• Town council to consider Neighbourhood Plan

    Saturday, June 10, 2023 - 21:28

    Following a request by District Councillor Stuart Beadle, at its next meeting on Wednesday 14 June at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Reepham Town Council will consider whether to support the writing of a Neighbourhood Plan for the town.

    Government literature states that “Neighbourhood Planning is a way for communities to have a say in the future of the places where they live and work.

    “It gives it the power to produce a plan with real legal weight that directs development in your local area.

    “It helps a community to:

    • choose where it wants new homes, shops and offices to be built
    • have a say on what those new buildings should look like
    • grant planning permission for the new buildings it wants to see go ahead.”
       

    Such a plan requires a large amount of work, which is beyond the capacity of the town council, and would require the involvement and input from volunteers from Reepham who are willing to give time to the consultation process and preparation of the plan.

    It is understood that support will be available from South Norfolk and Broadland District Council.

    If you would like to become involved in this work please let the town clerk know (contact details below).

    Whether the preparation of a plan goes ahead will depend on the commitment and support of the community and individuals who are willing to get involved in preparing the plan.

    Traffic issues

    Traffic in Reepham continues to be a cause for concern for the town council and residents in general.

    Greg Peck, county councillor for Reepham, has agreed to fund a feasibility study to seek ways of improving the traffic situation in Reepham, particularly in respect of extending the 20 mph zone and a reduction in heavy goods vehicles coming through the town.

    The frequent damage to the churchyard wall is indicative of the impact of HGVs.

    Offshore wind farms

    Although the town council supports renewable energy, with two offshore wind farm cable routes coming close to Reepham it is concerned about the likely impact on the town of associated traffic and inevitable road closures where the cable routes cross access roads to Reepham.

    As a result of lobbying, Ørsted has agreed that construction traffic for its cables will not use the B1145 from Bawdeswell to Reepham, which should prevent further congestion at Townsend Corner.

    Stimpson’s Piece

    As trustee of Stimpson’s Piece, Reepham Town Council is continuing to make improvements to the building, as a result of which it is good to see that usage by the community has increased.

    As well as a number of regular users, the pavilion has become popular for “one off” hire, for example, for children’s parties.

    Please contact the town clerk if you are interested in hiring the hall for your event.

    As a result of successful grant applications to Broadland District Council and the National Lottery to improve the energy efficiency of the pavilion, the loft area has been fully insulated and new LED lights have been installed.

    This has already had an impact on energy consumption so that the efficiency of the building has increased considerably.

    The trustees recognise that further work is needed to improve the appearance of the outside of the building and plans to improve this are under consideration.

    The children’s play area is popular with younger children and the newly installed basketball net is becoming increasingly popular with teenagers.

    Council vacancies

    Following the May local elections, the town council now has eight councillors and four vacancies.

    The council is able to co-opt residents 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 obligation, please contact the town clerk by email or telephone 01603 873355.

  • Chairman’s statement 2023

    Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - 20:29

    The past 12 months have been a relatively busy year for Reepham Town Council, in particular for the town clerk and finance officer, who work hard to ensure the council is effective and meets its responsibilities to the community.

    There are 12 councillor positions on the town council and it is disappointing that in a town of this size there were vacancies on the council; we were fortunate to co-opt two councillors at the January meeting.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committed group of councillors who have enabled the town council to carry out its work for the past year and, in some cases, for much longer.

    Through prudent financial management Reepham Town Council managed to keep the rise in the precept, which is the town council’s share of council tax, to 2.9% and has managed to do this again for 2023/24 against a national inflation figure of around 10%.

    Platinum Jubilee celebrations

    In June 2022 the town council worked closely with the Bircham Centre, Reepham Lions, Reepham & District Rotary Club and other organisations to organise afternoon tea for 250 residents to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

    Despite the rain, and thanks to the foresight of the organisers to arrange alternative indoor venues, this was a very successful event about which we received much positive feedback. It was particularly significant in that it brought together a number of Reepham organisations and that spirit of collaboration has continued.

    Traffic concerns

    Matters relating to the Broomhill Lane development took up a considerable amount of the council’s time. Although this received approval and will provide housing, including affordable housing, the council continues to have concerns about the impact of the additional traffic on traffic congestion at Townsend Corner and road safety in School Road and Whitwell Road.

    The town council continues to monitor and lobby for improvements to the traffic situation in Reepham. This has led to: much improved 20 mph signs with flashing lights outside the schools; Ørsted agreeing that construction traffic for the wind farm cables will not use the B1145 from Bawdeswell to Reepham; and a promise of a feasibility study in respect of extending the 20 mph limits in Reepham.

