A Profile of Thetford - Keystone Development Trust€¦ · deprivation” which stands out starkly...

A Profile of Thetford

August 2004

Compiled by Corah Carney

Keystone Development Trust

A Thetford Profile

Introduction by Neil Stott, Chief Executive of Keystone Development Trust Welcome to the Thetford profile, a comprehensive and informative digest of local data. I hope you find the profile interesting and useful. Thetford faces many challenges, illustrated by the data contained in the profile – but numerous organisation and local people are working hard to build on Thetford’s many assets and regenerate the town, Thetford is changing. Since the 2001 Census there has been a significant amount of new housing built, investment in local infrastructure, major European investment in social and economic activity and new services and activities springing up – and a real will to make Thetford a better place to live, work, study and visit. Working together we can make a real difference.

Neil Stott Chief Executive


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A Thetford Profile

Purpose of The Thetford Profile The main purpose of compiling this document of current information is to provide a single source for much of the information about the Thetford area. In addition it provides an opportunity to highlight the common links between data sets and allows the user access to a unique compilation of data relating to the area. When viewed as a whole it also provides a fascinating insight into the area. It can also support both proposals and decisions for improvements. As with any data however, it is a snapshot, limited to a point in time and by the data available. The data is in this document has been collated from a variety of sources, the main one being the 2001 Census data from the Office of National Statistics Web-site. There are also many individuals and organisations who have contributed information and figures. Caution should be taken however, when comparing data from the 2001 census with the 1991 census as the ward boundaries changed in 2001 and this would lead to inaccurate comparisons.

Corah Carney Health Development Officer

August 2004

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A Thetford Profile

INDEX

Section Page(s) Executive Summary. …………………………………………………. 4 - 5 Keystone Development Trust 6 -11 Section 1 – Demographics of The Thetford Area………………… 12 - 23

Section 2 – Indices of Deprivation…………………………………... 24 - 33 Section 3 – Employment……………………………………………... 34 - 44 Section 4 – Education & Training…………………………………… 45 - 51 Section 5 – Health…………………………………………………….. 52 - 70 Section 6 – Housing…………………………………………………... 71 - 78 Section 7 – Crime & Disorder………………………………………... 79 - 90 Section 8 – The Thetford Community……………………………… 91 - 99 Section 9 – The Thetford Environment……………………………. 100 - 112 Section 10 – Thetford’s Culture & Heritage……………………….. 113 - 124 Bibliography……………………………...……………………………. 125 - 127 Glossary......................................................................................... 128 - 129 Acknowledgements........................................................................ 130

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A Thetford Profile

Executive Summary Thetford is in many ways different from other parts of Norfolk. Significantly enlarged by migration from London, the local population increased fourfold between 1958 and 1980. This has now created a mixed identity which is quite different from its surrounding areas of Breckland. Situated some 30 miles from Cambridge and Norwich, it is said that Thetford is “an island of deprivation” which stands out starkly in its rural Norfolk setting. Its population is big enough to display some features associated with urban disadvantage but it is not big enough to have the knowledge, experience or critical mass to solve its own problems. It depends on collaboration with a host of different partners to provide a sufficient range of opportunities to meet the needs of its population. There are a number of socio-economic issues highlighted in Thetford: 25% of the population is under 16 years compared to the national average

of 17%. The wards of Thetford-Abbey and Thetford-Saxon have twice the Norfolk

average for the percentage of households consisting of lone parents living with dependent children

Three out of the 4 Thetford wards are in the top quintile of most deprived

wards nationally. Educational standards are very low with 12% of students in 2000 obtaining

no GCSE passes at all compared to the national average of 5.4%. The 2001 census shows that only 9% of people in Thetford have achieved

a level 4/5 qualification (first degree and above) compared to 20% in England.

Two out of four wards have over 40% of people between 16-74 with no

qualifications.

Only 2% in Abbey ward are employed in higher managerial posts compared to the national average of 9% whilst 39% are employed in routine or semi-routine posts compared to the national average of 21%.

Child health is a major concern as it has the highest number of children on the Child Protection Register for its size of population in the whole of Norfolk. There is a high rate of teenage pregnancy and anecdotally, there are said to be large problems associated with substance misuse.

Low aspirations and low self-esteem are frequently reported in reviews about Thetford.

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A Thetford Profile

However, Residents in the Southern Norfolk area generally have better health than

average with longer than normal life expectancy. Deaths from Cancers and Coronary Heart Disease are lower than the

average but accidents are a major cause of death, especially on the roads. Thetford’s location is to be envied. Set in the heart of the Breckland

countryside, it has many hectares of unspoilt forest and many SSSI and nature sites.

Thetford’s intriguing history, full of ancient sites and hidden treasures, is

set to provide an excellent centre for tourists.

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A Thetford Profile

KEYSTONE DEVELOPMENT TRUST (KDT) Keystone became a Development Trust on the 1st April 2003. It is a Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. Keystone has an active web-site on www.keystonetrust.org.uk. Keystone also has a trading social enterprise–Keystone Development Services. KDT was established to provide long term regeneration work in a community controlled legal entity, which had the ability to own and manage assets and trading companies. This will ensure long term sustainable investment to complement public funded regeneration programmes and grants from Trusts, local authorities and fundraising. KDT has a growing membership of over 500 partner organisations and individual members who elect a Board of 8 elected members and 7 appointed Trustees making a total of 15. KDT has a Trust Management Team consisting of a Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Business Development and five senior managers. KDT is the accountable and implementation body for the SRB6 scheme until completion in 2006. It is also the implementation body for the Keystone element of the European Objective 2 scheme (2003 – 2008) and the delivery agent for a number of partnership projects. The Vision Keystone Development Trust’s vision is; ‘To improve the quality of life and opportunities for people who live, study and work in the Keystone area through sustainable, community led regeneration. Working closely with partner organisations and communities, Keystone aims to ensure that the area is safe, healthy, inclusive, socially and economically vibrant.’ The vision is underpinned by the following key principles; We will invest in community capital; the collective skills, knowledge,

experience, facilities and organisations which ensure greater returns in the quality of life for all.

We will encourage economic self-sufficiency, local ownership and economic growth.

We will encourage all communities to participate in local civic life We will prioritise those individuals, groups and communities who

experience disadvantage or social exclusion We will always try to achieve value for money, maintain and develop the

best management and planning practises, and ensure all Keystones’ projects are monitored and evaluated.

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http://www.keystonetrust.org.uk/

A Thetford Profile

Trust Aims Keystone Development Trust’s aims are built around a community capital model. Community capital is a key concept for the Trust. Many communities experience the positive and negative consequences of social, economic and technological change and often feel powerless to address global economic forces which are driving change – particularly communities which have been worst hit. Building community capital is about ‘empowering’ individuals, groups and communities to tackle their own needs and issues, create their own solutions, organisations or enterprises. Anchoring community capital is about creating sustainable opportunities (i.e. training, jobs) in social (or commonly owned and managed) assets or enterprises. Keystone’s aims are; ‘To build community capital, the collective skills, knowledge, experience, facilities and organisations which ensure greater returns in the quality of life for all, and to anchor community capital locally to ensure sustainable returns. To build social capital by assisting individuals, groups, communities and

networks to identify their own needs, assets, issues and develop sustainable strategies.

To build human/personal capital by developing opportunities to learn and

apply new skills and knowledge. To build financial capital by maximising individual, group and community

income and assets, and investing in local social enterprises To build environmental capital by sustaining and utilising environmental

assets To build physical capital by investing in facilities amenities and

infrastructure To build cultural capital by developing cultural opportunities and

infrastructure.’ KDT in partnership with Anglia Polytechnic University is further developing the community capital model to provide a tool for needs assessments and planning, monitoring and evaluating the Trust’s work.

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A Thetford Profile

Trust Strategic Priorities & Targets 2004 - 2008. KDT has adopted five overarching strategic priorities with accompanying actions and performance targets. The Trust’s strategic priorities are; 1. To extend and deepen member and community engagement. 2. To deliver all funded programmes to the agreed quality, timescale and

outputs. 3. To deliver high quality, respected services. 4. To develop and secure resources for new community driven services and

social enterprises to meet identified need. 5. To develop a mixed income steam to ensure the sustainability of the Trust

and key services. The strategic performance targets to be met by 2008 are; To have at least 1000 members. To have completed a Keystone Area Community Plan 2005 -2010. To have received an excellent external evaluation of the SRB6

programme. To have received an excellent interim evaluation of the European

Objective 2 programme. To achieve a consistent satisfaction rate of 80% of all participants in all

services, projects and events. To have developed at least 20 community projects. To have developed at least 5 social enterprises who are breaking even or

making a surplus. To have secured at least £500,000 additional funds (over and above

existing SRB and European funds) 2004 -2008 through fundraising, partnership bids, grants etc.

To have an annual trading and net income of at least £200,000 by 2007 to be reinvested in Trust services.

The key activities to meet Trust priorities and targets are detailed in the section below. Trust Objectives Keystone’s objectives are; 1. To promote, support and invest in community development 2. To develop a vibrant social enterprise sector in the Keystone area 3. To support business and local economic development

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A Thetford Profile

4. To develop KDT businesses to reinvest in community development, social enterprises and ensure the sustainability of Keystone, as well as fundraising and grant bids.

5. To ensure KDT reaches the highest performance standards and value for

money.

Keystone will achieve its objectives by; Developing strong relationships between individuals, groups and

organisations which serve them. Developing and hosting partnerships to deliver projects and regeneration

programmes Developing the capacity of community groups and voluntary organisations

to deliver their own services and projects Provide an ‘umbrella’ for emerging/ small community organisations through

Keystone’s charitable status Provide community funds Developing social and community businesses to provide training,

experience, jobs Commissioning services Manage contracts on behalf of other organisations Supporting and developing local businesses Developing Keystone’s services to meet identified needs Developing Keystone social enterprises/ businesses to ensure the

sustainability of Keystone

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A Thetford Profile

BACKGROUND TO THE KEYSTONE DEVELOPMENT TRUST Thetford Between 1958 and 1980, Thetford in Norfolk became a Greater London overspill town. Its population increased fourfold from 5,000 to 20,000. The population in-fill led to the development of three estates, Redcastle Furze, Barnham Cross and Abbey, all in West Thetford. Unfortunately, this unprecedented population growth was not matched by investment in community facilities and infrastructure. ‘Healthy Thetford 2000’ Initiatives to regenerate Thetford began around 1995 with the Healthy Thetford 2000 project. Following a qualitative survey undertaken in 1994 by the Health Authority entitled ‘How are You Today?’ the Healthy Thetford 2000 project began to identify that there was a need for a coherent and integrated investment strategy to improve training, education, job opportunities, housing, environment and community life in Thetford. When the Healthy Thetford 2000 project came to a close, this work continued with the formation of the Thetford Partnership in 2000. The ‘Thetford Partnership’ and Fit for the Future The Thetford Partnership aimed to promote the quality of life for all people living in Thetford. A key area of work was the ‘Fit for the Future’ scheme which was a broad and holistic scheme focusing on a range of initiatives to benefit people living in the western areas of the town in particular. Its aims were to ensure an integrated ‘Whole Person, Whole Community’ approach to regeneration. The scheme saw £2.5m of SRB money invested. Keystone Partnership & ‘Growing Together’ The Fit for the Future Partnership made a strategic move and applied to increase the funding and geographical spread of the project through a successful SRB 6 (Growing Together) bid which took in the wider Brecks area. The SRB ‘Growing Together’ scheme was intended to build upon the work of the former projects. Its main initiatives promote: Jobs and business, Learning and skills, Health Improvement, Community development, Environment, transport and housing, Community safety.

The Keystone Community Partnership was an alliance of many organisations across the wider area and in 2002 it converted into a Charitable Company.

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A Thetford Profile

The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) The Government’s SRB began in 1994 and brought together a number of programmes from several Government Departments with the aim of simplifying and streamlining the assistance available for regeneration. SRB provides resources to support regeneration initiatives in England carried out by local regeneration partnerships. Its priority is to enhance the quality of life of local people in areas of need, by reducing the gap between deprived and other areas and between different groups. It supports initiatives that build on best practice and represent good value for money. The types of bid supported differ from place to place, according to local circumstances but they usually include some or all of the following objectives: Improving employment prospects, Improving the education and skills of local people, Addressing social exclusion and improving opportunities for the

disadvantaged, Promoting sustainable regeneration.

From 1997-2007, £8.5m of SRB funding will have been invested into the Keystone area.

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SECTION 1

DEMOGRAPHICS OF

THE THETFORD AREA

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A Thetford Profile

Section 1 – Contents

Demographics of The Thetford Area Page(s)

The Thetford Geographical Area....................................................................

14 - 16

The Thetford Population.................................................................................

17

Population Growth............................................................................................

17

Age Profile........................................................................................................

18

Place of Birth....................................................................................................

19

Approximated Social Grade.............................................................................

20

Religion.............................................................................................................

21

Households Consisting of Lone Parents With Dependent Children.................

22

Households Consisting of Pensioners Living Alone.........................................

