• Proposal to introduce car park charges discussed

    Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 09:29

    At the Reepham Town Council meeting on Wednesday 13 November, Rebecca Goodyear was co-opted onto the council. There are still two vacancies; anyone interested is encouraged to contact the clerk on 01603 873355 or email for an informal chat.

    Broadland District Council’s proposal to introduce paid parking at the Station Road car park was discussed. Concern was raised that the town council was not consulted prior to reports being discussed, although the town council manages the car park under delegated responsibility.

    District Councillor Stuart Beadle confirmed that portfolio holders were not shown any plans in advance of the meeting either. It is hoped that the town council will be informed of any plans in the future.

    The draft budget and precept were discussed, to be agreed at the December meeting.

    Plans for the Christmas lights for the Market Place are progressing and these will be installed on Sunday 1 December.

    County Councillor Greg Peck has agreed to fund increasing the waiting time in the Market Place from 90 minutes to two hours from his council budget. It is hoped that the Wednesday morning parking restriction will also be removed.

    Orchard Lane has seen an increase in HGVs, despite being unsuitable for large vehicles. Norfolk County Council Highways has agreed to install “no HGV” signs to prevent this in future.

    The setting up of a Friends of Stimpson’s Piece group is progressing and terms of reference are being finalised. The Stimpson’s Piece budget for 2025 was agreed.

    It has been noticed that people are allowing their dogs off the lead on the recreation ground, close to the community hall and football pitch. There is a public space protection order in place to prohibit dogs on this area.

    Dog owners are reminded that it is an offence not to clear up after their dogs, with a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a court fine of up to £1,000 if you do not. Dog fouling can be reported to Broadland District Council HERE.

    The next Reepham Town Council meeting will take place on Wednesday 11 December at 7.30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham, followed by the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting.

    The Town Hall and Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion are available to hire. Please contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email for availability and prices.

    Notes supplied by Reepham Town Council. Full minutes can be found on the town council website.

  • Notes from October’s Reepham Town Council meeting

    Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - 17:02

     

    Supplied by Reepham Town Council

    At the town council meeting on Wednesday 9 October, Hetty Selwyn was elected as chair and Matthew Steel was elected as vice chair; Thomas Hills was co-opted onto the council.

    There are still three vacancies on the town council, so anyone interested is encouraged to contact the clerk by email or telephone 01603 873355 for an informal chat.

    Following discussion, it was agreed that the council will allocate £5,000 of the £25,000 churchyard wall reserves, which are no longer required for that purpose, to pay for solicitor’s fees to review the tender documents for the replacement skatepark. A solicitor was appointed to do this.

    At the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting it was agreed to set up a Friends of Stimpson’s Piece group, so local residents can get involved in shaping the future of the town’s recreation ground and help with fundraising for the new skatepark and other recreation facilities. If anyone would like to be involved in this, please contact the clerk.

    The preferred location for the replacement skatepark was identified: it is to be located within the old tennis court, which has more recently been used as a temporary overflow car park. It is hoped that it can be installed on the edge, so some parking spaces can be retained.

    The next meeting of Reepham Town Council will take place on Wednesday 13 November at 7.30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham, followed by the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting.

    The town hall and Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion are available to hire. Please contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email for availability and prices.

    Full minutes of meetings can be found on the Reepham Town Council website.

  • Notes from the Reepham Town Council meeting on 11 September 2024

    Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - 17:04

     

    Notes supplied by Reepham Town Council

    The new police officer for Reepham, PC Denis Evans, was in attendance. He reported that he is increasing patrols in Reepham, particularly outside the Co-op, due to concerns of antisocial behaviour.

    A grant of £450 was granted to Caring Friends for the Festival of Light event.

    A quote was accepted for repairs to the town hall roof.

    At the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting, a lengthy discussion took place, including members of the public, regarding the replacement of the skatepark facility at Stimpson’s Piece. Several members of the public spoke in support of a new skatepark.