    For many years the town council has maintained the churchyard under an agreement with the diocese. However, due to the high financial liability, which is not sustainable within the council’s finances, 12 months’ notice has been given to terminate the agreement.

    Local grants

    The town council has a relatively small sum of money to provide grants to local organisations. Some of this expenditure comes from income from investments and from glass recycling, although, now that residents can put glass in their recycling bin, income from that source has declined considerably.

    The town council continues to manage allotments on three sites, enabling residents to have access to these amenities.

    Following repeated criminal damage to the public toilets the town council installed CCTV cameras at the entrance, which led to the arrest of the person responsible. Appropriate action has been taken by the police and the council has received compensation from the offender.

    Stimpson’s Piece

    The town council is the trustee of the Stimpson’s Piece charity and, as such, manages all aspects of the recreation ground and pavilion. The nursery school, which had been based in the pavilion for a number of years, moved to the primary school last summer.

    This was excellent in that it enabled the nursery to work closely with the primary school but it resulted in a loss of income, which, thanks to the efforts of the clerk, has been largely replaced by other users hiring the premises.

    During the year, grants were obtained to improve the energy efficiency of the pavilion. These were used to install roof insulation and replace damaged tiles in the ceiling. This insulation together with better management of the heating system has reduced costs considerably.

    Repairs have also been carried out to the soakaways, which has stopped water seeping into the kitchen. The emergency fire-exit doors, which had decayed beyond repair, have also been replaced.

    The site of the old tennis courts, which had become overgrown over many years, was cleared and is now available for additional parking.

    As a result of corrosion, which had made the skate ramp unrepairable, the equipment was removed. Use has been made of the area by the installation of a basketball hoop, which has proven to be popular with young people.

    Key provisions

    In conclusion I would like to repeat my thanks to the clerk, the finance officer and fellow councillors for their work and support over the past year. I feel that it is worth reminding ourselves of the key role that the town council has in helping to maintain the public areas of the town including key provision, such as the cemetery, public toilets, Market Place, town hall, etc.

    Paul Mitchell, Chair, Reepham Town Council, 10 May 2023

  • Facilities available for public use and private hire

    Tuesday, January 17, 2023 - 15:09

    At its meeting on Wednesday 11 January, Reepham Town Council welcomed two new councillors: Monique Boshoff and James Prigmore, who were co-opted at the meeting. The town council now has 10 councillors with two vacancies.

    Road safety

    The town council continues to share the concerns of many residents about road safety in Reepham.

    The churchyard wall has now been hit by heavy lorries twice recently. Thanks to quick-thinking members of the public who photographed the lorries, allowing their owners to be identified, the town council has been able to make insurance claims from those responsible.

    The council is continuing to push for a range of measures, as detailed in previous editions of Your Council Matters (3 October and 16 November 2022).

    Stimpson’s Piece improvements

    Although the pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece is heated by a ground source heat pump, the building is not insulated.

    Following a successful bid for energy-saving grants, work will now take place over the next two to three weeks to install loft insulation.

    Over the past two years the following work has been carried out at Stimpson’s Piece:

     

    Open spaces:

    • Replacement of the multi-activity equipment and the toddler swing in the children’s play area.
    • Installation of CCTV to reduce vandalism.
    • Purchase of a basketball goal (to be installed soon).
    • Clearance of the disused tennis courts.
    • Replacement of rotten wooden benches and picnic tables.

     

    Pavilion:

    • Lining of gutters to repair leaks.
    • Excavation and replacement of two soakaways.
    • Replacement of worn-out fire doors.
    • Redecoration of the main hall.
    • Application for grants for roof insulation – to be installed, together with replacement tiles, in the next 2–3 weeks.
    • Replacement of crockery.
    • Purchase of picnic tables outside the café.

     

    As a result of these improvements, Stimpson’s Piece pavilion has become increasingly popular for use by organisations and for private hire; the town hall is also available for hire.

    If you would like to view Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion or the town hall with a view to hiring it, without obligation, or if there are any matters that you would like the town council to consider and take action, please telephone the clerk, who is also secretary to the Stimpson’s Piece Charity, on 01603 873355 or email.

  • Road safety improvements high on the agenda

    Wednesday, November 16, 2022 - 18:10

    Reepham Town Council continues to take steps to improve road safety in the town and protect vulnerable buildings from damage.