23

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A Thetford Profile

The Thetford Geographical Area

Thetford is in South Norfolk. The Thetford area is split into the four wards of Abbey, Castle, Guildhall and Saxon. Thetford is served by Thetford Town Council, Breckland District Council and Norfolk County Council. Health services are provided by Southern Norfolk Primary Care Trust but due to its geographical position, most hospital services are provided by the West Suffolk Hospital. The four wards are shown below: Abbey Ward:

Figure 1.1 – Abbey Ward

Castle Ward:

Figure 1.2 – Castle Ward

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A Thetford Profile

Guildhall Ward: Figure 1.3 – Guildhall Ward

Saxon Ward:

Figure 1.4 – Saxon Ward

Source of maps: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO

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A Thetford Profile

The four wards make up the Thetford Area like so:

Figure 1.5 – Ward Map of Breckland Showing Thetford In South Norfolk

Source: Breckland Council

Abbey ward Guildhall ward

Saxon ward Castle ward

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A Thetford Profile

Population

Table 1.1 – Population of Thetford Wards

WARD

POPULATION

No of HOUSEHOLDS

Abbey 5,133 2,112 Castle 1,962 939

Guildhall 6,795 2,753 Saxon 7,698 3,078

TOTAL

21,588

8,882

These figures are based on the new ward boundaries as per the 2001 census. Population Growth

Table 1.2 – Population Growth from 1991-2000

AREA

Population

1991

Population

2000

Growth

+/- No’s

Growth

+/- %

BRECKLAND 107,918 121,418 10,3500 + 11

Thetford – Abbey 5,495 5,030 -465 -8.4 Thetford – Barnham Cross 3,705 4,010 +305 8.2

Thetford – Guildhall 7,259 8,970 + 1,711 23.5 Thetford - Saxon 3,448 3,670 +222 6.4

TOTAL

19,907

21,680

+ 1,773

+8.9%

Source: Breckland District Council

Because of the changes in ward boundaries in 2001, the old ward boundaries have been used in order to compare population growth from 1991 – 2000. Thetford’s population has grown by 8.9% from 1991-2000. However, there has been and continues to be, considerable housing development since 2000 especially in the Guildhall ward, so by 2004, this figure is presumed to be higher than 8.9%.

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A Thetford Profile

Age Profile Residents were asked on the 2001 census to state their age

Table 1.3 – Age Profile AREA

< 16 yrs

%

16-59 yrs

%

> 60 yrs

% ENGLAND 17.4 61.9 20.7 NORFOLK 17.9 56.4 25.7

Thetford – Abbey 25.6 58.4 16.0 Thetford – Castle 25.3 42.4 32.3

Thetford – Guildhall 22.6 63.6 13.8 Thetford - Saxon 25.5 54.9 19.6

Thetford Average

24.8

54.8

20.4

Source: National Statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk

Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO The Thetford wards have a higher than average population of people aged 16 years or under.

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A Thetford Profile

Place of Birth Residents were asked on the 2001 census to list their place of birth.

Table 1.4 – Place of Birth

AREA

BORN IN UK*

%

BORN IN

OTHER EU COUNTRY

%

BORN

ELSEWHERE

% ENGLAND 91.7 1.4 6.9 NORFOLK 96.3 1.0 2.7

Thetford – Abbey 94.1 1.6 4.3 Thetford – Castle 92.5 1.9 5.6

Thetford – Guildhall 90.7 1.7 7.6 Thetford - Saxon 92.1 1.3 6.6

Thetford Average

92.4

1.6

6.0


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO

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A Thetford Profile

Approximated Social Grade Definition ‘Social Grade’ is a socio-economic classification used by the market research and marketing Industries, most often in the analysis of spending habits and consumer attitudes. Although it is not possible to allocate Social Grade precisely from information collected by the 2001 Census, it provides a good approximation of Social Grade. KEY A & B – Higher and Intermediate Managerial/Administrative/Professional C1 – Supervisory, Clerical, Junior Managerial/Administrative/Professional C2 – Skilled Manual Workers, D – Semi-Skilled And Unskilled Manual Workers E – Lowest Grade Workers On State Benefit, Unemployed

Table 1.5 – Approximated Social Grades

SOCIO-ECONOMIC GRADES - %

AREA A&B

% C1 %

C2 %

D %

E %

ENGLAND 22.1 29.7 15.0 17.0 16.0 NORFOLK 18.0 29.1 17.7 17.1 17.8

Thetford – Abbey 9.1 19.4 22.7 31.4 17.2 Thetford – Castle 14.0 29.9 17.9 19.2 18.6

Thetford – Guildhall 17.6 28.1 25.4 19.9 8.8 Thetford - Saxon 12.9 22.2 19.7 26.7 18.2

Thetford Average

13.4

24.9

21.4

24.3

15.7


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Thetford has a lower than average percentage of social grades A&B and C1 (Professional, higher managerial and skilled workers) and a higher than average percentage of social grades C2, D and E (skilled manual workers, semi-skilled and lowest grade workers).

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Thetford Profile

Religion Residents were asked on the 2001 census to list their religion.

Table 1.6 – Religion

RELIGION%

AREA Christian Buddhist Hindu Jewish Muslim Sikh Other

Religions No

Religion Religion

Not Stated

ENGLAND 71.7 0.2 1.1 0.5 3.1 0.6 0.2 14.5 7.6 NORFOLK 74.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.04 0.3 16.7 8.1

Thetford – Abbey 65.4 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.06 0.2 24.2 9.0 Thetford – Castle 72.7 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.3 17.4 8.5

Thetford – Guildhall 71.5 0.1 0.1 0.04 0.4 0.0 0.2 20.3 7.1 Thetford - Saxon 67.1 0.08 0.0 0.2 0.53 0.09 0.2 22.0 9.6

Thetford Average

69.2

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.4

0.0

0.2

21.0

8.6


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO The majority of Thetford residents are listed as Christian or as having no religion. There is a very small minority of other religions.

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Households Consisting Of Lone Parents With Dependent Children

Table 1.7– Percentage Of Households Consisting Of A Lone Parent With Dependent Children

AREA

LONE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS WITH

DEPENDENT CHILDREN %

ENGLAND 6.4 NORFOLK 4.8

Thetford – Abbey 11.0 Thetford – Castle 2.3

Thetford – Guildhall 3.7 Thetford - Saxon 9.7

Thetford Average

6.7


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Thetford Abbey ward has almost double the national average of households consisting or lone parents with dependent children. Saxon ward is also higher than average.

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Households Consisting of Pensioners Living Alone Table 1.8 below shows the percentage of households consisting of pensioners living alone.

Table 1.8 – Percentage of households with pensioners living alone

AREA

LONE PENSIONER

HOUSEHOLDS %




Thetford Average

13.5



Thetford Castle ward has a higher than average number of households consisting of one pensioner living alone, compared with the national picture.

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SECTION 2

INDICES OF DEPRIVATION

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Indices of Deprivation Page(s)

Indices of Multiple Deprivation.................................................................

26

Indices of Income Deprivation.................................................................

27

Indices of Employment Deprivation.........................................................

28

Indices of Health & Disability Deprivation................................................

29

Indices of Education, Skills & Training Deprivation.................................

30

Indices of Housing Deprivation................................................................

31

Indices of Geographical Access To Services Deprivation.......................

32

Indices of Child Poverty...........................................................................

33

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INDICES OF DEPRIVATION Indices of MULTIPLE DEPRIVATION (IMD) Definition The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) use up to date information from 33 indicators to describe deprivation at ward level. The IMD is a combined score from the six main indicators which are: 1. Income deprivation, 2. Employment deprivation, 3. Health deprivation and disability, 4. Education, skills and training deprivation, 5. Housing deprivation, 6. Geographical access to services. Norfolk has 230 wards. By using the Indices, it is possible to compare deprivation across the Thetford area. The old ward boundaries are used for the Indices as they were published in 2000.

Table 2.1 – Indices of Multiple Deprivation for the Thetford wards

AREA

IMD RANKING IN NORFOLK

Out of 230 wards (1 is most deprived)

IMD RANKING IN ENGLAND

Out of 8,414 wards (1 is most deprived)

Thetford – Abbey 16 1,011

Thetford – Barnham Cross 23 1,441 Thetford – Guildhall 159 4,866

Thetford - Saxon 25 1,496

Source: Deprivation in Norfolk 2000 Three out of the four Thetford wards are in the top quintile of most deprived wards for MULTIPLE DEPRIVATION, both in Norfolk and nationally. The 6 main deprivation indicators are itemised on pages 20-26:

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Indices of INCOME Domain Definition The indices of income deprivation use the following indicators: The numbers of adults and children in households claiming: Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance, Family Credit, Disability Working Allowance, Non-earning, non IS pensioner and disabled council tax benefit recipients

apportioned to wards.

Table 2.2 – Indices of Income Deprivation for the Thetford wards

AREA

INCOME DEPRIVATION

Ranking in NORFOLK 230 wards

(1 is most deprived)

INCOME DEPRIVATION

Ranking in England

8,414 wards (1 is most deprived)

Thetford – Abbey 13 721



Source: Deprivation in Norfolk 2000 Three out of the four Thetford wards are in the top quintile of most deprived wards for INCOME deprivation, both in Norfolk and nationally.

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Indices of EMPLOYMENT Domain Definition The indices of employment deprivation use the following indicators: Unemployment claimant counts, People out of work but in TEC delivered government supported training, People aged 18-24 on New Deal options, Incapacity Benefit recipients aged 16-59, Severe Disablement Allowance claimant aged 16-59.

Table 2.3 – Indices of Employment Deprivation for the Thetford wards

AREA

EMPLOYMENT DEPRIVATION

Ranking in NORFOLK


EMPLOYMENT DEPRIVATION

Ranking in ENGLAND





Source: Deprivation in Norfolk 2000 Thetford Abbey ward is in the top quintile of most deprived wards for EMPLOYMENT deprivation, both in Norfolk and nationally.

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Indices of HEALTH DEPRIVATION AND DISABILITY Domain Definition The indices of health deprivation and disability use the following indicators: Comparative Mortality ratios for men and women at ages under 65, People receiving Attendance Allowance or Disability Allowance as a proportion of

all people, Proportion of people of working age (16-59) receiving Incapacity Benefit or

Severe Disablement Allowance, Age and sex standardised ratio of limiting long-term illness, Proportion of births of low birth weight (<2,500g).

Table 2.4 – Indices of Health & Disability Deprivation for the Thetford wards

AREA

HEALTH DEPRIVATION & DISABILITY

Ranking in NORFOLK


HEALTH DEPRIVATION & DISABILITY

Ranking in ENGLAND





Source: Deprivation in Norfolk 2000 Thetford – Abbey ward is in the top quintile of most deprived wards for HEALTH and DISABILITY deprivation in Norfolk. In contrast, other parts of the Norfolk area are in the quintile of least deprived wards nationally.

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Indices of EDUCATION, SKILLS & TRAINING DEPRIVATION Domain Definition The indices of education, skills and training deprivation use the following indicators: Working age adults with no qualification, Children aged 16 and over who are not in full-time education, Proportions of 17-19 yr old population who have not successfully applied for

Higher Education, Key stage 2 primary school performance data, Absenteeism at primary level (all absences, not just authorised).

Table 2.5 – Indices of Education, Skills & Training Deprivation for the Thetford wards

AREA

EDUCATION, SKILLS & TRAINING

DEPRIVATION

Ranking in NORFOLK


EDUCATION, SKILLS & TRAINING

DEPRIVATION

Ranking in ENGLAND



Thetford – Barnham Cross 6 129 Thetford – Guildhall 33 872

Thetford - Saxon 11 222

Source: Deprivation in Norfolk 2000 The Thetford area suffers from EDUCATION, SKILLS & TRAINING deprivation. All 4 wards are in the top quintile of most deprived wards, both in Norfolk and nationally.

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Indices of HOUSING DEPRIVATION Domain Definition The indices of housing deprivation use the following indicators: Homeless households in temporary accommodation, Household overcrowding, Poor private sector housing.

Table 2.6 – Indices of Housing Deprivation for the Thetford wards

AREA

HOUSING DEPRIVATION

Ranking in NORFOLK


HOUSING DEPRIVATION

Ranking in ENGLAND





Source: Deprivation in Norfolk 2000 Three of the four Thetford wards are in the top quintile of most deprived wards for HOUSING deprivation in Norfolk. Thetford Abbey is also in the top quintile nationally.

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Indices of GEOGRAPHICAL ACCESS TO SERVICES Domain Definition The indices of geographical access to services deprivation use the following indicators: Access to a post office, Access to food shops, Access to a GP, Access to a primary school.

Table 2.7 – Indices of Geographical Access To Services Deprivation for the Thetford wards

AREA

GEOGRAPHICAL ACCESS TO SERVICES

DEPRIVATION

Ranking in NORFOLK


GEOGRAPHICAL ACCESS TO SERVICES

DEPRIVATION

Ranking in ENGLAND


Thetford – Abbey 185 4,639 Thetford – Barnham Cross 186 4,896

Thetford – Guildhall 203 5,967 Thetford - Saxon 214 6,981

Source: Deprivation in Norfolk 2000

None of the Thetford wards are in the top quintile of most deprived wards for GEOGRAPHICAL ACCESS TO SERVICES deprivation.

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Indices of CHILD POVERTY Domain Definition The indices of child poverty deprivation use the following indicator: The proportion of children under 16 living in means tested benefit reliant families.

Table 2.8 – Indices of Child Poverty Deprivation for the Thetford wards

AREA

CHILD POVERTY DEPRIVATION

Ranking in NORFOLK


CHILD POVERTY DEPRIVATION

Ranking in ENGLAND





Source: Deprivation in Norfolk 2000 Three out of the fur Thetford wards are in the top quintile of most deprived wards for CHILD POVERTY deprivation both in Norfolk and nationally.

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SECTION 3

EMPLOYMENT

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Employment Page(s) Employment by Socio-Economic Classification.......................................

36

Employment by Industry..........................................................................

37

Local Employers......................................................................................

38

Labour Participation Rates......................................................................

39

Transport To Work...................................................................................

40

Average Earnings By Travel to Work Area................................................................

41

Unemployment Rates..............................................................................

42

Youth Unemployment..............................................................................

43

Long Term Unemployment......................................................................

44

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EMPLOYMENT See also Indices of Employment Deprivation (Page 21) Employment by Socio-Economic Classification

Table 3.1 – Employment by Socio-Economic Classification in the Thetford Area

AREA

Working in Higher Managerial & Upper Professional

Occupations %

Working in Semi-routine &

Routine Occupations %

ENGLAND 8.6 20.6 NORFOLK 6.1 23.8

Thetford – Abbey 2.4 38.8 Thetford – Castle 6.3 26.4

Thetford – Guildhall 6.0 29.2 Thetford - Saxon 4.4 34.2

Thetford Average

4.8

32.2


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO In Thetford, less than the national average of people are employed in higher managerial and upper professional occupations and more than the national average of people are employed in the semi-routine and routine occupations (which are traditionally classed as semi-skilled or unskilled). Thetford Abbey ward has only 2% of people employed in higher managerial and professional occupations compared to the East of England average of %.