    A number of recent consultation events showed large support for a new skatepark, along with improvements to the play area. Concern was raised by some trustees that the consultation could be seen as insufficient; however, this was disputed by some other trustees.

    Following discussion, it was agreed to replace the skatepark and to identify the best location with the appointed contractor. It was agreed that the skatepark will be of a similar footprint to the original facility, subject to costs. The budget was agreed as £175,000 in total, with a £25,000 contribution from unused funding for the church wall, which is no longer required.

    The tender documents were agreed, subject to being looked at and approved by a contract lawyer, who can ensure that the charity and council’s best interests are protected. There will be no financial exposure to the charity until a contract is signed.

    It was proposed that S106 and Community Infrastructure Levy money, amounting to just under £20,000, could be used for additional play equipment immediately, but it was agreed that a playground architect will be appointed first to look at the play area as a whole.

    It was noted that the exterior of the pavilion is looking very untidy and decoration is needed. Investigation on the safe removal of the weeds will take place.

    The changing rooms have been deep-cleaned and the remainder of the work identified in the Legionella risk assessment will take place soon.

    The next town council meeting will take place on Wednesday 9 October at 7.30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham, followed by the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting.

    Full minutes of meetings can be found on the Reepham Town Council website.

    The town hall and Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion are available to hire. Please contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email for availability and prices.

  • Market Place parking restrictions to change

    Thursday, July 18, 2024 - 08:34

    Notes from the Reepham Town Council meeting on 10 July (full minutes can be found on the town council website).

    The town council is exploring options to ensure the Christmas trees are installed and lit around the Market Place this December. The council is fortunate that there is a group of willing and able volunteers to assist with this.

    Norfolk County Council has agreed to update parking restrictions in the Market Place, to remove the Wednesday morning parking ban, and to increase the time allowed to park to two hours. Unfortunately, its legal procedures are slow, so these will not change in the near future.

    Planning applications were discussed and responses agreed. The town council has strongly recommended that Broadland District Council asks for an Environmental Impact Assessment for the site of the proposed solar farm with battery storage.

    The fence around the play area on Ash Close has become rotten and is broken in places. Quotes are being obtained to remove it and install a new fence.

    ND Willan has kindly filled in the potholes in the Stimpson’s Piece carpark, free of charge. Thanks are passed to them for this extremely generous act.

    The redevelopment of the recreation ground, including a new skatepark, was discussed. Work is continuing to finalise a location for the new skatepark, along with other equipment. Funding can then be applied for.

    Reepham Town Football Club is unable to field a team for next season. Two other teams are interested in hiring the facilities.

    The next town council meeting will take place on Wednesday 11 September, at 7.30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, followed by the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting.

    The town hall and Stimpson’s Piece are available to hire. Please contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email for availability and prices.

  • Notes from the Reepham Town Council meeting on 12 June

    Friday, June 14, 2024 - 17:43

    Two representatives from Albanwise Synergy were in attendance, which is consulting on a potential planning application for a solar farm and battery storage at Pettywell. Information on the project can be found HERE.

    PC Colin Bailey reported that the person who tampered with 18 vehicles in the town recently has been arrested and charged. Anti-social behaviour remains a priority for the police.

    The annual accounts were approved and will be sent to the external auditor. Members of the public are welcome to inspect the accounts by appointment from Monday 17 June to Friday 26 July.

    Owing to the lack of volunteers, the Festival of Light will not be taking place this year. The organising committee and Reepham & District Rotary Club have asked the town council to take on the responsibility for the large Christmas tree and the small wall-mounted trees surrounding the Market Place. This will be looked into and discussed further at the July meeting.

    Quotes are being obtained for the repair of the Ollands Road wall, the roof of the town hall and the external decorating of the town hall. If any contractors are interested in providing a quote, please contact the town clerk.

    The construction company responsible for the cabling corridor for Norfolk Vanguard will need to close World’s End Lane and the track leading to the allotments, hopefully just for one day. The clerk has contacted the company to advise that access must remain, as some allotment holders have poultry on their plots, and is waiting for a response.