    Having given their support to the replacement of the crossing patrol outside the primary school, councillors were pleased to hear that an advertisement has been placed for a new crossing patrol person.

    Warning signs outside schools

    Following representations from the town council, County Councillor Greg Peck has agreed to fund improvements to the warning signs outside the schools that ask traffic to slow down.

    When the lights flash on these new signs, traffic will be expected not to exceed a speed of 20 mph. There will also be more carriageway markings asking traffic to slow down.

    Traffic survey

    Cllr Peck has also agreed to arrange a traffic study to ascertain the feasibility of restricting heavy goods vehicles from the Market Place, Church Hill and the section of Norwich Road as far as the Bircham Road junction.

    As well as improving pedestrian safety this would help reduce the frequent damage to the churchyard wall and nearby properties.

    Orchard Lane danger

    Having received a number of concerns from residents about the danger to pedestrians in Orchard Lane, particularly from its use by large lorries, the town council is currently exploring the possibility of asking that a section of the lane, from just beyond the last bungalow to Cawston Road, be closed to traffic and restricted to cyclists and pedestrians.

    Vandalism arrest imminent

    Following the repeated vandalism of the public toilets the police now have good evidence, which should enable them to identify the person responsible for this, so hopefully an arrest will be made soon.

    Wind farm cable route concerns

    The town council discussed a planning application in respect of the Hornsea Project Three Offshore Wind Farm for hedgerow removal for the purposes of laying cables around Reepham.

    The cable route will cross roads to the north of Reepham, including the roads to Kerdiston, Wood Dalling, Heydon, the B1145 to Cawston and the road from Reepham to Norwich.

    The town council is concerned about the effect on the environment and the significant impact on road travel to and from Reepham while the trenches are being dug across the roads.

    The town council has expressed its concerns and has asked that horizontal tunnelling under the road be considered.

    Full details can be found under ”Planning” on the Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council website under planning application reference 20221614.

    Skate ramp replacement

    Following the removal of the skate ramp from Stimpson’s Piece for safety reasons the town council is seeking funding for a replacement. In the meantime, the council has agreed to install a full-size basketball hoop with backing in the area previously occupied by the skate ramp.

    Council vacancies

    The town council is keen to fill its remaining vacancies by co-opting interested residents or business owners who would like to make a contribution to their community by joining the council.

    If you would like to explore this further, without obligation, please telephone the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email clerk@reephamtowncouncil.org.uk for further details.

    www.reephamtowncouncil.org.uk

  • CCTV camera to be installed to combat anti-social behaviour

    Monday, October 3, 2022 - 15:39

    Reepham Town Council apologises for the closure of the public toilets in Pudding Pie Alley but, due to frequent vandalism, which appears to be due to the same person or persons, it was left with no option until security measures could be put into place.

    At its meeting on 28 September the town council agreed to install CCTV to monitor the entrance to the toilets, which will be installed in the next week or so.

    Meanwhile, following the passing to the police of CCTV footage of criminal damage at Stimpson’s Piece, those responsible for the damage and anti-social behaviour have been identified and are being dealt with by the police. The town council would like to thank Reepham High School for its assistance in this matter.

    Highways matters

    Following requests to Norfolk Highways, the town council is pleased to report that the following work has been carried out:

    • road markings in Norwich Road, between Bircham Road and The Moor, in the form of “SLOW” markings on the carriageway and signs warning motorists of the possibility of pedestrians in the road;
    • repairs to the damaged barriers outside the Co-op and the Cutting Station;
    • chevrons on the churchyard wall and white lines along the carriageway edge.

    The town council is also lobbying Norfolk Highways to:

    • reinstate the crossing patrol person outside the primary school and/or install a zebra crossing;
    • extend the 20 mph limit in Norwich Road to the junction with The Moor;
    • restrict heavy goods vehicles from using Market Place, Church Hill and Norwich Road as far as the junction with Bircham Road, except for access;
    • restrict heavy vehicles from using Orchard Lane (which runs from The Moor to Cawston Road) and the introduction of measures to slow the traffic. The possibility of seeking a road closure order to prevent vehicles using this road from after 1 Orchard Lane to Cawston Road is also under consideration. The road would still be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

     

    Stimpson’s Piece

    Following the move of the nursery school to the primary school, the town council, as the trustee of Stimpson’s Piece, is extending the use of the pavilion to various community groups, including a part-time café, dodgeball sessions, exercise classes for older people and baby massage sessions.

    The establishment of a “community fridge” to reduce food waste and a “warm space” in the winter for those who may not be able to heat their houses during the day is also being organised.