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Employment By Industry

Table 3.2 – Employment by Industry In the Thetford Area

Manufacturing

Construction

Wholesale/Retail Trade/Repair of Motor Vehicles

Health

& Social Work

Public Admin

& Defence

Hotel &

Catering

Agriculture, Hunting,

Farming & Fishing

Real

Estate/Renting & Business

Other

Industries *

ENGLAND 14.8 6.7 16.8 10.7 5.6 4.7 1.4 13.2 26.1 NORFOLK 15.1 7.9 18.0 11.2 5.5 5.5 3.8 9.7 23.3

Thetford Abbey

26.7 5.8 19.2 7.9 5.9 5.8 1.2 8.4 19.1

Thetford Castle

25.2 5.5 13.4 9.1 7.0 6.2 1.2 11.7 20.7

Thetford Guildhall

24.8 5.9 19.2 6.3 9.7 4.8 1.5 8.9 18.9

Thetford Saxon

26.1 5.3 19.9 6.1 5.5 5.8 1.4 9.3 20.6

Thetford Average

25.7

5.6

17.9

7.4

7.0

5.7

1.3

9.6

19.8



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A Thetford Profile

Thetford has higher than average employment in manufacturing. However, employment in this sector is predicted to fall by 13% by 2010. The town does exhibit strengths and growth clusters around the Advanced Engineering sector. Craft occupations are seen to be the most likely to increase in employee numbers in Breckland over the next few years but these are the hardest vacancies to fill due to a lack of suitably qualified labour being available. Alongside this, according to the Breckland Council Economic Development Strategy, adults living in Breckland are the least likely in Norfolk to access the internet. This provides difficulties in accessing local services, advice and training opportunities. This is exacerbated by rural remoteness and a limited transport infrastructure.

Source: Breckland Council – Economic Development Strategy 2001-2004

Norfolk Needs Analysis 2001 Local Employers Thetford Thetford is the industrial engine of the district. In the town there are a number of household names that are major employers; these include Tulip International (Danepak), Baxter Healthcare and Jeyes. The recent closure of Thermos was a major setback for the town but there is optimism that an 11-acre site would provide an opportunity, along with the Thetford Business Park (33 acres) to attract and grow significant employment and economic activity within the town and hinterland. This had been identified as a strategic site by Norfolk County Council (NCC) and East of England Development Agency (EEDA) for managed workspace and incubator units to meet unsatisfied latent demand in Southern Norfolk for smaller office/manufacturing workspace. Market failure has created a gap between investment and return on land in the town, discouraging private sector investment in development and relocation onto employment land.

Source: Breckland District Council, Economic Development Strategy 2001-2004

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A Thetford Profile

Labour Participation Rates Definition The labour participation rate is the number of people who do work divided by the number of people who could work. Those classed as ‘could work’ include the unemployed and those looking after the home/family. Those who do work include those employed part-time, full-time and self-employed.

Table 3.3 – Labour Participation Rates

AREA

Labour Participation

Rates %




Thetford Average

76.8

All four of the Thetford wards are below the national average for labour participation rates.

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A Thetford Profile

Transport to Work On the 2001 Census, residents were asked how they travel to work.

Table 3.4 – How People Travel To Work In The Thetford Area

AREA

Driving Car/Van

%

Passenger in Car/Van

%

By

Train %

By

Bus /Coach

%

By

Foot %

By

Cycle %

Work From Home

%

Other*

%

ENGLAND 54.9 6.1 4.2 7.5 9.9 2.8 9.1 5.5 NORFOLK 59.3 6.3 0.7 4.7 10.6 5.2 10.4 2.8

Thetford – Abbey 55.4 8.1 0.5 2.9 19.3 5.3 5.9 2.6 Thetford – Castle 55.8 8.0 0.8 1.0 17.9 3.9 10.2 2.4

Thetford – Guildhall 66.9 6.7 0.4 1.1 11.3 5.0 6.0 2.6 Thetford - Saxon 57.2 7.0 0.3 2.2 20.7 4.6 6.0 2.0

Thetford Average

58.8

7.5

0.5

1.8

17.3

4.7

7.0

2.4

The majority of those employed drive to work in a vehicle but Thetford has quite a high percentage of people who walk to work. Despite there being a railway station in Thetford, less than 1% use this mode of transport to get to work.

Page 40

A Thetford Profile

Average Earnings See also Indices of Income Deprivation (Page 20) By Travel To Work Areas Average earnings can be compared by using Travel To Work Areas (TTWA). Several Travel To Work Areas are included below.

Table 3.6 - Average Earnings by Table to Work Areas (2002)

Travel To Work Area

Gross Weekly Pay

With overtime £

Hourly Pay

(excluding overtime) £

England £392.01 £11.36 Thetford £301.65 £8.22 Diss £291.21 £7.73 Norwich £346.31 £9.92 Bury St Edmunds £336.11 £9.96 Norfolk £333.43 £9.55 Breckland £291.03 £8.10 Suffolk £326.00 £9.56 St Edmundsbury £332.63 £9.83 Forest Heath £306.78 £8.88

Source: New Earnings Survey, Nomis, 2002, ONS Crown Copyright

There are marked differences between the regions’ average earnings. In real terms, this means that employees who work in the Thetford TTWA could earn £45 a week less than employees who worked in the Norwich TTWA. Average earnings in East Anglia are considerably lower than the national average. Norfolk, in particular, is characterised by highly localised labour markets because of constraints on labour mobility related to transport issues and low wage levels, the values of which are pushed even lower by the addition of transport costs.

Source: Norfolk Needs Analysis, 2001

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A Thetford Profile

UNEMPLOYMENT

Unemployment Rates

Table 3.7 – Unemployment Rates (2001)

AREA

Unemployment Rate %




Thetford Average

3.6


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Unemployment is generally low in Norfolk as a whole but Thetford Abbey and Thetford Saxon wards have the highest percentage of people unemployed. Abbey ward has twice the Norfolk average of people unemployed.

Page 42

A Thetford Profile

Youth Unemployment Definition Youth unemployment is defined as those persons unemployed aged between 16-24 years.

Table 3.8 – Youth Unemployment

AREA

Of Those Unemployed, Those aged 16-24 yrs

% ENGLAND 25.6 NORFOLK 25.3


Thetford – Guildhall 37.0 Thetford – Saxon 33.5

Thetford Average

32.7


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO 25% of those unemployed are between 16-24 years of age. Three out of the four Thetford wards have youth unemployment rates of over 30%.

Page 43

A Thetford Profile

Long Term Unemployment Definition In this context, *Long Term Unemployed is defined as those unemployed who have not worked for greater than 2 years (since 1999 or earlier).

Table 3.9 – Long Term Unemployment

AREA

Long Term Unemployed*

% ENGLAND 30.2 NORFOLK 30.0



Thetford Average

18.5


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO The Thetford area has a lower than average percentage of long term unemployment.

Page 44

A Thetford Profile

SECTION 4

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Page 45

A Thetford Profile


Education & Training Page(s)

Attainment in Primary Schools In The Thetford Area..............................

47

Attainment in Secondary Schools In The Thetford Area.........................

48

‘A’ Level / A/S Levels Achieved In The Thetford Sixth Forms................

49

Higher Education.....................................................................................

50

No Qualifications.....................................................................................

51

Page 46

A Thetford Profile

QUALIFICATIONS ACHIEVED See also the Indices of Education Deprivation (page 23) Attainment in Primary Schools In The Thetford Area There are a number of primary schools within Thetford. Attainment is measured at age 11 (known as key stage 2) by the percentage of pupils who achieve Level 4 or above in the subjects of English, Maths and Science – this is the standard expected for their age.

Table 4.1 – Attainment at Key Stage 2 (2003)

School

English %

Maths %

Science %

Authorised Absence

% England 75 73 87 Norfolk LEA 75.3 71.3 86.0 Thetford Queensway

Junior School 60 55 78 5.8

Abbey Farm Junior School

25 29 54 7.4

Admirals Junior School

76 69 86 6.4

Norwich Rd Primary School

76 61 78 5.5

Redcastle Furze Primary School

47 58 64 7.2

Source: Department of Education and Skills

In the Thetford schools, at key stage 2 in 2003, 3/5 schools in the Thetford area were below the County average in English, 5/5 schools in the Thetford area were below the County average in Maths, 4/5 schools in the Thetford area were below the County average in Science.

Page 47

A Thetford Profile

GCSE Level Attainment The GCSE/GNVQ figure is the traditional measure of school leaver attainment. It is measured by the percentage of pupils who achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, or their GNVQ equivalents (considered to be the standard normally needed to progress to advanced study). The following GCSE figures are for results obtained in 2003. Attainment in Secondary Schools in the Thetford area

Table 4.2 – Attainment at GCSE level in the Thetford Secondary Schools 2003

SCHOOL

5 or more passes at

grades A-C %

No

passes %

Average Capped

Point Score*

England 52.9 5.2 34.8 Norfolk LEA 50.3 4.6 34.0

Rosemary Musker High School

30 4 29.6

Charles Burrell High School 24 9 21.8 Thetford Grammar School 97 3 51.6

Source: Department of Education and Skills

*The average capped point score is based on pupils' best eight results. Scores are awarded as below: A* - 8 points, A - 7 points, B - 6 points, C - 5 points, D - 4 points, E - 3 points, F - 2 points, G - 1 point, U/X - 0 points. Norfolk is below the national average for the number of students who obtain 5 GCSE passes at grades A-C. There are low attainments in the Thetford secondary schools (excluding the private privately run grammar school).

Page 48

A Thetford Profile

A Level - A/S Level Qualifications Definition The ‘A’ Level point score system is used to calculate an average point score per student, which depends on the number of qualifications taken by individual students as well as the grades they achieved. Scores are awarded as follows: At ‘A’ Level: Grade A–120 points, Grade B–100 points, Grade C–80 points, Grade D–60 points, Grade E–40 points.

Table 4.3 – ‘A’ Level Point Score Per Student in the Thetford Sixth Forms 2003

AREA ‘A’ Level Point Score

Per Student ENGLAND 258.6 NORFOLK 236.5

Charles Burrell High School 140.0 Thetford Grammar School 339.0

Others Paston College 238.5

Methwold High School 173.5 College of West Anglia 160.0 City College - Norwich 152.1

Source: Department of Education & Skills

There is one sixth form at a school in Thetford at the Charles Burrell High School and several sixth form colleges outside Thetford. The A level point score at the Charles Burrell High School is considerably lower than the Norfolk average.

Page 49

A Thetford Profile

Higher Education Definition Level 4/5 is defined as those achieving a first degree, higher degree, NVQ levels 4/5 or HND. Table 4.4 below, shows the percentage of people who achieved level 4/5 qualifications.

Table 4.4 – Percentage of people who achieved level 4/5 qualifications

AREA

Percentage of People aged 16-74

Achieving Level 4/5 %

England 19.9 NORFOLK 14.6

Thetford Abbey 6.9 Thetford Castle 12.0

Thetford Guildhall 9.5 Thetford Saxon 8.0

Thetford Average

9.1


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Norfolk is below the national average of 19.9% for the percentage of people who achieve level 4/5 qualifications. All four of the Thetford wards are below both of these averages.

Page 50

A Thetford Profile

No Qualifications

Table 4.5 – Percentage of people who have no qualifications

WARD

Percentage of People aged 16-74

WITH NO QUALIFICATIONS %


Thetford Abbey 40.7 Thetford Castle 35.3

Thetford Guildhall 26.4 Thetford Saxon 41.5

Thetford Average

36.0


Thetford has a higher percentage of people with no qualifications than the national average. In the Abbey and Saxon wards, this is over 40%. Low Aspirations Low aspiration is frequently mentioned in reviews as one of the factors affecting participation in education and training. A combination of readily available employment, difficult travel and the low proportion of higher education experience among parents seem to combine to have this effect.

Source: Review of post-16 education and training in Western Norfolk, Norfolk LSC, June 2003

Page 51

A Thetford Profile

SECTION 5

HEALTH

Page 52

A Thetford Profile


Health Page(s) Local Health Facilities..............................................................................

54

Life Expectancy.......................................................................................

55

General Health........................................................................................

56

Limiting Long-Term Illness......................................................................

57

Disability Living Allowance......................................................................

58

Provision Of Unpaid Care........................................................................

59

Ambulance Service 999 Call-Outs...........................................................

60

Fertility Rates...........................................................................................

61

Teenage Conceptions (<18yrs)...............................................................

61

Low Birth Weight (<2.5 Kg).....................................................................

62

Very low Birth Weight (<1.5 Kg)..............................................................

62

Mortality Rates

Infant Mortality Rates................................................................... Deaths From Coronary Heart Disease........................................ Deaths From Bronchitis & Emphysema....................................... Deaths From All Cancers............................................................. Deaths From Lung Cancer.......................................................... Deaths From Colectoral Cancer.................................................. Deaths From Prostate Cancer..................................................... Deaths From Breast Cancer........................................................ Deaths From Cervical Cancer..................................................... Deaths From All Accidents.......................................................... Deaths From Suicide & Unexplained Injury.................................

63 64 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 68

Dental Health...........................................................................................

69

Health & Substance Misuse....................................................................

70

NHS Trusts & Star Ratings......................................................................

71

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A Thetford Profile

HEALTH See also the Indices of Health Deprivation (page 22) Health services are provided to Thetford by Southern Norfolk Primary Care Trust and West Suffolk Hospital Primary Care Trust It is overseen by Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority (NSCSHA). Local Health Facilities Thetford has two GP Surgeries. They are located at the Surgeries listed below:

Table 5.1 - GP Surgeries in the Thetford Area

GP SURGERIES

School Lane, Thetford Surgeries

Grove Lane, Thetford

Source: Southern Norfolk PCT Hospitals Thetford has a small cottage hospital. The nearest acute hospitals are the West Suffolk in Bury St Edmunds (13 miles from Thetford), the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in Norwich (30 miles) and Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge (33 miles).

