West Norfolk councillor claims Walton Highway has ‘no go areas’ for police

A councillor has said his remote village is “like the wild west” and that there are “no go areas” for police.

Cllr Julian Kirk, who represents the Walsoken, West Walton and Walpole ward, made the claims during a West Norfolk Council planning committee meeting today.

He was speaking to oppose an application for a static and mobile caravan to be kept on land in Walton Highway, urging his fellow councillors to visit the area before making a decision.

He said: “This area has become known as the wicked wild west, and it is.

“Members living in the leafy suburbs will have no idea what it is like out there.

“There are ‘no go areas’ for police. I have seen police chases down my road. Looking out the window is better than watching TV.”

Cllr Kirk, who is standing as a Reform candidate in the Norfolk County Council elections in May, added he had lived there all his life and is from a fifth-generation farming family - but that he is now looking to move.

He claims he is among five other people living in the village who have also sought to move from the area.

However, he says they have struggled to find a buyer for their properties.

Despite his claims, police officers said this is not a high crime area.

Inspector Ben Jarvis, of the West Norfolk neighbourhood policing team, said: “Rural crime is always a priority for us and we focus on tackling this across the county.”

He said statistics had not highlighted areas like West Walton, Walsoken and the Walpoles as areas of high crime.

Councillors agreed to defer their decision on the application until after they have visited the village.

Officers said the potential for developments to affect house prices is not something that can be considered as part of planning applications.

Recent visits by officials did not find any issues.