    The next town council meeting will take place on Wednesday 10 July at 7:30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Community Hall and Pavilion.

    The town hall and Stimpson’s Piece community hall are available to hire. Please contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email for availability and prices.

    Full council minutes can be found on the Reepham Town Council website.

  • New measures to combat anti-social behaviour

    Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 16:59

    As the meeting on 8 May was the annual meeting of Reepham Town Council, responsibilities for various aspects of the council’s work, such as a personnel committee, councillors responsible for financial checks and allotments and members of the Stimpson’s Piece Working Group, were agreed.

    Police Sergeant James Marrison from Norfolk Constabulary attended the meeting and explained that the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives councils the power to make Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to ban any activities they consider having a detrimental effect on the lives of others.

    Broadland District Council has used its powers to put into place a PSPO which relates to the misuse of motor vehicles and covers the whole Broadland District Council area. Under the order, which applies in Reepham, it is an offence to use a motor vehicle in a manner that causes distress to residents, for example by revving engines, performing stunts or sounding car horns unnecessarily. PSPOs can be enforced by the police, council enforcement officers or any other authorised officers and lead to fixed penalty fines of £100.

    The PSPOs are in operation 365 days per year, 24 hours per day, and will be in place for the next three years. A review will be undertaken at 12 months to identify the effectiveness of the new Order and whether there needs to be any amendments made. Full details can be found on the Broadland and South Norfolk website.

    Market Place parking

    The town council continues to be concerned about the parking arrangements in the Market Place, whereby parking is not allowed on the King’s Arms side on a Wednesday morning, despite there being no market, and those attending the Sunshine Café for people with dementia and their carers receiving parking fines.

    The town council is working with District Councillor Greg Peck and Jerome Mayhew MP to have the parking restriction on Wednesday mornings removed and the time limit increased from 90 minutes to two hours all week.

    Visitor economy strategy

    Graham Peers from Broadland District Council spoke about the Broadland and South Norfolk visitor economy strategy, which is looking at attracting visitors to market towns such as Reepham via websites. The town council agreed to consider this further once more information had been received.

    Stimpson’s Piece improvements

    As trustee of Stimpson’s Piece, the town council continues to improve the outside areas, the community hall and pavilion.

    The community hall has been completely redecorated by those involved in the Community Payback programme, who did a very good job, so the hall now looks clean and tidy and is in use for most of the week by various community organisations.

    A consultation with young people from the primary and secondary schools and a public consultation session at the Dial House indicated a strong wish for additional play equipment and a skate park.

    There were 108 responses to a recent survey with 105 in favour of a skate park. The next stage is to produce a clear development plan for Stimpson’s Piece, which will identify where equipment and the skate park would be situated, with the aim of submitting a grant application by November.

    Councillor vacancy

    Reepham Town Council has one vacancy. If you would like to help care for the public areas of Reepham and be involved in the decision making processes, the council would like to hear from you. Please contact the town clerk by email or telephone 01603 873355.

    Paul Mitchell, Chair, Reepham Town Council

  • Notes from Reepham Town Council meeting on 13 March

    Sunday, March 17, 2024 - 11:54

    A grant of £150 was awarded to the Reepham Classic Car Festival, which will take place on Sunday 29 September.

    It was agreed that the King’s Arms and Reepham Festival can fence off half of the Market Place to allow for bands to play on Sunday 11 August. Music will be finished by 6 pm.

    There are a small number of vacant allotment plots on the Fiddler’s Field site. Please contact the town clerk to express your interest.

    A request was received, via the local MP, to install an additional street light in the town. Any decision to install additional lights would need to be made in a town-wide consultation. The town council does not have any plans currently to add additional lighting to the town.

    Ørsted, which is currently installing an offshore wind farm electricity cable corridor through the area, has offered to attend a meeting. It has asked for questions in advance, so if anyone is interested in attending a meeting and asking a question, please contact the clerk (details below) by Wednesday 10 April. If there is enough interest, Ørsted will be invited to a meeting.

    The next town council meeting will take place on Wednesday 10 April at 7.30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham, followed by the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting.