Page 54

A Thetford Profile

Life Expectancy Definition: Life expectancy at birth is a measure of mortality for an area and is an estimate of the number of years a new born baby would survive, were he or she to experience the particular age-specific mortality rates for that time period throughout his or her life. Some consider that life expectancy is the most valuable measure of the nation’s health. Since the middle of the 19th century the expectation of life at birth for both females and males has almost doubled. Neither men nor women born in England in 1841 had an average life expectancy from birth much beyond 40. However, by 2001 the life expectancy at birth of males in England has reached 75 years and females 80 years.

Table 5.2 – Average Life Expectancy in Southern Norfolk PCT area Area

Average Life Expectancy

Males (years)

Average Life Expectancy

Females (years)

EU AVERAGE 75.8 81.6 ENGLAND 75.6 80.5 Norfolk 77.0 81.9

Southern Norfolk PCT 77.5 82.0

Source: Eastern Region Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set (1999-2001)

Life expectancy for both males and females is higher in Southern Norfolk PCT than the English average.

Page 55

A Thetford Profile

General Health The 2001 census asked people to self-report on their health and well-being. The categories to choose from were ‘Good’, ‘Fairly Good’ and ‘Not Good’. The table below shows the percentage of people who considered that their health was ‘Not Good’.

Table 5.3 - Percentage of Persons who considered that their health is ‘Not Good’.

AREA

Health Considered to be

‘Not Good’ %




Thetford Average

9.2


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Although life expectancy over the SNPCT is higher than average, residents in the Abbey and Castle wards have a higher than average percentage of residents who consider that their health is ‘not good’.

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A Thetford Profile

Limiting Long-Term Illness The 2001 census asked people to self-assess whether or not they had a limiting long-term illness, health problem or disability which limited their daily activities or the work they could do, including problems due to old age.

Table 5.4 - Percentage Of Households With One Or More

Person With A Limiting Long-Term Illness

AREA

Households With Limiting

Long Term Illness %




Thetford Average

31.6


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Abbey and Saxon wards have a slightly higher percentage of households with one or more person with a limiting long-term illness.

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A Thetford Profile

Disability Living Allowance Definition: Disability Living Allowance (DLA) replaced and extended Attendance Allowance and Mobility Allowance from 1st April 1992. It is paid to people before the age of 65 years. DLA is payable to people who are disabled and need help with personal care or getting around. In order to qualify, claimants have to meet specific medical conditions. There are three rates of the care component: higher, middle and lower. These are related to the amount of help a person requires with personal care. Table 5.5 shows the number of people claiming the higher rate DLA.

Table 5.5 – No of people claiming higher rate Disability Living Allowance (May 2000)

AREA

No. of People Claiming Higher

Rate Care Component

No. ENGLAND 373,250

Thetford – Abbey 50 Thetford – Barnham Cross* 40

Thetford – Guildhall 30 Thetford - Saxon 25

Thetford Average

36.3


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Abbey ward has the highest number of people claiming higher rate Disability Care Allowance. * Old ward boundary

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A Thetford Profile

Provision of Unpaid Care The 2001 census asked people to state whether they were providing unpaid care to other people. The following table shows the percentage of people who considered they were providing unpaid care for 50+ hours a week.

Table 5.6 – Percentage of people providing 50+ hours a week of unpaid care

AREA

People Providing 50+ hours of Unpaid Care Per

Week %




Thetford Average

22.6


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Abbey and Saxon wards have a high percentage of people providing 50+ hours of unpaid care per week.

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A Thetford Profile

Ambulance Service 999 Calls

Table 5.7 – Number and percentage of 999 ambulance calls (2002/03)

AREA

Ambulance

999 Call Outs No.

Call outs as a

% of Ward Population

Thetford – Abbey 604 12.0 Thetford – Barnham Cross* 299 7.4

Thetford – Guildhall 458 5.1 Thetford – Saxon 328 8.9

Thetford Average

8.4

Source: East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust

As a proportion of the population, the residents of Thetford Abbey ward had the highest call out rates for 999 emergency ambulances. Three out of the four Thetford wards have higher than average call out rates. * Old ward boundary

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A Thetford Profile

Fertility Rates Definition: Fertility rates are a measure of pregnancy in females of child bearing age. It is the number of live births per 1,000 females of childbearing age between 15-44 years. The overall birth rate has reduced in the UK over the past two decades.

Table 5.8 – Fertility Rates By PCT In The Southern Norfolk PCT Area

Area

General Fertility Rates

(No of live births per 1,000 females between 15-44 yrs)

England 56.5

Southern Norfolk PCT 54.9

Source: Eastern Region Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set (1999-2001) SNPCT has a slightly lower fertility rate than the national average. Teenage Conceptions (< 18 yrs) Teenage pregnancy rates are linked to deprivation. Reducing teenage pregnancies is part of the national strategy to reduce health inequalities. Local strategies seek to reduce rates by 50% by 2010.

Table 5.9 – Teenage Conceptions (1999-2001) by Local Authority

Area

Teenage Conception Rate

Per 1,000 girls

aged 15-17 years

ENGLAND 43.8 Norfolk 38.0

Breckland 30.2 Thetford Abbey, Barnham Cross and Guildhall are all equal 9th worst wards for teenage pregnancy in Norfolk.

Source: Teenage Pregnancy Advisor, Southern Norfolk PCT

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A Thetford Profile

Low Birth Weight (< 2.5 kg) Low birth weight is influenced by smoking in pregnancy, poor nutrition and social deprivation. Low birth weight is also closely related to increased perinatal mortality.

Table 5.10 – Low Birth Rates In Southern Norfolk PCT

Area

Low Birth Rate < 2.5 Kg

Per 1,000 Live Births

England 7.9


Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Reducing smoking in pregnancy is a target for reducing health inequalities. Very Low Birth Weight (< 1.5 kg) Again, very low birth rate is linked to smoking in pregnancy and social deprivation.

Table 5.11 – Very Low Birth Weight Rates in Southern Norfolk PCT

Area

Low Birth Rate < 1.5 Kg

Per 1,000 Live Births

England 1.5


Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set These very small babies often need neonatal intensive care. They may have long stays in hospital and some babies develop subsequent disabilities.

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A Thetford Profile

Mortality Rates The number of deaths and the causes of deaths are an important guide to the population’s health. Death rates are usually expressed as a number per 100,000 population. This allows comparisons between different populations. Infant Mortality Rates

Infant mortality rates are considered by some to be the most sensitive measure of a nation’s health. Infant mortality is associated with social deprivation. Infant mortality rates are measured by the number of babies who die per 1,000 live births.

Table 5.12 – Infant Mortality Rates In Southern Norfolk PCT (1999-2001)

Area

Infant Mortality Rates Per 1,000 live births

England 5.6


Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Reducing differences in infant mortality rates between manual and non-manual social classes is a national target. SNPCT has a lower infant mortality rate than the average for England.

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A Thetford Profile

Deaths from Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Coronary heart disease is the biggest killer of males across the Eastern region. Smoking, obesity and family history are risk factors. Males in deprived areas have the highest mortality rates. The CHD National Service Framework sets standards for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Table 5.13 - Death Rates From CHD In Persons < 75 Yrs In

Southern Norfolk PCT (1999-2001)

Area

Death from Coronary Heart Disease

in < 75 yrs Per 100,000 Population

Males Females England 107.4 36.3


Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set SNPCT has a lower than average death rates from CHD. Deaths from Bronchitis and Emphysema

Smoking is the commonest underlying cause of bronchitis and emphysema.

Table 5.14 – Death Rates From Bronchitis And Emphysema in Southern Norfolk PCT (1999-2001)

Area

Death rate from Bronchitis and Emphysema

Per 100,000 Population



Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Southern Norfolk PCT has a higher than average death rate from bronchitis and emphysema.

Page 64

A Thetford Profile

Deaths from ALL Cancers Cancer is the cause of a quarter (26 per cent) of all deaths in the UK. Deaths from cancer outnumber deaths from heart disease.

Table 5.15 – Death Rates From All Cancers In Persons < 75 Yrs in

Southern Norfolk NPCT(1999-2001)

Area

Death from All Cancers




Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Deaths from Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has a low survival rate and is the biggest cancer killer in the UK.

Table 5.16 – Death Rates From Lung Cancer In Persons < 75 Yrs In Southern Norfolk PCT (1999-2001)

Area

Death rate from Lung Cancer




Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set

Cigarette smoking has been identified as the single most important cause of preventable disease and premature death in the UK. Overall, a third of all cancer deaths are linked to smoking. SNPCT has a lower than average death rates from lung cancer.

Page 65

A Thetford Profile

Deaths from Colorectal Cancer Colectoral cancer (bowel cancer) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United Kingdom.

Table 5.17 – Death Rates From Colectoral Cancer In Persons < 75 Yrs In

Southern Norfolk PCT (1999-2001)

Area

Death from Colorectal Cancer




Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set SNPCT has a lower than average death rates from colectoral cancer. Deaths from Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males accounting from 28% of all cancers.

Table 5.18 – Death Rates From Prostate Cancer In Southern Norfolk PCT (1999-2001)

Area

Death rate from Prostate Cancer


England 28.1


Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Prostate cancer is one of the urological cancers which has national service standards set out as part of the Cancer Plan. Cancer networks implement the guidance at health authority level. SNPCT has a higher than average death rates from prostate cancer.

Page 66

A Thetford Profile

Deaths from Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the commonest single cause of death among women aged 35-54 years.

Table 5.19 – Death Rates From Breast Cancer In Women

Aged Between 45-64 Yrs In Southern Norfolk PCT (1999-2001)

Area

Death rate from Breast Cancer

in 45-64 yrs Per 100,000 Population

England 72.4


Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Screening and access to early diagnosis and treatment reduces death rates from breast cancer. SNPCT has a lower than average death rate from breast cancer Deaths from Cervical Cancer

After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women

Table 5.20 – Death Rates From Cervical Cancer In Women

Aged Between 15-64 Yrs in Southern Norfolk PCT (1999-2001)

Area

Death rate from Cervical Cancer

in 15-64 yrs Per 100,000 Population

England 3.1


Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Cervical screening has contributed to a reduction in death rates for this disease. Efforts must be taken to ensure a high uptake by women in disadvantaged populations. SNPCT has a lower than average death rate from cervical cancer

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A Thetford Profile

Deaths from All Accidents Injuries from accidents are largely preventable. 80% of accidents are due to either road traffic accidents or falls.

Table 5.21 – Death Rates From All Accidents in Southern Norfolk PCT(1999-2001)

Area

Death rate from All Accidents




Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Reducing deaths from accidents is a target in the ‘Our Healthier Nation’ Strategy which expects a 20% reduction by 2010. SNPCT has a higher than average death rate from accidents. Deaths from Suicide and Unexplained Injury

Although the number of suicides is lower for women, the incidence of self-harm not leading to death in females is much higher.

Table 5.22 – Death Rates From Suicide And Unexplained Injury In Southern Norfolk PCT

(1999-2001)

Area

Death rate from Suicide and

Unexplained Injury Per 100,000 Population



Source: Eastern Regional Public Health Observatory, Public Health Common Data Set Reducing deaths from accidents is a target in the ‘Our Healthier Nation’ Strategy which expects a 20% reduction by 2010. SNPCT has a lower than average death rate from suicide and unexplained injury

Page 68

A Thetford Profile

Dental Health Tooth Decay A survey undertaken by the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry sampled 5 year olds and recorded the presence of decayed, missing or filled teeth. Table 5.23 shows the results.

Table 5.23 – Tooth Decay In 5 Year Olds In Southern Norfolk PCT

Decayed Missing Filled % Active Decay

NORFOLK 1.21 0.11 0.19 36.5 Southern Norfolk PCT 1.29 0.10 0.24 40.9

Source: British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry, 2001-2002 Southern Norfolk PCT have a higher than average percentage of tooth decay in 5 year olds. Health & Substance Misuse See also Chapter 7 – Crime & Disorder In 2002/2003 there were 144 people receiving treatment for substance misuse in the Thetford area. 25% of these were 24 years and under.

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A Thetford Profile

NHS Trusts & Star Ratings All NHS Trusts are now inspected by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI). CHI uses a systematic framework for assessing clinical standards and performance in NHS Trusts. Their assessment includes the Patient and Carer experiences, NHS Staffing & Management and Education and Training. Each Trust is then given a star rating. The ratings are assessed as follows: 3*** - Highest levels of performance 2** - Trusts that are performing well overall, but have not quite reached the same consistently high standards, 1* - Trusts where there is some cause for concern regarding particular areas of performance No stars - Trusts that have shown the poorest levels of performance against the indicators or little progress in implementing clinical governance Table 5.24 below shows the star ratings that the NHS Trusts achieved that serve the Thetford area.

Table 5.24 – Star Ratings Achieved By NHS Trusts (2002 & 2003)

NHS Trust

Star Rating

2004

Star Rating

2003

Star Rating

2002

Southern Norfolk PCT 2*** 3*** Started 2003 Suffolk West PCT 1* 2*** Started 2003 West Suffolk Hospital 3*** 3*** 1* Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital

1* 2** 2**

East Anglian Ambulance Trust 3*** 3*** 3***

Source: Commission For Health Improvement (CHI) East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust achieved 3*** in all three years.

Page 70

http://www.nhs.uk/waitingtimes

A Thetford Profile

SECTION 6

HOUSING

Page 71

A Thetford Profile


Housing Page(s) Average House Prices – Regionally........................................................

73

Properties Available

To Buy......................................................................................... To Privately Rent......................................................................... Social Housing.............................................................................

74 74 75

Planned New Housing.............................................................................

76

Household Amenities...............................................................................

77

Housing Tenure.......................................................................................

78

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Average House Prices - Regionally See also the Indices of Housing Deprivation (page 24) The following table compares average prices in July-Sept 03 (quarter 3) with Jan-March 04 (quarter 1):

Table 6.1 – Average House Prices (July – Sept 03 & Jan-March 04))

AREA

AVERAGE

HOUSE PRICES (July-Sept 03)

AVERAGE

HOUSE PRICES (Jan-March 04)

EAST ANGLIA 158,873 155,374 Norfolk 142,347 144,851

Breckland 140,771 147,391

Source: www.langreg.gov.uk

Average house prices fell overall in East Anglia but Norfolk prices increased by 1.7%. Breckland had an even higher rise of 4.7%.

