I had a chat with one of the trustees and he told me that police patrols are being stepped up in Hethersett to lead the battle against anti-social behaviour. Obviously the police cannot be present in the village 24 hours a day so we all need to be vigilant and report anything suspicious and any instances of damage being caused.
I did read an excellent idea from one person on Facebook suggesting that, as part of their training, new police recruits should use Hethersett as a place to learn about and undertake community policing. This would give them experience and also see a high uniformed presence in the village.
But getting back to the damage. Some people have suggested that the damage was accidental or that the top had simply come away from the base. I don't think this is an idea that the trustees of the playing field subscribe to. They see it as an act of vandalism with the use of some considerable force - either that or by people jumping on the table. It is up to us as a community to fight back against any vandalism/anti social behaviour in the village. Please please report anything to the police before this all gets out of control.
Another emotive subject at the moment which was discussed at length at the parish council meeting on Monday is the increase in the amount of litter around the village. It was claimed that this has doubled in certain areas such as the Memorial Playing Field and the area around the village hall.
Lockdown brought with it what seemed to be a new community spirit but now that restrictions have been partially relaxed some people feel it is ok to be anti-social again and drop litter.
On the plus side I am anticipating that South Norfolk Council will be naming its community heroes. Closing date for nominations has passed. Hopefully some of the wonderful Hethersett people who did so much to help during lockdown will be recognised.
On Wednesday I went for my first Steward Stroll around the village for a while and I will include my photographs from that in tomorrow's blog. I also met a very interesting group of cricketers. Read Saturday's blog for more details of that.