Thursday 5th February 2025 - Methodist Church, Japanese Knotweed and Gas Works

Currently, there’s a fair bit ‘going on’ in the village.  Firstly, scaffolding has been erected to one side of the Methodist Church in Cliff Road, see photo below.  The church was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and as the windows are in a bit of a state, I am guessing some remedial work on these will soon start.

Secondly, the mound of material removed from the slump, below the Sea Marge, which last year came part way across the promenade and was subsequently moved to the rough area at the east end of the promenade, is being taken away.  The area of cliff where it originated contains a lot of Japanese Knotweed.  Due to its invasive nature, this plant can be problem if you are planning to build a property or trying to get a mortgage on a property where Japanese Knotweed is evident on the land.  However, in this location; its roots helped bind the cliff together, which it has done for a number of years.  It’s also worth noting, this plant is edible and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.  More information can be found on EnvironetUK’s website.  It’s an attractive plant which, according to hearsay, was introduced by Lady Battersea who with her husband, Cyril Flower, owned The Pleasaunce.  Back to the material at the end of the promenade.  A company, specialising in the removal of Japanese Knotweed has been present, whilst the material is being removed.  Where it is being taken and what they plan to do with it, I have absolutely no idea, nor do I know whether once this is cleared, they will tackle the current slump on the promenade.  It has been mentioned; the District Council intend to leave this because it would pose a danger to contractors removing it, should the rest comes down on top of them.  If this is the case, then there will come a point, in the not too distant future, given there is only about one metre of the promenade remaining exposed, that this will become totally impassible.   

The third thing, currently ‘going on’ is works by Cadent on the gas supply, to part of the village.  This started on the Cromer Road a few weeks ago with traffic restricted to one way and holes dug in various areas on the south side of the road.  The works were extended on Monday to include part of Pauls Lane, here the stretch of road joining the Cromer Road and going down as far as Hillingdon Park is closed and will be until 21st February.  The road is still accessible to pedestrians and looking over the barricades, we have been able to see the holes are deep with new yellow piping at the bottom.  I haven’t seen any indications that the work will continue further along Pauls Lane.  I am guessing the work is remedial to rectify a problem in this particular area.  It is heartening, with the Government pushing towards everything to be electric, to see work being done to maintain the gas supply to this part of Overstrand.