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The Property market In The Thetford Area A snapshot taken of properties for sale in July 2004 showed that over the Thetford area and a 1 mile radius, there were 132 properties available to buy. The average house price in July 2004 was £155,330 compared to £148,000 in June 2003. To Buy

Table 6.2 – Properties For Sale in the Thetford Area (June 2003 – July 2004)

AREA

NO. OF PROPERTIES AVAILABLE

AVERAGE PRICE

£

RANGE

£

Thetford - June 2003 81 148,000 £40,000 – £385,000

Thetford – July 2004

132 155,330 £69,995 – £395,000

Source : Local Estate Agents, Thetford

This snapshot shows that average house prices in Thetford have risen by an average of £7,330 in one year, an increase of 4.9% To Privately Rent A search undertaken on the internet and around the Letting Agents in Thetford in July 2004 showed that there were 32 properties within Thetford to privately rent. The average rental price was £600 per calendar month (pcm), the range varied from £350-£1,250 per calendar month.

Table 6.3 – Properties To Privately Rent in Thetford

AREA

NO. OF

PROPERTIES AVAILABLE

AVERAGE

PRICE £

RANGE

£

Thetford 32 600 pcm

350–1,250 pcm

Source : Local Estate Agents, Thetford

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Social Housing

The majority of housing stock in Thetford is owned and managed by Peddars Way Housing Association. In Thetford there are 2,030 units.

Table 6.4 – Number of Social Housing Units in Thetford

WARD

NO. OF

PROPERTIES

Thetford 2,030

Source: Peddars Way Housing Association

To Rent The average rental prices charged by Peddars Way Housing Association and Forest Heath are:

Table 6.5 – Average Social Housing Rental Costs

PROPERTY

AVERAGE RENTAL

PER WEEK

Breckland £

1 bedroom 55 2 bedroom 60 3 bedroom 65 4 bedroom 70

Source: PWHA, Forest Heath Housing Dept, 2003

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Planned New Housing Breckland District Council The following areas in Breckland have planning permission as per summer 2003. The different columns in the table give an idea of when the houses are likely to be built - those with full permission could be built at any time and have five years to do so, but those with outline permission would need further permission which they need to get within two years. The brownfield column gives an idea of how many houses are on brownfield sites. The windfall column states whether housing has been allocated in the Breckland Local Plan or whether it has come forward from a private individual making a planning application, which is called windfall.

Table 6.6 –Planned New Housing in Thetford (2003)

Total

Full

Outline

Brownfield

Windfall

Thetford

1069

1006

63

234

538

Source: Breckland District Council, 2003

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Household Amenities The 2001 Census asked residents to report on their household amenities. Table 6.7 shows the percentage of those households with no central heating (but have sole use of a bathroom).

Table 6.7 – Percentage of Households in Thetford with No Central Heating

AREA

Percentage of

Households with No Central Heating

%




Thetford Average

3.9


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO Thetford has a lower than average percentage of households with no central heating.

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Housing Tenure The following table shows the percentage of home ownership in the Thetford area.

Table 6.8 – Housing Tenure in the Thetford area AREA

Owned

Outright or Owned with a

mortgage

%

Rented from Housing

Association / Registered Social

Landlord %

Rented from

Private landlord or

letting agency %

ENGLAND 67.9 6.0 8.8 NORFOLK 70.1 5.2 8.3

Thetford - Abbey 48.1 34.1 7.1 Thetford - Castle 70.8 9.4 14.4

Thetford - Guildhall 83.4 3.3 9.7 Thetford - Saxon 55.0 28.5 5.1

Thetford Average

64.3

18.8

9.1


Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO The table illustrates inequalities in the wards of Thetford where Abbey ward has only 48% of home ownership compared to Guildhall where 83% of residents own their home.

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SECTION 7

CRIME & DISORDER

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Crime & Disorder Page(s) Overall Crime Rates...................................................................................

81

Crime Rates In Breckland..........................................................................

82

Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01).............................................

82

Crime in Thetford.......................................................................................

83

Analysis of Selected Crime Types

Criminal Damage................................................................ Vehicle Crime..................................................................... Theft of Motor Vehicles....................................................... Violent Crime...................................................................... Burglary of Dwellings.......................................................... Burglary Other Than Dwelling............................................. Disorder Incidents...............................................................

84 84 85 85 86 86 87

Cost of Criminal Damage...........................................................................

87

Social Risk Factors....................................................................................

88

Domestic Violence.....................................................................................

89

Racial Crime...............................................................................................

89

Fire Service Call Outs & Malicious Calls....................................................

90

Health & Substance Misuse.......................................................................

90

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CRIME & DISORDER

Crime Rates

Overall Crime Rates Per 1,000 population The table below shows the number of recorded crimes in Norfolk between April 1st 2001 and March 31st 2002. The crime rates are calculated by dividing the number of recorded crimes by per 1,000 population.

Table 7.1 Overall Crime Rates in Norfolk per 1,000 population (2001-2002)

AREA

Overall Crime Rate


EAST OF ENGLAND 74.9

Norfolk 72.9

Source: Suffolk Development Agency The Eastern region has the second lowest rate of recorded crime per head of population in England and Wales. Rates of recorded violence, robbery, burglary, vehicle crime and criminal damage all fall below the national average. Both Norfolk and Suffolk fall below the Eastern and national averages.

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Crime Rates In Breckland Table 7.2 shows crime rates in Breckland in 2002/03.

Table 7.2 – Crime Rates By LA per 1,000 Population (2002/03)

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Robbery Offences

Burglary Dwellings

Offences (per 1,000 households)

Theft OF

Motor Vehicles

Theft FROM

Motor Vehicles

Breckland

0.2

4.1

2.2

8.1

Source: Crime & Disorder Partnership, Norfolk Constabulary

Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01) Breckland District Council undertook a Crime & Disorder Audit in 2000/01. As well as gathering data from Police records and incident statistics, a large public consultation was carried out in which 50,000 self-completed questionnaires were sent out to local residents. The main objective of this was to understand the main areas of concern by the Community with regard to crime. The questionnaire showed that the main concerns of crime in the community were as follows: 1. Burglary from the home 2. Drug and alcohol related offences 3. Violent crime in public places 4. Criminal damage 5. Anti-social behaviour 6. Other theft 7. Racially motivated 8. Burglary to other premises 9. Domestic violence 10. Shop-lifting

Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01) Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership

The audit also showed that two thirds (64%) of all crime recorded over Breckland was in the three largest towns on Thetford, Dereham and Swaffham. 36% of crime was concentrated in Thetford. However, although a large proportion of crime is concentrated into a few locations, it should also be noted that 34% of crime is dispersed throughout the remaining small towns and rural villages. This does not offer the Police the same opportunities for targeting crime reduction resources. It suggests, however, that there is a need for some parallel action to tackle rural crime.

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Crime in Thetford Table 7.3 lists the types of crimes recorded for the Thetford area between April 2002 - March 2003.

Table 7.3 – Types of Crime recorded for Thetford (April 2002 - March 2003)

TYPE OF CRIME

THETFORD AREA

No. of Crimes

Burglary (dwelling) 105 Burglary (non dwelling) 449 Theft of Motor Vehicle 121 Theft from Motor Vehicle 541 Theft - Other 890 Robbery 11 Violence Against Person 552 Sexual Offences 22 Criminal Damage 1,237 Drugs Offences 63 Crime - Other 233

TOTAL

4,224

Source: Norfolk Constabulary, November 2003

Burglaries, thefts and criminal damage account for 79% of the crimes. There appears to be a high incidence of criminal damage reported in the Thetford area.

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Analysis of Selected Crime Types Criminal Damage

Table 7.4 shows the numbers of criminal damage crimes recorded in Thetford and as a percentage of all criminal damage crimes reported in Breckland

Table 7.4 – Criminal Damage Crimes Recorded in Thetford (2000/01)

Type of Crime

No. of Crimes Recorded

In Thetford

% of Total Recorded Crimes in Breckland

Criminal Damage

421

25.8%

A significant part of the criminal damage offences were to vehicles. This includes attempts to enter a vehicle and damage such as deliberately broken aerials and scratches. Criminal damage offences peak on Fridays and Saturdays between 9-1am which reinforces the view that much criminal damage is related to alcohol. Data shows that offenders are predominately male and aged between 16-20 years.

Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01) Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership

Vehicle Crime

Table 7.5 shows the numbers of thefts from motor vehicle crime recorded in Thetford and as a percentage of all theft from motor vehicle crime reported in Breckland.

Table 7.5 – Vehicle Crime, Theft from Motor Vehicles (2000/01)

Type of Crime


In Thetford


Theft from Motor Vehicle

441

39%

Theft from vehicles peaks on Friday and Mondays with a peak occurring in the afternoon at around 3.30pm. Data shows that offenders are predominately male and aged between 21-30 years.

Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit (2000/01)

Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership

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Theft of Motor Vehicles Table 7.6 shows the number of thefts of motor vehicles in Thetford and as a percentage of all theft of motor vehicle crime reported in Breckland.

Table 7.6- Vehicle Crime- Theft Of Motor Vehicle

Type Of Crime

No. Of Crimes Recorded In Thetford

% Of Total Recorded Crimes In Breckland

Theft of motor vehicles

88 34%

Theft of vehicles is a much smaller problem in Breckland than theft from cars.

Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01,

Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership Violent Crime (2000/01)

Table 7.7 shows the number of violent crimes reported in Thetford and as a percentage of all violent crime reported in Breckland.

Table 7.7- Violent Crime (2000/01)

Type Of Crime

No. Of Crimes Recorded

In Thetford

% Of Total Recorded Crimes In Breckland

Violent crime

178

35%

Violent crimes are known to have large and long term effects on the victim compared with property crimes. Violent crime also has the greatest knock-on effect on society, with costs of police investigation and care provided by the NHS as well as loss of work days by the victim. Evidence suggests that the key hot spots for violent crime are located in town centres. In Breckland, 32% of violent crime was recorded as common assault and battery, 26% being wounding and 19% harassment. There are clear peaks on Friday and Saturday and between 9pm-1am, again suggesting that violent crime is related to alcohol. Data shows that offenders are predominately male and aged between 21-40 years.

Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01


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Burglary of Dwellings Table 7.8 shows the number of dwelling burglaries in Thetford and as a percentage of all dwelling burglaries reported in Breckland.

Table 7.8 - Dwelling Burglary (2000/01)

Type of Crime

No. of Crimes Recorded In Thetford


Burglary of Dwelling

159

47%

There were particular hot spots in the Thetford Abbey and Saxon wards. Data shows that the favoured point of entry for the burglaries was the front door followed by rear doors and windows. Data also shows that offenders are predominately male and aged between 16-30 years.

Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01 Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership

Burglary Other than Dwelling (2000/01)

Table 7.9 shows the number of non-dwelling burglary crimes reported in Thetford and as a percentage of all non burglary crimes reported in Breckland.

Table 7.9 - Non Dwelling Burglary (2000/01)

Type of Crime


In Thetford


Burglary – Non Dwelling

387

40%

Hot spots were identified in the Thetford Abbey and Saxon wards. 66% of premises entered were shed and garages, mostly associated with houses Again, offenders are predominately male aged between 16-30 years.


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Disorder Incidents Table 7.10 shows the number of disorder incidents reported in Thetford and as a percentage of all disorder incidents reported in Breckland.

Table 7.10 - Disorder Incidents (2000/01)

Type of Crime

No. of Crimes Recorded In Thetford


Disorder Incidents

942

45%

Data shows that disorder hot spots are usually in the town centres or specific estates and are similar to the hot spots for criminal damage. In Thetford, there are concentrations of disorder incidents within the Abbey and Saxon wards. In most areas, disorder incidents tend to peak on Fridays and Saturdays, consistent with the theory that much disorder is associated with weekend drinking.


Cost Of Criminal Damage The Breckland audit highlights the cost of work carried out to council owned property caused by criminal damage was £45,400. Table 7.11 illustrates the cost of damage to some of the wards within the Thetford area.

Table 7.11 - Cost Of Criminal Damage Within Thetford Wards (2000/01)

WARD

COST

£

Thetford Abbey 2,894.51

Thetford Barnham Cross 585.22 Thetford Guildhall 3,906.95

Thetford Saxon 1,107.25

Peddars Way Housing Association also reported cost of criminal damage to their property to be in the region of £30,000.

Source: Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01,


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Social Risk Factors The Breckland audit collated a range of social background information to assist with tackling the underlying cause of offending. Table 7.12 below identifies the key risk factors.

Table 7.12 - Key Risk Factors For Offending

Type Of Risk Factor

Risk Factor

Low family income Harsh and erratic discipline Poor parental supervision Family stress and family breakdown

Family

Truancy Exclusion Disruptive behaviour Low achievement

School

Community disorganisation Availability of drugs

High child densities Opportunities for crime

Community

Alienation Friends involved in anti-social behaviour High proportion of unsupervised time with friends

Individual/Peer

No qualification or skills Unemployment or low income No advice or support Homelessness

Early Adulthood

When these risk factors coincide, the risk of adverse outcomes such as school failure, ill health, social exclusion and offending become much greater. National research conducted by the Audit Commission in 1996 established that young people who have been excluded or who are truant are more likely to offend. 80% of those permanently excluded offended. Data shows that in 2000/01, there were 351 fixed term exclusions, 54% of which were in Thetford.

Source Breckland Crime & Disorder Audit, 2000/01, Breckland Council Community Safety Partnership

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Domestic Violence The Domestic Violence Unit in Thetford collates data on the domestic incidents reported. From April 2002 – February 2004, there were 2,159 reported domestic incidents in Thetford.

Table 7.13 – No Of Reported Domestic Incidents in Thetford (April 2002-Feb 2004)

AREA

No of Reported

Domestic Incidents

Thetford 2,159

Source: Domestic Violence Unit, Thetford, Norfolk Constabulary

Racial Crime

Breckland District Council reported that for the sixth month period from April-September 2002 there were 12 reported racial crimes. 9 were reported for racially aggravated harassment and 3 were reported for racially aggravated criminal damage. For the same six month period April-September 2003, there were 15 reported racial crimes. 5 were reported for racially aggravated wounding, 7 were reported for racially aggravated harassment and 3 were reported for racially aggravated criminal damage.