    The town hall and Stimpson’s Piece pavilion are available to hire. Please contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email for availability and prices.

    Full council minutes can be found on the Reepham Town Council website.

  • Redevelopment of community hall

    Monday, February 12, 2024 - 08:48

    Following the move of the nursery school to new accommodation at the primary school, Reepham Town Council has been developing the large hall, which is separate from the pavilion area of Stimpson’s Piece, into a community hall.

    Considerable progress has been made in this transition including replacing old picnic tables, repairs to the gutters, insulating the loft space, replacement of the old lights with modern LED units, installing new ceiling tiles, improvements to the control of the ground source heating system and, with the help of a generous grant from Reepham Festival, enhancing the signage and purchasing new chairs. Future plans include redecoration of the hall and improvements to the kitchen.

    The community hall, with its extensive parking, has become increasingly popular for community activities, including dance classes, mother and baby sessions, Zumba and private events, such as birthday parties, with two other weekly activities commencing after Easter. To book the hall or for a no obligation viewing, please contact the town clerk (details below).

    Defibrillator for Stimpson’s Piece

    With the help of a grant from London Hearts, a leading defibrillator charity, and contributions from Reepham Tennis Club, Reepham Runners and Reepham Town Football Club, the town council has been able to install a defibrillator at Stimpson’s Piece. It can be found close to the main entrance door.

    Photo: Reepham Town Council

    Youth facilities

    The trustees of Stimpson’s Piece are currently at an early stage of planning improvements to the range of outside facilities for young people and the wider community.

    Thanks to Cllr Sam James and the town clerk, initial ideas have been sought from young people, but the trustees are keen to receive ideas from residents across the full age range.

    If you have any thoughts on how the outdoor provision at Stimpson’s Piece could be improved or would like to play a part in formulating or contributing to a development plan, please contact the town clerk by email or telephone 01603 873355.

  • Tribute to community stalwart

    Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - 12:45

    Russell Betts, who attended Reepham Town Council meetings for many years as a member of the public, passed away on 20 November at the age of 95. He was previously a trustee of the Bircham Centre and contributed much to the Reepham community over his long life.

    The council offers its condolences to Russell’s wife June, to whom he was married for 71 years, and to his wider family.

    Precept increase

    The town council’s budget was circulated to councillors prior to its meeting on Wednesday 6 December. The council is aware that many people are under pressure financially due to inflation and the increasing cost of mortgages and rents.

    Funding of the town council is by way of the precept, which is raised through Council Tax. Despite the high rate of inflation, the precept increase has been kept as low as possible and represents a £2.10 per year increase for a Band D property.

    Donation from music festival

    As trustee of the Stimpson’s Piece Charity, Reepham Town Council is responsible to the Charity Commission for the management of the Stimpson’s Piece grounds and pavilion.

    Helped by a donation of £800 from the Reepham Festival, new signage and 70 new chairs have been purchased. The trustee would like to thank the organisers of the music festival for their generosity.

    Defibrillator at Stimpson’s Piece

    Although there is a defibrillator at the Co-op on Station Road, there has been concern for some time that there is no defibrillator at Stimpson’s Piece. The town clerk has applied for a grant for 50/50 match funding and was successful.

    However, the defibrillator requires an electricity supply to keep its batteries charged. The clerk has therefore written to the local groups that use the recreation ground to ask for a contribution towards the installation costs.

    Hall for hire

    Stimpson’s Piece pavilion is available to hire for community activities, children’s parties, etc. However, this is a community hall, not a gymnasium, so hire for ball games, which are liable to cause damage to the ceiling tiles or the walls, is not permitted.

    The trustees recently met with a representative of the high school and were informed that the school is keen to increase community use of its sports facilities. Anyone who wishes to organise activities, such as dodgeball, should contact the school.

    It is hoped that the hall will be redecorated soon under the community payback scheme. Please contact the town clerk if you are interested in hiring the hall for your event.

    The town council is also keen to hear from anyone who would be willing to volunteer to help with the running, care or maintenance of the building, children’s play area or grounds.