    Council vacancies

    Reepham Town Council currently has three vacancies. If you would like to support your local community and be involved in decisions that affect the community as a councillor, please contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email clerk@reephamtowncouncil.org.uk

  • Greater respect needed for town’s recreation ground

    Monday, April 25, 2022 - 18:15

    Stimpson’s Piece was given in trust to the Stimpson’s Piece Charitable Trust by the Stimpson family to ensure that it was used as a place of recreation and enjoyment by residents of Reepham. It is good to see so many people using it in that way.

    Unfortunately, there are a few people who do not show the respect and care shown by most users. This is leading to increased expenditure by the charitable trust, which relies on lettings of the pavilion and donations for its income, aided by grants from the town council.

    In the past three weeks members of the trust have become aware of the following:

    • Youngsters aged 12–20 jumping on and deliberately trying to break the equipment in the toddler area.
    • Dogs on the football pitches and in the toddler play area.
    • Adults using the swings, including those in the toddler area, while their child is using the one next to them.
    • Members of the public “turning a blind eye” to anti-social behaviour even though this can be reported in confidence to the town clerk (01603 873355 or email).
    • Youngsters climbing on the roof of the youth shelter then tearing down the signs, which, for safety and insurance reasons, warn people not to climb on the roof.
    • Offensive graffiti being added to the youth shelter.
    • Youngsters on motorcycles doing “wheelies” in the car park, which damages the surface and is a danger to other users.
    • Attempts being made to break and turn over the litter bins.
    • Youngsters disturbing lettings in the pavilion by banging on the windows.

     

    We have video footage of some of the incidents, which has been passed to the police and will, no doubt, be followed up.

    This sort of behaviour is spoiling the reputation of Reepham and the quality of life of its residents.

    The trustees have spent considerable sums of money improving the seating and play equipment at Stimpson’s Piece but repairs are eating into funds intended for further improvements so this sort of behaviour is calling into question whether this expenditure is worthwhile.

    Highways matters

    The town council continues to lobby Norfolk Highways to improve road safety in Reepham.

    As a result, the steep slope on the footpath between Bircham Road and Ollands Road now has a safety handrail, and a white carriageway marker line has been painted to encourage drivers to keep well away from the churchyard wall.

    The council has also been promised that more chevrons will be fitted to the churchyard wall, and signs, warning drivers of pedestrians on the road, will be installed on Norwich Road between the entrance to the footpath to New Road and the junction with The Moor.

    The town council is also pushing for large vehicles to be banned from using the Market Place, except for access, and for the 20 mph speed limit to be extended along Norwich Road as far as the junction with The Moor.

    Charity clothing banks

    Broadland District Council is now collecting clothing as part of its kerbside collection service.

    However, the town council is concerned that this will reduce income for those charities that have clothing banks, such as at the fire station and air ambulance at Stimpson’s Piece, and also reduce income to the town council from the clothing bank in the Station Road car park, which is used to provide grants to local organisations.

    If you are able to do so, please support the charities and local organisations by placing them in a clothing bank.

    Similarly, income from bottle banks also helps local organisations.

    Council vacancies

    The town council currently has two vacancies. If you would like to support your local community by joining the council, please contact the town clerk (01603 873355 or email).

  • Road safety issues raised with county highways engineer

    Thursday, March 24, 2022 - 15:35

    The town council and a number of residents continue to be concerned about aspects of road safety and damage to property caused by large vehicles coming through Reepham.

    This was exemplified when a large articulated lorry became wedged around the bend by the church in Norwich Road recently, damaging the wall of the Old Rectory. The church wall on the same corner has also been damaged on a number of occasions.

    The chairman of Reepham Town Council, Cllr Paul Mitchell, county councillor for Reepham Cllr Greg Peck and the town clerk have met with the Norfolk County Council highways engineer to discuss the concerns of residents and councillors.

    During the meeting it was explained to the engineer that both the size of vehicles and speeds are matters of concern.

    It was agreed that “Pedestrians in Road” signs and “SLOW” road markings will be installed on Norwich Road between the access to the footpath to New Road and the junction with The Moor.

    Additional bollards have been erected outside Victoria House on Norwich Road and it is hoped that these will protect the property.

    The engineer was also asked if a prohibition of heavy goods and other large vehicles through the Market Place, Church Hill and Norwich Road, as far as the junction with Bircham Road, (except for access) would be possible, as the road close to the church is obviously not suitable for large vehicles.