Source: Norwich & Norwich Racial Equality Council (NNREC) Annual Report 2002/03

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Fire Service Call Outs & Malicious Calls Fire cover over Thetford is mainly provided by Thetford and East Harling Fire Stations. Table 7.14 lists the number of incidents attended by Thetford Fire Station (2001)

Table 7.14 – Fire Calls 2001 (2001)

STATION

TOTAL CALLS

Malicious Calls

Norfolk 10,998 304 Thetford 524 23

East Harling 59 1

Source: Norfolk Fire Service 2001 Health & Substance Misuse The most recent data (2002/2003) obtained shows that there were 144 people receiving treatment for substance misuse in the Thetford area. 25% of these were 24 years and under.

Source: Public Health Resource Unit, 2003

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SECTION 8

THE THETFORD

COMMUNITY

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Section 8 - Contents

Community Page(s) Child Care Provision................................................................................

93

Nursery/Playgroups.................................................................................

93

Child Protection........................................................................................

94

Citizen’s Advice Bureau...........................................................................

94

Community Access To Local Councils

- Thetford Town Council...................................

95

Voter Turnout Rates - Local Elections 2003...................................... - General Elections 2001..................................

95 96

Community Groups..................................................................................

96

Community Space....................................................................................

97

Community Open Spaces........................................................................

98

Recreation Facilities.................................................................................

99

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THE THETFORD COMMUNITY Child Care Provision

In the Thetford area, as of July 2004, there are 24 registered child minders listed on the Childcare Link web-site. 18 of these had vacancies.

Table 8.1 – Childcare Provision in the Thetford Area

LOCATION

No of

Registered Child minders

Child minders with

Vacancies (July 2004)

Thetford

24 18

Source: www.childcarelink.gov.uk

Nursery / Playgroups Pre-School Playgroups There is one pre-school playgroup listed which is held in Fulmerston Church. Day Nurseries There are two independent day nurseries listed in the Thetford area, Castle Nursery and NuNu Nursery. Sunbeams Day Care Centre and Crèche sadly suffered a fire in October 2003 and these premises are now closed. Most Primary Schools now offer a nursery provision and because of this, several private Nurseries have closed. Concern is expressed by Nurseries who say they are unable to retain children due to the admission policies of these nursery classes attached to schools. This has resulted in sustainability issues for the private nurseries with lower numbers of children attending and people being unwilling to pay for child care generally, due to low paid employment in the area.

Source: Surestart Thetford, Delivery Plan, 2003

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Child Protection Child protection is a major concern to all associated agencies. Thetford has the highest number of children on the Child Protection Register for its size and population in the whole of Norfolk. Child protection is strongly associated with deprivation and health inequalities.

Source: Research & Information Officer (C&F)

Norfolk Social Services Citizen’s Advice Bureau The Thetford and District CAB has been operating in Thetford for over 30 years. Described below are some statistics for 2002/2003. Thetford and District CAB dealt with 364 debt clients in the 2002/2003 financial

year – an increase of 35% on the previous year Total debts dealt with is up by 21% to £908,000 37% of debt (£340,000) now being dealt with is to priority creditors and requires

immediate action Thetford and District CAB spends in excess of 40 hours per week on debt cases

Statistics from 2003 questionnaire-based survey (30% response rate) into

Thetford and District CAB debt clients about the effect of debt on clients: 39% suffer ill health 33% are less effective at work 43% of relationships are adversely affected 33% have reduced self-esteem 51% suffer social exclusion 19% have insufficient money for basic everyday requirements

Sadly, the Thetford and District will be closing from September 2004. This is due to ongoing funding issues and a long-standing difficulty in recruiting volunteers. After this date, services will be managed by the Diss & District CAB but on a reduced basis. There will be a 5 day a week telephone service still using the existing Thetford number and 1-day a week face to face appointments. The Welfare Rights Outreach Project funded by the Big Lottery fund and the Norfolk Money Advice offering money and welfare benefit advice will continue.

Source: Thetford & District Citizens Citizen’s Advice Bureau

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Community Access to Local Councils Thetford Town Council Thetford has 16 Councillors. There are two information points for the public to access information. These are outside the Kings House and King St poster point. Future plans are to place information on a Thetford Town Council web-site and to also distribute a newsletter, possibly quarterly to every household in the area. Some Councillors have occasional surgeries but these are not held routinely. Councillors may choose to hold a public meeting if they wish to address a particular issue, but these too, are not held routinely. The minutes from the Town Council meetings are kept in the Town Council Offices at Thetford. Any member of the public can ask to see the minutes. The Offices are open on Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm. There is no disabled access to the Offices at present but staff will provide assistance at the ground floor level if required.

Source: Town Clerk, Thetford Town Council Voter Turnout Rates One way of measuring local interest in politics is to look at the voter turnout rates for the area. The voter turnout rate for the 2003 local elections was as follows:

Local Elections 2003

Table 8.2 – Voter Turnout Rates 2003

AREA

Voter Turnout Rate

Parish Elections May 2003

%

Voter Turnout Rate District Elections

May 2003 %

NORFOLK

Thetford - Abbey 19 18 Thetford Barnham

Cross (now Castle) 31 31

Thetford - Guildhall 22 22 Thetford - Saxon 17 17

Source: Breckland Council

The wards of Thetford Abbey and Guildhall had particularly poor turnout rates.

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General Elections 2001

Table 8.3 – General Elections 2001

Constituency

Voter Turnout Rate

Elected Constituent

UK

59.4% New Labour

Norfolk South West 63% Gillian Shepherd (Conservative)

Source: Norfolk County Council

Norfolk had higher than national voter turnout rates. Community Groups There are over 50 different community groups and voluntary organisations operating over Thetford offering a large variety of interest. Examples include the Thetford & District Model Railway Society and The Thetford Society. Thetford Association of Voluntary Organisation (TAVO) aims to develop the capacity of local voluntary and community organisations. Based in Thetford, TAVO’s objectives are to actively support and encourage the effectiveness, level and quality of the voluntary groups in their community. A Community Development Worker is employed full-time. Local Community Representatives Keystone Development Trust actively encourages the community to join their organisation as members. Being a member gives people the right to elect Trustees to sit on the Board, to receive regular up to date information about Keystone activities and to be involved in specific consultations about major plans and developments. As part of Keystone’s initiative to involve the wider community, members are consulted (via e-mail) about potential SRB projects and are invited to comment within a 2-week period. All comments are then fed back to the Keystone Management Team. There are currently 500 ‘members’ of Keystone. Another example of the community being represented on committees is the Thetford Healthy Living Centre Community Involvement Panel. This has been formed recently in a joint venture by Keystone and Southern Norfolk PCT to assist with the development of proposals for a new healthy living centre at Thetford. The Panel consists of 17 members of the community who provide the ‘patient’ perspective. The Panel so far, have been actively encouraged to attend Bidders meetings for a new Healthy Living Centre alongside the health professionals.

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Neighbourhood Forums, Residents and Tenants Associations There are active resident’s forums on the 3 west Thetford estates. These are the Abbey Tenants and Residents group who meet monthly, the Redcastle Action Group (RAGS) who meet monthly and the Barnham Action Group (BAGS) who meet bi-monthly. There is also a cross-estate group who meet to discuss mainly Community Centre issues. They meet every 4-6 weeks. Community Events Thetford has a weekly free paper – The Thetford and Brandon Times which carries local stories of interest. However, it is not delivered to all parts of Thetford or to the rural parishes. There is also the Bury Free Press weekly free paper which covers stories mainly from Bury but also Thetford and some villages in West Suffolk. Regional newspapers include the Eastern Daily Press and the East Anglian Daily Times. Some Parishes have their own village newsletter. Community Consultation In 1994, the Healthy Thetford 2000 working group undertook a research project by devising a community needs assessment questionnaire survey entitled “How are you today?” The questionnaire gave people chance to identify issues and concerns about their health and to comment on what it felt like to live in Thetford. These results were fed back later to the public in a general health forum in August 1994. The next stage of the project was to hold structured interviews of local community focus groups. For these, small groups of local people were drawn together to discuss their experiences of living in Thetford and to list and prioritise common concerns that adversely affected the quality of their lives. Nineteen focus groups were held in all. From these a Partnership group consisting of multi-agency representatives was formed and was the basis of the Fit for The Future regeneration plan for Thetford for which SRB funding was obtained. Community Space

The National Playing Field Association (NPFA) suggests an overall standard of 2.43 hectares of outdoor playing space per 1,000 population. This standard is used as a general guide by many District Councils. In the Breckland District Council Local Plan 1999, Thetford is described as being well provided for in respect of recreation facilities, open spaces and recreation areas compared to this standard.

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Community Open Spaces Castle Mound & Park – The site of the old Castle in Thetford. It is now a massive mound, 27 metres high and 333 metres round the base. Thetford’s Forgotten Garden is a beautiful site, which is steeped in history, and until 30 years ago was a productive kitchen garden for Ford Place. It lay derelict until Thetford’s Heritage Officer, and the owner of Ford Place got together and decided this Thetford ‘gem’ should be brought back to life as a public garden. This also honoured an old bill of sale by Sir William Gentle, a previous owner, which stated his wish that the garden should be open to the people of Thetford.

Figure 8.1 – Thetford’s Forgotten Garden

Source: Printed in The Thetford Magazine, Summer 2001, The Thetford Society Printed with permission from Theresa Mason, Designer of the Forgotten Garden

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) The BTO site is 200 acres of land south-east of Thetford in the valleys of the Rivers Thet and Little Ouse. There are six small lakes (flooded gravel workings), woodland, scrub and wetland areas and a meadow of botanical interest. This area is now managed as the Nunnery Lakes Nature Reserve. Public access to much of the reserve is available via two kilometres of permissive footpaths with interpretation boards and interpretative panels and an observation hide. Local residents are welcome to get involved with management and maintenance.

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Three Nuns' Bridges - The area is now a favourite picnic site in Thetford - with Ford Meadow along the river Thet. Kings Gardens – Thetford. Situated at the back of Kings House, these beautiful gardens are open to the public. Recreation Facilities Breckland Leisure Centre in Thetford offers an extensive range of sporting facilities. These include swimming, short tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball, table tennis, football, basket-ball & volleyball, hockey, tennis and also a gym and fitness centre.

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SECTION 9

THE THETFORD ENVIRONMENT

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The Thetford Environment Page(s) The Thetford Environment......................................................................

102

Agricultural Land Quality..........................................................................

102

Air Quality

Carbon Monoxide......................................................................... Benzene....................................................................................... 1,3 Butadiene............................................................................... Nitrogen Dioxide........................................................................... Fine Particle (PM10).....................................................................

103 104 105 106 107

Drinking Water Quality.............................................................................

108

River Water Quality

Chemistry..................................................................................... Biology......................................................................................... Nitrates......................................................................................... Aesthetics.....................................................................................

109 109 110 110

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s)..............................................

111

Ramsar Sites............................................................................................

111

Areas of Special Protection......................................................................

112

Areas of Special Conservation.................................................................

112

National Nature Reserves........................................................................

112

County Wildlife Sites................................................................................

112

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THE THETFORD ENVIRONMENT

The Thetford area is very fortunate in that it is situated in enviable countryside. Breckland, which covers Thetford, is described on the Council web-site as the place of enormous skies and wide open spaces, gentle English countryside with quirky villages and bustling market towns. Alongside this is the magnificent Thetford Forest and the unique Brecks landscape.

Source: Breckland Council Web-site

This section examines the environmental aspects of the Thetford area including the agricultural classifications of the land, the air quality, the drinking water standards and the impressive range of environmentally important sites.

Agricultural Land Quality The quality of agricultural land in England & Wales is assessed according to a system devised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It was revised and published in 1989 and is known as the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system. This is a nationally applicable system used for land use planning and development control. The ALC is based on the following factors:

i. Climate: accumulated temperature which indicates the build up of energy available for crop growth from late winter to early summer and annual average rainfall

ii. Topography: gradient, micro-relief and flood risk iii. Soil: wetness, droughtiness, depth and stone content

Land is graded between 1 – 5 as below:

Table 9.1 – Agricultural Land Classifications

Grade 1 Excellent Quality Agricultural Land Grade 2 Very Good Agricultural Land Grade 3 Good – Moderate Quality Agricultural

Land Grade 4 Poor Quality Agricultural Land Grade 5 Very Poor Agricultural Land

Source: MAFF (1988), Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales

The agricultural quality of the land surrounding Thetford is classed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and being of Grade 4 quality.

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Air Quality

Key µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic metre ppm = parts per million ppb = parts per billion POLLUTANTS Carbon Monoxide (CO)

In the United Kingdom, it has been estimated that some 6.7 million tonnes of carbon monoxide are emitted into the atmosphere each year and that 87% of this comes from petrol-engined vehicles. In the home, gas cookers, paraffin heaters and bottled gas heaters operating in poorly ventilated rooms, or badly installed or maintained flued gas, oil or solid fuel heaters may cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the air, leading to tiredness, unconsciousness or even death. The national standard for concentrations of carbon monoxide in the air is 10µg/m3 (8.6 ppm) over a running 8-hour average. Table 9.2 shows the carbon monoxide levels over the Thetford area.

Table 9.2 – Carbon Monoxide Levels – Thetford Area 2003

Carbon Monoxide Projected Levels

by 2005

Carbon Monoxide

Projected levels by 2010

LOCATION

Annual Mean mg/m3

Annual Mean mg/m3

Mundford Rd, Thetford 0.36 0.25 Teasel Drive, Thetford 0.27 0.19 Autumn Close, Thetford

0.33 0.23

A1075 Thetford 0.35 0.25 Boston Rd, Thetford 0.28 0.17

Source: Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003,

Breckland Council Environmental Health Department Defra, UK

Breckland Council found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for carbon monoxide.

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Benzene The main source of benzene emissions in the UK are from petrol-engined vehicles, petrol reefing and refuelling of vehicles at petrol station forecourts. The national standard for concentrations of benzene is 16.25µg/m3 (5ppb) over a running annual mean. Table 9.3 shows the levels of benzene over the Thetford area.

