Norfolk Councillors Criticized for Negative Talk About Stalham

A council member defended Stalham, saying colleagues talk it down too much. This happened during a budget debate. Harry Blathwayt, who is in charge of coastal issues, made the comments.

Two Stalham council members, Matthew Taylor and Kevin Bayes, complained earlier. They expressed concern that the council ignores Stalham, favoring richer towns like Cromer. Plans to close a toilet also upset them.

Cromer will receive money for improvements this year, while Stalham will not get money for new projects. Bayes called the budget disappointing for Stalham and believes the council undervalues the town.

Blathwayt, who lives near Stalham, spoke up for the town. He said he is tired of the negativity and that Stalham has many thriving businesses. He asked colleagues to stop running it down.

Nigel Dixon supported his colleagues, saying they are voicing concerns because Stalham has not been treated fairly. He believes they have a duty to speak up.

Tim Adams disagreed with this view. He said Stalham does get funding, citing energy-efficient home improvements as an example. Adams added that the council owns more in other towns, such as Cromer, which has a pier and car parks.