News

An update from our MP:

My team and I have just closed our 10,000th case this month – that’s 10,000 people whose
lives have been made easier because they reached out to my office to ask for support.
Helping people is my favourite part of the job and I will keep on being a voice for the people
of North Norfolk at home and in Westminster on the issues that matter to them.
I have long campaigned for banking hubs for our towns and villages and I was pleased to
open North Norfolk’s first permanent bank hub this week. The hub will give the people of Holt
access to banking services where they live and work, with more banking hubs planned for
North Walsham and for Cromer in the very near future. Essential services like these are
crucial to the success of our independent businesses and I’ll keep campaigning for them to
keep our local economy growing.
Many of my constituents have written to me about their concerns around digital ID and I will
keep raising the issue in Parliament and making their voices heard. I have made it clear to
the government that many of them are anxious about being forced to use digital ID and that
making it mandatory will cause exclusion in my constituency. While there are some benefits
to digital ID, the choice to use it – or not – should always be ours and I’ll keep pressing the
government for answers on how they plan to implement it in a way that works for the
residents of North Norfolk.
I have heard the concerns of residents about the noise that is being created by RAF and
American fighter jets performing manoeuvres over populated residential areas and I have
raised the issue with the Ministry of Defence and have made them aware of the issues that
residents are facing – from hearing loss to traumatised pets and disruption at work. There is
no reason why the training cannot take place off shore over the North Sea where it will have
less of an impact on our communities. The MoD has promised to look at the possibility of
revising training schedules to minimise disruption and I look forward to updating you on the
progress of these changes.
As we’ve hit that 10,000 number this month, I want to remind you how powerful it is when we
work together to solve the issues that impact us the most. Whether that’s fighting to save the
paramedics on bikes service in Wells so that they can provide emergency help this Winter,
or tackling service providers to deliver faster, more reliable broadband so that our small
businesses can thrive – every voice matters.
As always, if there’s anything that my team and I can support you with, please get in touch.
Steff Aquarone
North Norfolk MP

Operation Radium.

The Parish Council has agreed to be part of Norfolk Constabulary Operation Radium
focussed on tracking Courier Fraud.
On extract of their letter outlining the initiative is below.
Should you experience any unusual courier behaviour in delivery or collection you
can notify the Clerk on aldboroughandthurgartonclerk@gmail.com.
Any alerts the PC receives will be posted on the council’s website and Facebook.

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Subject: Operation Radium – Request for Support with Trigger Plan
I am writing to inform you about Operation Radium, a Norfolk Constabulary initiative focused on
tackling courier fraud across the county. We are reaching out to key partner organisations like
yours to request support in helping us raise awareness and protect vulnerable members of the
community.
What is Operation Radium?
Operation Radium is Norfolk Police’s response to the growing threat of courier fraud — a type of
scam where criminals contact victims by phone, pretending to be from trusted organisations such
as the police, government agencies, or banks. Victims are manipulated into withdrawing cash,
purchasing high-value items, or sharing sensitive financial information, often under the false
promise that the money or items will be returned.
These crimes are typically carried out by individuals known as “victim communicators”, who
may operate alone or as part of a wider group (sometimes referred to as a “boiler room”). In some
cases, a courier is sent to collect the money or items — this courier may be knowingly involved or
an unwitting participant.
What is the Trigger Plan?
We are developing a trigger plan to respond quickly when there is a spike in courier fraud
incidents within a specific area over a short period. The aim is to:
 Alert local organisations and services to the increased risk.
 Share key messages with the public to prevent further victimisation.
 Encourage vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity.
When the trigger is activated, Norfolk Police will send out a message containing relevant
information and advice. We are asking for your support in distributing this message to your
networks, including staff, service users, and any other interested parties.

How You Can Help?

Your organisation plays a vital role in the community, and your support could make a real
difference in preventing further harm. We would be grateful if you could:
 Agree to receive trigger alerts from us.
 Share these alerts promptly with your contacts.
 Let us know if you identify any related concerns or incidents.

North Norfolk Local Plan.

The Plan includes a proposal for additional housing.
The Consultation and the Parish Council’s response were published on the website.
The Plan was subject to scrutiny by a government appointed inspector to ensure it
was robust and met additional housing needs. You can view the inspectors report
and findings via this link: -
www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/localplanexamination
Aldborough and Thurgarton is designated a small growth village. Aldborough and
Thurgarton has always featured in the Plan. The change in this plan is for and
increase from a previous plan of 15 new dwellings to 22 with the proposition that
50% are affordable homes.