Table 9.3 - Benzene Levels – Thetford Areas 2003

Benzene

Projected Levels by 2005

Benzene


LOCATION

Annual Mean mg/m3

Annual Mean mg/m3


0.41 0.29



Breckland District Council Environmental Health Department Defra, UK

Breckland DC found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for benzene.

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1,3 Butadiene The 1,3 butadiene in the air derives solely from human activity. It is an important industrial chemical, being used particularly in the manufacture of synthetic rubber for tyres. Some commercial liquid petroleum gases also contain up to 8 percent by volume. However, apart from accidental releases from such industrial activities, the 1,3 butadiene in the ambient air comes from combustion. It is mainly derived from combustion of petrol and diesel fuel, but some also comes from house fires and the burning of other fossil fuels. 1,3 Butadiene is also present in cigarette smoke. The national standard for concentrations of 1,3 butadiene is 2.25µg/m3 (1ppb) over a running annual mean. Table 9.4 shows the 1,3 butadiene levels over the Thetford area.

Table 9.4 - 1,3 Butadiene Levels – Thetford Area 2003

1,3 Butadiene


1,3 Butadiene


LOCATION

Annual Mean mg/m3

Annual Mean mg/m3


0.26 0.18




Breckland Council found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for 1,3 butadiene.

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Nitrogen Dioxide (N02) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a respiratory irritant and is thought to make certain conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis worse. Road transport accounts for 50% of the NO2 emissions in the UK. In urban areas, road traffic can account for a much greater percentage of emission eg. 75% in London. Passive diffusion tubes are used to measure mean concentrations of NO2 over a monthly period. The national standard for concentrations of nitrogen dioxide is the annual mean of 40µg/m3 (21 ppb) and a 1-hour mean concentration of 200µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year. Table 9.5 shows the nitrogen dioxide levels over the Thetford area.

Table 9.5 - Nitrogen Dioxide Levels – Thetford Area

Nitrogen Dioxide Projected Levels

by 2005

Nitrogen Dioxide


LOCATION

Annual Mean mg/m3

Annual Mean mg/m3

Mundford Rd, Thetford 30.37 25.07 Teasel Drive, Thetford 24.71 20.95 Autumn Close, Thetford 28.25 23.91 A1075 Thetford 29.97 24.78


Breckland Council Environmental Health Department Since the first round of assessments, the A11 has been duelled at Snetterton and this may impact on air quality. It is felt however, that emissions of N02 along the A11 are likely to be lower due to the reduced congestion and improved traffic flow. Breckland Council found that that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide.

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Fine Particles (PM10) The extent of the health risks posed by very small particles is still under debate but it is thought that particles less than 10µ diameter can travel into the lungs and some can be absorbed into the blood stream. This can raise blood pressure and put strain on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Also the particle can carry other substances which may have a detrimental effect on health. Existing respiratory and cardio-vascular problems can be made worse by elevated levels of particles. The national standard for concentrations of fine particles is the annual mean of 40µg/m3 and a 24-hour mean concentration of 50µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year. Table 9.6 shows the level of fine particles over the Thetford area.

Table 9.6 - Fine Particle (PM10) Levels – Thetford Area

Fine Particles


Fine Particles


LOCATION

Annual Mean mg/m3

Annual Mean mg/m3

Mundford Rd, Thetford 26.89 24.78 Teasel Drive, Thetford 23.84 23.03 Autumn Close, Thetford 26.01 24.26 A1075 Thetford 26.66 24.65 Boston Rd, Thetford 26.58 23.94



There are no blackspots of poor air quality in the Thetford area but Breckland Council are currently investigating the levels of PM10 particulate matter in the air. The Environmental Health Department hope that further tests and guidance will determine whether the source of particulates is significant, ie soil/agricultural rather than industrial. This is currently ongoing.

Breckland Council found that there is very little likelihood of exceedence of the air quality standards for fine particles by the standard for 2004. However, there is a likelihood of an exceedence of the annual mean for 2010 in areas under large scale cultivation (agricultural areas). They propose that a detailed assessment of PM10 in the more rural areas should be made.

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Drinking Water Quality

Drinking water is largely mains supply and is maintained by Anglian Water Services. They test the quality and report to the Drinking Water Inspectorate. River water is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.

Table 9.7 shows the results of component tested in water from the Thetford area

Table 9.7 – Drinking Water Samples Tested

Component

Water Testing

Water is regularly tested for components such as micro-biological coliforms, taste and odour, trace metals such as iron and lead and organic pesticides such as nitrates. There are water treatment works at Two Mile Bottom, Nunnery Lodge, Barnham Cross and Brandon. There are water storage points at Barrow Hill reservoir, East Wretham Tower, Mundford Road reservoir and Brandon High reservoirs.

Allowed Limit

Thetford

mg/l 41.9 µg/l 0.15

Iron 200 µg/l 19.5 144

Pesticides 0.05

Nitrates 50 Lead 50

Fluoride 1,500 µg/l 0.5 µg/l

Source: Anglian Water, Public Water Supply, 2003

Nitrates seem to be the only component that is approaching the allowed limits. Nitrate levels in many English waters, both ground and surface waters, are increasing. Nitrate pollution is of concern because it has to be removed before water can be supplied to consumers, and it can harm the water environment. Over 70% of nitrate enters water from agricultural land.

All environmental health matters are constantly monitored to make sure that problems don’t arise.

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River Water Quality The General Quality Assessment scheme (GQA) is the Environment Agency’s national method for classifying water quality in rivers and canals. Water quality is assessed by using four separate measures: chemistry, biology, nutrients, and aesthetics.

Chemistry

River

Stretch

Samples are analysed for three determinants of organic pollution: ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen. The collective results are then averaged and graded as below.

Grade A = Very Good, B = Good, C= Fairly Good, D = Fair, E = Poor, F = Bad

Table 9.8 – Chemistry Samples in Local Rivers

Grade

Little Ouse

The Black Bourn – River Thet B River Thet – Santon Downham B

Little Ouse

Source: Environment Agency

Table 9.9 – Biology Samples in Local Rivers

Biology

The macro-invertebrates (small animals that can be seen with the naked eye) found in the kick-samples taken are identified. The range of species found is compared with the range that would be expected in the river if it was not polluted or physically damaged.

Grade A = Very Good, B = Good, C= Fairly Good, D = Fair, E = Poor, F = Bad

River

Stretch

Grade

Little Ouse The Black Bourn – River Thet

A


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Nitrates Samples are analysed for nitrate levels and graded as follows:

Stretch Grade

1= Very Low, 2 = Low, 3 = Moderately Low, 4 = Moderate, 5 = High, 6 = Very High

Table 9.10 – Nitrate Samples in Local Rivers

River

Little Ouse River Thet – Santon Downham 5 Little Ouse The Black Bourn – River Thet 5


The level of nitrates in the rivers is high in most areas and very high on the stretches between Hockham Fen to the River Thet and the A1088 to Pakenham Stream.

Aesthetics

Table 9.11 – Aesthetics Grading For River Little Ouse

Grade

Aesthetic quality is assessed by surveying sites for things which spoil the look and smell of rivers: the amount and type of litter, oil, scum, foam, sewage fungus, colour and odour. Both the water surface and the banks where there is public access are considered. Grading is as follows:

1= Good, 2 = Fair, 3 = Poor, 4 = Bad

River

Stretch

Little Ouse The Black Bourn – River Thet 2


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ENVIRONMENTALLY IMPORTANT SITES There are many areas of environmental importance within the Thetford area, some are known as internationally important. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Definition SSSIs are designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to protect areas of important flora, fauna, geological and/or physiographical features. An SSSI represents the best sites for wildlife and geology. They play an important part in local culture and economies or provide opportunities for people to enjoy wildlife and landscape. The national wildlife and geological features of SSSIs are irreplaceable parts of our national heritage. Most SSSIs are privately owned or managed. Others are owned or managed by public bodies such as the Forestry Commission, Ministry of Defence and the Crown Estate, or by the voluntary conservation movement. In the Thetford area the following areas are designated Sites of Specific Scientific Interest:

Thetford Forest Barnham Cross Common

Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Ramsar Sites

Definition Ramsar sites are designated under the International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat.

Source: Breckland District Council Local Plan

In the Thetford area, the following are designated as RAMSAR sites: Breckland Farmland (SSSI parts) Breckland Forest SSSI – part of Breckland SPA

& www.wetlands.org.uk

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Areas of Special Protection Definition Special Protection Areas, designated under the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds provide for the protection, management and control of all species of naturally occurring wild birds in the European territory of Member States. In particular it requires Member States to identify areas to be given special protection for the rare or vulnerable species and for regularly occurring migratory species and for the protection of wetlands, especially wetlands of international importance. In the Thetford area, there are many areas considered worthy of special protection. Sites include: Barnham Cross Common, Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Special Areas Of Conservation

National Nature Reserves (NNRs)

Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Thetford is listed as a designated wildlife site.

The Breckland area as a whole is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The area is unique in that in the Stone Age ‘Brecks’ were originally temporary fields, cultivated until the soil became exhausted. Then, ancient heathland took over to form a unique community of plants and animals. It is now a colourful world of sandy soil and glowing heather.

Source: Brecks Countryside Project

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are places where wildlife comes first. They were established to protect the most important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations in Britain, and as places for scientific research. They are not "no-go areas" for people but care is taken not to damage the wildlife of these fragile places. At the end of March 2000 there were 200 NNRs in England covering 80,533 hectares.

Thetford has a NNRs on Thetford Heath

County Wildlife Sites

Source: Breckland District Council, Local Plan 1999-2006

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SECTION 10

THETFORD’S CULTURE & HERITAGE

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Thetford’s Culture & Heritage Page(s)

124

Cultural Facilities......................................................................................

115 – 117

Cultural Associations................................................................................

117 – 120

Historical Associations.............................................................................

121 – 122

English Heritage Sites..............................................................................

123 – 124

National Trust Sites..................................................................................

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CULTURE AND HERITAGE “Culture is important for many reasons. Cultural activities interact in a complex pattern in people’s everyday lives: they help shape how we relate to the surrounding landscape and environment; they lend meaning to the past and provide vision for the future; they play a distinctive role in the regeneration of cities, towns and villages; they are a gateway to learning throughout life and are essential to healthy living.”

There is an Art Galley in Thetford. The Gallery displays work by local artists and craftspeople. Admission is free but currently this is upstairs and is not accessible to the disabled.

Imagine is a social exclusion arts and heritage project which visits schools over the area, encouraging children to feel, smell and touch museum exhibits and to look at the past in a new light. It is hoped that ‘Imagine’ will have a permanent home in Thetford with space for theatre or dance events and art exhibitions.

Culture: Living East, 2003

CULTURAL FACILITIES Theatre and Cinema

Thetford does not have a Theatre or Cinema. The nearest ones are in Bury St Edmunds, Norwich and Dereham which are 12½ and 30 miles away respectively. Art Galleries

Apart from this, there are no public art programmes, no studio space and no artist led organisations.

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Museums

The Ancient House Museum is a magnificent timber framed Tudor merchant's house, built about 1490, with an extension added about 1590. The house is jettied and timber-framed, using oak, with wattle and daub in-fill with a fine carved ceiling and fireplace timbers.

The Ancient House Museum

Figure 10.1 – The Ancient House Museum

Source: www.poppyland.co.uk/norfolk/thetford.htm Thetford has a connection with an Indian Prince, the Maharajah Duleep Singh which can be seen at the Ancient House Museum. Originally founded by Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, the Maharajah's second son, the Museum displays a range of original family photographs and items from the family’s collections. It also houses the Thetford Treasure, a hoard of late Roman jewellery and spoons and one of the area’s most dramatic finds of recent years. The Ancient House Museum displays a selection of replicas of the Treasure made by Peter Shorer, copied from the originals at the British Museum.

Libraries Thetford has an excellent Library offering a wide range of services including free internet access, loans, local studies and reference material. Thetford has three special collections which belong to the town and are of particular interest to Scholars and local Historians. The first is the GW Staniforth bequest comprising of 9000 books dating from 1815-1920 and reflect the interest of well to do Victorian readers. The second is the Prince Duleep Singh collection which is a large collection of books, maps and illustrations, all relating to East Anglia. The third is the Thomas Paine collection. Made up of 3 elements, this collection amounts to about 1500 books and pamphlets plus over 200 other artefacts including photographs, portraits and various personal items. The third is a large collection of ‘Norfolk Studies’ which holds newspapers, journals, ordnance survey maps, genealogical and census information and early photographs. In total, there are over 14,000 items held in these three special collections.

Source: Thetford Official Guide

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Charles Burrell Museum St Nicholas Works in Thetford was established as a foundry and agricultural machinery works by Joseph Burrell in 1803. Joseph's nephew Charles built the company's first steam engine. Over the next 125 years Charles Burrell & Sons were to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of traction engines employing over 300 people and exporting to all corners of the world. During the First World War the company produced munitions.

The foundry turned out machinery widely regarded as the ‘Rolls Royces’ of the steam industry. The works attracted engineers from London, the Midlands and Yorkshire until it closed in 1928.

The Museum now houses a recreated workshop, steam engines and agricultural machinery, photographs, letters and documents.

Figure 10.2 – Charles Burrell Steam Engine

Festivals & Events

Source: Thetford Town Guide

There are several events held in the towns including the Thetford International day, the Thetford Festival and Thetford Heritage Open Days. Cultural Associations Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Thomas Paine was one of the influential writers of the 18th Century. He was born into a Quaker family in Thetford in 1737, the son of a Staymaker. The family lived at the top of Whitehart Street and he was educated at The Thetford Grammar School. Paine’s writings include The Case of the Officers of Excise and Common Sense, followed by The American Crisis and his best known work, The Rights of Man. In 1802, his book The Age Of Reason, an uncompromising critique of religious dogma made him many enemies as it sold widely and provided the basis of ideas for numerous radical societies which were being formed at the time. Paine died in 1809 at the age of 72 and was buried on his farm in New Rochelle. The author, William Cobbett visited the farm, dug up the bones and brought them back to England. His intention was to use the relics to stimulate interest in Paine. When Cobbett died, the bones, which had been kept in a chest, were lost! A statue of Thomas Paine now stands outside the Town Hall in Thetford Town Centre.