    Bawdeswell unease

    A councillor from Bawdeswell Parish Council attended the recent Reepham Town Council meeting as Bawdeswell also has concerns about the use of the B1145 by heavy vehicles.

    There is already an advisory sign on the A1067 in Bawdeswell stating that the B1145 through Reepham is not suitable for large vehicles.

    Speed limits

    Monitoring by the police of speeds on Norwich Road indicated that most vehicles adhered to the 30 mph limit or were not sufficiently over the limit to lead to a prosecution.

    However, given the lack of a footpath and the bend in the road, the town council and some residents feel that the current 30 mph limit is too high.

    The highways engineer was asked if it would be possible to extend the 20 mph speed limit along Norwich Road to the junction with The Moor, as pedestrians use this narrow stretch of road. The town council awaits his response but will continue to pursue this option.

    Police priorities

    The town council chairman and district councillor Stuart Beadle attended the police priority setting meeting on 7 March. Priorities for this month include tackling anti-social behaviour and telephone cable theft.

    The police have advised that, if you live outside Reepham and your internet and telephone stop working, you should check with your neighbours and if they have the same issue, contact the police on 101 to report this as it could be due to cable theft.

    Also, if you are out and about in the late evening or night and see workmen on the side of the road, particularly if they do not have any traffic control system in place, the police would like to know.

    Platinum Jubilee activities

    Good progress is being made in planning a range of activities to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen on Saturday 4 June and Sunday 5 June.

    Currently, plans include camping and entertainment at Stimpson’s Piece on the Saturday and, on the Sunday, a pageant in which people will be asked to dress in clothes appropriate to one of the seven decades of the Queen’s reign, a celebratory service and street party in the Market Place, and a family picnic at Stimpson’s Piece.

    The success of these events will be dependent on the help, support and participation by the community.

    If you are able to help in any way on either day, but particularly on the Sunday, the town clerk would love to hear from you.

    And if you have any ideas of ways in which Reepham could be improved or would like to fill the one remaining vacancy on the town council in order to help the community, please contact the town clerk by telephone 01603 873355 or email.

    Annual Town Meeting

    This year’s Annual Town Meeting will be held in the Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, on Wednesday 13 April at 7.30 pm (prior to the town council meeting. Following a statement by the town council chairman there will be an opportunity for residents to raise concerns about local issues. This meeting is open to the public and press.

  • Platinum Jubilee plans take shape

    Friday, February 11, 2022 - 14:42

    Reepham Town Council is working with the Bircham Centre, Reepham & District Rotary Club, Reepham Lions, Reepham WI and other local organisations to plan a number of events during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.

    Current provisional plans include a street party for up to 250 people in the Market Place during the afternoon of Sunday 5 June, overnight camping for families on Stimpson’s Piece on the evening of Saturday 4 June followed by a Picnic in the Park on the afternoon of Sunday 5 June.

    A pageant parade from Stimpson’s Piece to St Mary’s for a Jubilee Service is being planned by the church for the morning of Sunday 5 June.

    Get involved

    If you represent a Reepham organisation that would like to become involved in these celebrations you are welcome to attend the next planning meeting, which will take place at the Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, on Wednesday 16 February at 7 pm, or contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or by email.

    All of this does, of course, require helpers. If you or anyone else has any ideas or feels that they could help in some way prior to and on 5 June, please contact the town clerk, Kirsty Cotgrove (details above).

    The success of these events will be dependent on the help, support, involvement and participation by the community.

    Public toilets

    Following the serious criminal damage to the public toilets last Sunday (6 February), Reepham Town Council would like to thank the community-spirited people who provided information via the website and, confidentially, to the town clerk.

    As a result of this information and excellent, determined police work by our local police officer, PC Colin Bailey, those responsible have been identified.

    The matter is now in the hands of the police. The toilets will be repaired and reopened as soon as possible.

    Road safety

    The town council is continuing to lobby Norfolk County Council to take action on road safety matters in Reepham, especially in relation to Norwich Road, School Road and Nowhere Lane.

    The council is also closely monitoring the potential impact of the wind farm cable routes on Reepham, which could include construction traffic using the B1145 Station Road/Dereham Road junction, which is currently signposted as being unsuitable for heavy vehicles.

    New town councillors

    Councillors were delighted to co-opt Binks Neate-Evans and Sian Dilley to the town council as new councillors, which brings the membership to the town council to 11; one vacancy remains.

    The town council is keen to co-opt someone with business experience. If you feel that you have relevant experience and could spare 3–4 hours a month we would love to hear from you.

