Broadland in the Radio 2 spotlight

Broadland has today been named as the “most peaceful” area in the UK according to an independent report.

The first-ever UK Peace Index took 10 years’ worth of data and found that there was a “substantial and sustained” fall in violent crime over the last decade – a fall more rapid in the UK than anywhere else in Western Europe.

Speaking on the Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2 today, Roy Webster, who writes a regular column for just Regional (and is the editor’s dad), said it was the area’s quiet tranquility which kept the area low on crime and the fact that youngsters could get out and about and keep occupied.

Broadland serves a population of around 125,000 and includes northern suburbs of Norwich and rural areas to the north and east of the city. The area has several market towns including Aylsham. Also on the show was town councilor Liz Jones.

There are seven Safer Neighbourhood Teams in the area at Reepham, Aylsham, Taverham and Drayton, Hellesdon and Horsford, Sprowston and Spixworth, Thorpe St Andrew and Acle.

Check out BBC iplayer later to hear the full debate.