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Figure 10.3 – Thomas Paine Statue in Thetford

Source: www.poppyland.co.uk/norfolk/thetford.htm

Dad’s Army Much of this popular TV programme was filmed around Thetford and the surrounding areas. The cast stayed in the Bell Hotel when they were filming and the hotel commemorates this with a plaque and photographs dedicated to Dad’s Army in their reception.

Figure 10.5 – Dad’s Army

Source: Dad’s Army Appreciation Society, March 2000

James Fison moved to Thetford in 1808 and developed a business dealing in wool, corn, malt and fertilisers. During the 19 Fisons was one of the principle businesses in Thetford and grew into the well-known fertiliser company.

Cornell Fison (1793-1880)

th and early 20th centuries,

Source: An A-Z of Thetford and the Brecks

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Maharajah Duleep Singh (1838-1893) Maharajah Duleep Singh became the last ruler of an independent Sikh Punjab as a boy in 1843. Wars with the British led to the eventual annexation of the Punjab and the surrender by young Duleep Singh of his sovereign rights and property (including the world famous Koh-i-Noor Diamond), to the British Crown in exchange for a pension. He came to live in England where Queen Victoria befriended him.

He bought the Elveden estate near Thetford in 1863 where he led the life of a country gentleman and followed his sporting interests. His pension was insufficient to support this lifestyle however and relations with the Government became strained. He tried to return to India but this was refused and he died in Paris in 1863 and he was buried at Elveden churchyard.

His second son, Prince Frederick was a keen local historian and lived at Blo Norton. He wrote Portraits in Norfolk Houses. A benefactor of Thetford, he gave the town his portrait collection and purchased a house on Whitehart Street for use as the town's museum.

Today a statue of the Maharaj can be seen at Butten Island in Thetford and a few of the Duleep Singh collection of paintings are on display at King's House and the Ancient House Museum.

Figure 10.4 – Maharajah Duleep Singh statue in Butten Island, Thetford

Source: www.vieweastanglia.com

The Man in the Iron Mask – Harry Bensley (1890-1970) A lesser well known story from Thetford is the story of Harry Bensley, the Thetford man who agreed to walk around the world on a $100,000 bet with eccentric American millionaire John Morgan. The challenge was taken up in a London club with very unusual conditions. Mr Bensley agreed to complete his walk while pushing a baby’s pram and while wearing a full faced iron mask, which he was prohibited from taking off when soliciting marriage proposals from women across the globe!

Mr Bensley’s bet saw him depart from Trafalgar Square on New Year’s Day in 1908 for what was to become a 30,000 mile, six and a half year adventure. He left with just £1 in his pocket after agreeing to fund his journey by selling postcards in the countries he criss-crossed. Ironically, Mr Bensley’s only brush with the law was in

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England when he was arrested at Bexley Heath, Kent, for selling postcards without a hawker’s licence. Fortunately, he was allowed to keep his mask on in court. The mask itself was made to measure and weighed 4lb 6oz. At the court he was fined a half-a-crown (12 1/2p) and allowed to go on his way.

Mr Bensley did not collect the $100,000 prize despite trekking across England, Ireland, Canada, America, China, Japan, India, Persia, Egypt, Turkey and the Balkans. He arrived in Genoa, Italy, on August 14th, 1914 - on the last lap of his journey - when he was handed a telegram announcing that the bet was off because of the declaration of the First World War.

The dejected 24-year-old removed his iron mask, returned to England and handed the £4,000 he was given as compensation to charity. Perhaps his only consolation was that during his amazing around-the-world odyssey, he received 200 marriage proposals. In keeping with the strange tale, he married none. Instead, many years later he married a Yorkshire girl and moved to Brighton where in 1970 both he and much of the Man in the Iron Mask legend died.

Source: Raising Our Sites, A Heritage Strategy for Thetford, 1998

Sweine Forkbeard King of the Danes, Sweine, came to Thetford during the wars between the English and the Danes, in 1004 and again in 1010. As one of the most important East Anglian centres, it was a natural target. On both occasions the forces of the Anglo Scandinavian leader Ulfketel Snilling were defeated. Thetford was ravaged and burnt. Sweine (along with Thomas Paine) is commemorated on the town's sign.

Figure 10.6 – One side of the Thetford Sign showing Sweine Forkbeard

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Historic Associations

Thetford was one of East Anglia's major towns in the later Anglo-Saxon period and became the seat of the region's bishops after their move from North Elmham in 1075 until Norwich Cathedral was built in the 1090's. Today, the most prominent surviving feature of the old Thetford is the immense Norman motte of Castle Hill, which, at 81 feet high, is one of the largest man-made mounds in the country. It was probably built soon after 1066 and remained a baronial stronghold until it was confiscated by King Henry II in 1157, who had its defences dismantled after the war of 1173.

The great motte stands in the angle of a bailey with unusually large double ramparts surviving to the north and east. Excavations have suggested that it is unlikely that these continued round into the flood-plain to the south, where the Rivers Thet and Little Ouse run. Indeed, the bailey appears to have been formed from the earthworks of an Iron Age promontory-fortress which ran in a curve to the north of the rivers, with the latter forming its southern defences.

Figure 10.7 - Thetford Norman Motte

Thetford: Ancient Earthworks

Sources: Thetford Ancient Earthworks and Buried Treasure www.wuffings.co.uk

Thetford Treasure Unknown to the English, the Danes, and the Normans, a treasure-hoard lay buried on Gallow's Hill to the north of the town near a Romano-Celtic altar site. It was here that in 1979 the Thetford Treasure was discovered by a freelance metal detectorist. This very rich hoard dates from the second half of the fourth century and includes gold and silver bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and rings, many of which are bejewelled with precious stones. Also found were 33 silver spoons, many of which bear inscriptions to the woodland fertility god, Faunus.

Sources: Thetford Ancient Earthworks and Buried Treasure

www.wuffings.co.uk

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King's House The offices of the Thetford Town Council and Registrar Office, the house was visited by Henry 1st and later, after rebuilding, by Elizabeth 1st. James 1st used it regularly; it carries the royal coat of arms over the door - as a place from which to go hunting. Three Nuns' Bridges The ancient crossing point of the Icknield Way over the Little Ouse. The three bridges take their name after the nearby Nunnery of St. George. During the Middle Ages it was the town ducking pond. The Town Bridge Previously a toll bridge used from the 16th to the late 19th centuries.

Figure 10.8 - Thetford Town Bridge

Source: www.poppyland.co.uk/norfolk/thetford.htm The Nunnery (HQ to the British Trust for Ornithology) The headquarters of the BTO is located at The Nunnery in Thetford. Parts of the fabric of the medieval Benedictine Nunnery of St George can still be seen on this site, which was given to the BTO in 1990. The twelfth-century convent church and a small eighteenth-century manor house were incorporated into the BTO headquarters in an award-winning restoration project.

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English Heritage Sites

Thetford Priory - Thetford Situated near the railway station, the Priory of Our Lady of Thetford belonged to the Order of Cluny, and was founded in 1103 by Roger Bigod, an old soldier and friend of William the Conqueror. Originally based in the town, the Priory was moved a few years later to the site on which the ruins now stand. Work began on the new site in 1107 but was not completed until 1114. Though little of the twelfth century structure remains, later structures, such as the gatehouse still stand in tact.

The Thetford area has 3 English Heritage Sites listed. These are described below:

Early in the thirteenth century a large Lady Chapel was added to the church. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared in a vision to inhabitants of Thetford requesting that a chapel be built in her honour. During the construction of the chapel, the old stone statue of Our Lady was found to have a hollow in the head containing relics of saints. Pilgrims, hearing of the relics, flocked to Thetford hoping to benefit from their alleged healing powers. This cult brought considerable profit to the priory, and before the end of the century the east end of the church was rebuilt on a more elaborate scale.

After the death of the last Roger Bigod in 1306, the Norfolk estates passed to the Crown, and later, to the Dukes of Norfolk. In 1536,the King’s visitors descended on the priory and its suppression was in sight. Despite petitioning by the reigning Duke, who pointed out that the King’s own natural son Henry Fitzroy, was buried there, the Priory was dissolved. On 16th February 1540, the last prior and sixteen monks surrendered the priory to the King’s commissioners.

Figure 10.10 - Thetford Priory

Source: English Heritage

In a visitor Survey undertaken in Thetford in 2001, 37% of respondents considered Thetford to be “full of history and heritage”

Source: Thetford Visitor Survey, 2001

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Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Thetford Located on the west side of Thetford off the B1107, this is the ruined nave of a priory church of the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre and is the only surviving remains in England of a house of this order

Thetford Warren Lodge - Thetford Also situated on the west side of Thetford off the B1107, this is a medieval hunting lodge. National Trust Sites There are no National Trust properties within Thetford although Oxbourgh Hall in Norfolk and Angel Corner in Suffolk are both a short distance away.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Air Quality Report, 2001 Breckland Council

Brandon Community Partnership

Brandon Regeneration Group

Breckland District Council, Local Plan, Adopted 1999

Desert Rats, 7th Armoured Division

Deprivation in Norfolk 2000

Fit For The Future, Regenerating West Thetford, 1997

Health Atlas – Informing The Planning & Delivery of Health, September 2003 Eastern Region Strategic Health Authority

Has the Debt Service Thetford CAB Given To Its Clients Made A Difference?

Breckland District Council

Labour Market Information, December 2002

Learning & Skills Council

An A-Z of Thetford & The Brecks http://freespace.virgin.net/peter.steward/atoz.htm

Brandon Community Partnership Delivery Plan, 2003-2004

Brandon Town Centre Appraisal Report, June 1999

Breckland District Council

http://www.fmdinning.freeserve.co.uk/

Norfolk County Council, Planning & Transportation Economic Development Strategy to 2010, August 2002 Forest Heath District Council

Thetford Partnership

Forest Heath Local Plan, Issues Report, May 2001 Forest Heath District Council Growing Together, June 2000 Thetford Partnership

Thetford and District CAB, March 2003

Health Delivery Plan 2003-2006 Southern Norfolk PCT Household and Employers Surveys, Breckland, 1998 EGA Marketing Research Surveys

Housing Needs Survey, July 2002

Norfolk Careers Services

Norfolk Needs Analysis Summary Report

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Raising Our Sites, A Heritage Strategy for Thetford in the Brecks, July 1998 Nigel Boldero, Thetford Partnership Region in Figures – East of England, Winter 2002 Office of National Statistics Review of Post 16 Education and Training in Western Norfolk, June 2003 Norfolk Learning & Skills Council

Thetford – A Century Remembered. From 1900-Present Day, 1996

Thetford & District Citizens Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Annual Report 2000/01

Thetford Visitor Survey, 2001

Touchstone, Your Community News, 2003 Keystone Community Partnership

Rural Services 2000 Countryside Agency Substance Misuse Review, Thetford SRB 6 Area, May 2001 BKK Consultancy

Surestart Thetford, June 2003 Delivery Plan

David Osbourne Thetford Ancient Earthworks and Buried Treasure www.wuffings.co.uk

Thetford CAB

The Research Unit, East of England Tourist Board

Updating and Screening Assessment for Air Quality, May 2003 Breckland District Council

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Glossary *A’ Level point score - Used to calculate an average point score per student, which depends on the number of qualifications taken by individual students as well as the grades they achieved.

GCSE – General Certificate of Secondary Education

HDO – Health Development Officer

Infant Mortality Rate – The number of babies who die per 1,000 live births

KDT – Keystone Development Trust

Labour Participation Rate - The labour participation rate is the number of people who do work divided by the number of people who could work.

ALC – Agricultural Land Classification

Approximated Social Grade - A socio-economic classification used by the Market Research and Marketing Industries, most often in the analysis of spending habits and consumer attitudes. BDC – Breckland District Council

CAB – Citizen’s Advice Bureau CHD – Coronary Heart Disease

CHI – Commission for Health Improvement CO – Carbon Monoxide Crime Rate – The number of recorded crimes per 1,000 population. DEFRA – Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

DLA – Disability Living Allowance Fertility Rates - A measure of pregnancy in females of child bearing age. It is the number of live births per 1,000 females of childbearing area between 15-44 yrs. The overall birth rate has reduced in the UK over the past two decades.

IMD – Indices of Multiple Deprivation Indices of Deprivation - The Indices of Deprivation use up to date information from indicators to describe deprivation at ward and national level.

Key Stage 2 – Children aged 11 LA – Local Authority

Level 4/5 – First degree, higher degree, NVQ levels 4/5 or HND.

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Life Expectancy – An estimate of the number of years a new born baby would survive, were she or he to experience the particular age-specific mortality rates for that time period throughout his or her life. Long Term Unemployed - Those unemployed who have not worked for longer than 2 years

MAFF – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods

NCC – Norfolk County Council

NNR – National Nature Reserves

TVB – Thetford Volunteer Bureau Very Low Birth Weight – Less than 1.5 kg

WSH PCT – West Suffolk Hospital Primary Care Trust

Youth Unemployment - Those persons unemployed aged between 16-24 years

Low Birth Weight – Less than 2.5 kg

Mortality Rate – The number of deaths per 1,000 population

NO2 – Nitrogen Dioxide

ONS – Office of National Statistics

PCM – Per calendar month PCT – Primary Care Trust PM10 – Fine Particles SNPCT – Southern Norfolk Primary Care Trust

SO2 – Sulphur Dioxide SRB – Single Regeneration Budget SSSI – Site of Special Scientific Interest

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A Thetford Profile

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Acknowledgments: C Carney is grateful to the following for their assistance with compiling this report: Breckland District Council

East Anglian Ambulance Service

Eastern Region Strategic Health Authority


Norfolk Fire Service

Norfolk Museum & Archaeology Service

Norfolk Constabulary

Norfolk Rural Community Council

Peddars Way Housing Association

Southern Norfolk PCT

Surestart Thetford

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