  • Residents’ concerns about traffic issues

    Thursday, January 6, 2022 - 10:18

    The town council has received a number of emails from residents expressing concerns about traffic issues in Reepham. These include speeding, damage to buildings on Norwich Road and vehicles colliding with the church wall.

    Highways matters are the responsibility of Norfolk County Council but, as detailed in previous editions of “Your Council Matters”, the town council can make representations to Norfolk Highways.

    At the forthcoming Reepham Town Council meeting, which will take place on 12 January at 7.30 pm in the town hall, time has been allocated on the agenda for councillors to hear residents’ views about traffic in Reepham.

    Perhaps even more importantly, councillors would like to hear any suggestions or ideas as to how traffic flow through the town could be improved.

    Incidents of vandalism

    There is little doubt that Reepham is a pleasant place to live. However, there seems to be a small group of individuals who are determined to cause damage to the facilities that the town council provides for the community.

    Following previous incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, on 21 December a significant amount of damage was done to the public toilets in Pudding Pie Alley. This included smashing wall tiles, ripping the architrave from the doors and damaging the windows.

    Between Christmas and the New Year litter bins were overturned on Stimpson’s Piece.

    As a small community we should be able to identify those responsible. If you have any information, please inform the police or speak with the town clerk in confidence.

    Platinum Jubilee celebrations

    The town council is currently co-ordinating arrangements for the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

    A number of local organisations are working together to plan the celebrations and the next meeting of this group is at Stimpson’s Piece pavilion on Wednesday 19 January at 7 pm.

    Any organisation that wishes to become involved is welcome to send a representative or any individual who would like to help is also welcome to attend but please notify the clerk (contact details below).

    Hall for hire

    The main hall at the pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece has been redecorated and the building is available for hire.

    If you would like to view the building, without obligation, prior to a possible hire, please contact the town clerk by telephone 01603 873355 or email clerk@reephamtowncouncil.co.uk

  • Town council to monitor impact of wind farm cable routes

    Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - 19:30

    Reepham Town Council, supported by County Councillor Greg Peck, is continuing to push for various improvements to paths and roads within Reepham.

    Following the meeting with Norfolk Highways, which was described in detail in the last Your Council Matters (1 October 2021), the town council has been informed that a handrail will be fitted on the sloping section of path between Bircham Road and Ollands Road by the end of January.

    Although our previous dealings with Norfolk Highways does not lead to optimism, we continue to push for this work to be done before Christmas.

    Onshore cable corridors

    While the town council is fully supportive of renewable energy, it is continuing to monitor closely the impact of the proposed onshore cable routes on Reepham.

    The Vattenfall and Ørsted offshore wind farms, situated off the north Norfolk coast, plan to have their service centres at Oulton airfield.

    They plan to construct cable corridors that will connect the wind farms to two National Grid substations, one between Swardeston and Stoke Holy Cross, south of Norwich, and one at Necton.

    The town council has been informed that the construction of these corridors would mean up to 424 vehicle movements every working day through Cawston, from 7 am – 7 pm, Monday to Friday, and for 10 hours on Saturdays.

    We have been assured by Vattenfall that construction traffic will not come through Reepham, but there will almost certainly be road closures around Reepham, which will affect vehicles coming to and from the town. It is also possible that many workers’ transport and delivery vehicles will be coming through the town.

    Following a consultation letter, the town clerk wrote to Ørsted regarding the impact of its work on Reepham. Ørsted confirmed that some of its traffic will travel down Station Road then turn right on the B1145 towards Dereham. She has asked if this will include HGV traffic but has not yet received a reply.

    Platinum Jubilee plans

    The town council is currently co-ordinating arrangements for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

    A number of Reepham-based organisations attended an initial meeting on 6 October, which established working groups to look at various aspects of the celebrations; the group plans to meet regularly over the next few months.

    Any organisation that wishes to become involved is welcome to send a representative and any individual who would like to help is also welcome to attend, but please notify the clerk (contact details below).

    Churchyard walls

    The town council is responsible for the maintenance of the churchyard walls, parts of which are in a poor state of repair and one part of which has been hit, yet again, by a vehicle. A working group of councillors is currently investigating the extent of the repairs required and the costs of these.

    Council vacancies

    Reepham Town Council now has nine members, but there are three vacancies. If you have some time to spare and would like to contribute to the work of the town council, which is responsible for a wide range of facilities and provision for the public in Reepham, we would love to hear from you.

    The town council can be contacted by telephone 01603 873355 or email.

    Minutes of council meetings can be found on the website.

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