to develop the former Isle College site, off Ramnoth Road in Wisbech, has been deferred.

Planners recommended approving an outline application to build 500 homes on the site. But councillors heard the scheme did not include a community hall to replace the current 300-seat Isle College Hall, which is the biggest venue of its kind in Wisbech.

Last night a COWA spokesman said: "The College's planning application for the redevelopment of the current Isle Campus site has been turned down due to Fenland District Council's wish for us to include provision for a community hall within the plans as previously the Isle campus's hall has been used for public events.

"The College has, within its overall project plan, allowed a period of time for the planning process which takes in to account the possibility of the initial planning application being turned down. Therefore, we are confident that this delay will not adversely affect the overall project plans."

CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT AT DENTAL PRACTICE OPENS UP FURTHER 3,000 NHS PLACES

WISBECH: A further 3,000 NHS dental places have been made available at a Wisbech dental practice, after a change of management.

Joan Hornett Dental Practice in Exchange Square has been taken over by Drs D & K Keshwara.

The practice has been completely refurbished, incorporating state-of-the-art dental equipment with the highest standards of cross infection control and sterilisation facilities. An expansion from one surgery to three means the practice offers a further 3,000 NHS places.

The clinic offers a number of new services for its patients including laser tooth whitening, hygienist services, facial rejuvenation, oral surgery, sedation and Saturday appointments. The practice also offers an optional monthly insurance plan and patients can register privately to receive premium treatment.

To register at the practice, and to make an appointment, contact 01945 581242.

TEENAGER HAS CASH STOLEN AFTER BEING STRUCK OVER HEAD WITH BOTTLE

WISBECH: A teenager was struck over the head with a bottle and then robbed as he walked through a park in Wisbech.

The 17-year-old from Wisbech was crossing the green area in Alexandra Road from the direction of St Peters Road towards Queens Road, when he passed a group of about seven men who were drinking.

A short while later he was approached from behind and struck over the head with a bottle. He was knocked unconscious and had cash stolen from him.

The attack happened at around 8.30pm on Monday April 28.

Investigating officer Sergeant Dave York said: "I am appealing for anyone with information about the robbery to come forward. I would particularly like to hear from anyone who was in the park at the time."

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt York at Wisbech Police Station, Tel 0845 456 4564.

CHARITY TO HOLD PARTY AND QUIZ TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

FENLAND: The Fenland Project of Peterborough and Fenland Mind is working together with National Mind Week which begins on Monday.

The theme of Mind Week 2008 is poverty, debt and mental health. Research shows that debt can have a negative impact on a person's mental health in terms of anxiety, stress, depression, self harm and suicidal thoughts.

For people with mental health problems who are also experiencing problems with debt, the services and support they often receive can be sub-standard and sometimes discriminatory.

To raise awareness of these issues a red party and red quiz are being organised at the Resource Centre in March. There will also be a display in the centre of useful organisations and contact details for people experiencing these sorts of problems.

If you would like more information on Mind or would like to become a volunteer, call 01354 658058.