Many of you were keen to have your say over the recent spate of power cuts, despite EDF Energy's announcement immediately prior to the meeting of £200,000 investment in the Diss area.

The company can be in no doubt in the strength of feeling both from local businesses and residents.

The apology from EDF Energy and an admission its performance had been unacceptable was welcome but it was little compensation for the inconvenience, damage and loss of business which many people experienced.

The jury is still out. I shall keep a close watch on the progress of EDF Energy's improvements and if they drag their feet I shall call them to account again.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Lack of housing in south Norfolk for first-time buyers is a major problem so I was interested to hear about the proposed development of 114 houses by Hayes Affordable Homes on a site between Diss and Roydon.

I can understand concerns at the proposed use of green belt land for this site. However, if we want young people to stay in the area, we will have to use some of the huge amount of land in Norfolk for homes for them to live in.

Hayes Affordable Homes said the houses would be for young people already living in Diss and Roydon with parents or in rented accommodation.

It is up to the planners to make the final decision but no one can doubt that more homes for young people are needed somewhere.

SAFE SAVING

Recently I visited South Norfolk Credit Union at its St Nicholas Street office in Diss.

The credit union offers South Norfolk residents a safe way of saving money regularly and it can provide small loans at a competitive rate.

The credit union is completely staffed by trained volunteers, so any profit is distributed as a dividend to savers.

All money saved or loaned stays within the area. Clients range from affluent people looking for an ethical way to save to those with previously poor credit ratings.

The credit union works closely with local housing associations SOLO and Saffron.

There are plans to extend the scheme throughout Norfolk.

I congratulate the credit union's president Alan Squirrell and his dedicated team for providing such an excellent service.