    Town council vacancies

    Reepham Town Council currently has nine councillors and three vacancies. The council is able to co-opt those who reside in Reepham or have business interests in the town to its ranks and is keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in helping to look after Reepham.

    Councillors are unpaid but are supported by a part-time town clerk and a part-time finance officer, both of whom have extensive experience in their roles.

    There is more information on the town council website. If you would like to know more, without any obligation, please contact the town clerk by email or telephone 01603 873355.

    Council meetings

    Members of the public are entitled to attend monthly town council meetings and have their say on any agenda item, so why not come along and gain a better understanding of the council’s work?

    Meetings are normally held at 7.30 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham.

  • Notes from the September meeting of Reepham Town Council

    Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - 19:55

     

    Allotment rentals to increase in 2024

    At the request of allotment holders, who felt that autumn is a better time for allotments to change hands, the allotment renewal date has now changed to October annually.

    Due to tall hedging shading plots on all three allotment sites, extensive hedge cutting and tree work has been required at considerable expense.

    To help offset this cost the town council will need to increase the rental to £35 per year for a half-sized plot and £70 for a full-sized plot from October 2024.

    Feasibility study on extension to 20 mph speed limit

    Road safety in Reepham, which is a matter of concern for many residents, continues to be high on the town council’s priorities.

    Following requests to Norfolk Highways for an extension of the 20 mph speed limit along Norwich Road as far as the junction with The Moor and a ban on heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tons unladen weight using Market Place and Church Hill (except for access/deliveries), a feasibility study on possible changes has been carried out by Norfolk County Council and a report is expected shortly.

    It is hoped that this will be received soon so it can be considered at the October meeting of the town council.

    Volunteers needed to help with Neighbourhood Plan

    At Reepham Town Council’s meeting on 13 September, District Councillor Stuart Beadle spoke in favour of a Neighbourhood Plan for Reepham and suggested that, by working on such a plan, it would encourage more people to join the town council. He also offered help with publicity and other assistance wherever required.

    However, although this has been discussed and publicised previously, there has been no interest from members of the community in getting involved in its production.

    There is also no capacity within the town council, which still has vacancies, for two councillors to commit to the time and effort required, which will be extensive.

    It was agreed not to pursue a Neighbourhood Plan further, unless willing volunteers from the community come forward.

    The town clerk will contact two people who Cllr Beadle feels may be interested in helping with a view to them joining the town council.

    There are some advantages to having a Neighbourhood Plan, such as the town council being able to determine how more of the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is paid by housing developers, is spent.

    However, it is clear that, although Broadland District Council as the planning authority must have regard to the Neighbourhood Plan, it can override the plan.

    Cllr Beadle also explained that a Neighbourhood Plan would not stop large-scale developments, such as Broomhill Lane, but may influence lesser matters, such as the site layout and design of the buildings.

    If you feel that Reepham should have a Neighbourhood Plan and are willing to help with its preparation, please contact the town clerk (details below).

    More youth engagement

    Cllr Sam James would like to develop more youth engagement in Reepham. To access grant funding, the council will need to identify and engage with young people in the town.

    MAP youth charity and the Youth Advisory Board can support engagement and assist with pop-up sessions at the high school to generate ideas and also help to arrange some sessions away from the school, which should assist in identifying what young people would benefit from in Reepham.

    The town council continues to support this work, which will be geared towards secondary school children initially. Cllr James and the town clerk will arrange a meeting with potential young volunteers.

    Stop fly-tipping in Station Road car park

    Residents are requested not to leave paper/cardboard and other recyclables in front of the paper bank in the Station Road car park as this is fly-tipping.

    If you notice that the paper bank is getting towards being full, please let the town clerk know (details below) as there is often a delay between contacting the company that empties the paper bank and the bank being emptied.

    Town council vacancies

    Reepham Town Council currently has three vacancies. If you would like to support your local community by joining the council, please contact the town clerk (clerk@reephamtowncouncil.org.uk or 01603 873355) for further information without any obligation.

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