Unfortunately, we are still in that unhappy period when a great number of local businesses are either working remotely or are closed following the government’s lockdown orders.
The restrictions are being gradually eased, but it is worthwhile repeating the current restrictions as they apply to social distancing and public gatherings in Reepham.
Everybody should continue to exercise social distancing at all times and continue to stay at home except for essential shopping and exercise.
The categories of shops that are allowed to open and the amount of time people are recommended to spend outside exercising is being relaxed, but essentially the advice remains the same.
Play area closed
It is important to remember that all public buildings and public amenities remain closed. This includes playgrounds, play equipment and outdoor gym equipment, so the children’s play area and skate park at Stimpson’s Piece must remain closed. The area has been taped off and warning notices put up for your, and your children’s, safety.
Stimpson’s Piece park, in common with public footpaths and Marriott’s Way, remains open for exercise subject to proper social distancing.
Remote working
Following government advice all public meetings have been cancelled until further notice and this includes all town council and Stimpson’s Piece trustee meetings.
Councillors and trustees are continuing to carry out their duties remotely, observing safe social distancing.
The town council is continuing to carry out its functions remotely and the permanent staff are working from home.
Although the town council office is closed, members of the public can make contact by email, by leaving a message on the answerphone or by letter.
The town council is currently investigating the possibility of holding public meetings electronically, but this is still in the embryonic stage and further information will be published at a later date.
Planning applications
The town council still has to deal with planning applications and has adopted a policy of discussing applications and making comments and objections electronically.
The overwhelming number of planning applications are of a minor and non-contentious nature and can be dealt with quite simply.
However, the council has recently had to consider three separate applications in connection with the proposed development off Broomhill Lane. All these applications – for the upgrading of Broomhill Lane, for the demolition of a bungalow and the erection of two houses on the plot at the junction of Whitwell Road and Broomhill Lane, and for the housing development itself – have generated a great deal of comment from members of the public and, following discussion among councillors, the town council has submitted its comments and objections to the three applications, which will be available for public inspection on the town council website.
With regard to future planning applications, in addition to notices published in the local press by Broadland District Council, the town council will publish details on the town council website and in the local free press wherever possible.
Recycling centres
On a slightly brighter note, and a sign that perhaps restrictions are being eased, some of the Norfolk County Council recycling centres have been reopened.
Currently, they are only offering a limited range of services and will only allow private cars and small vans to enter the sites. Large vans and trailers are not currently admitted.
Social distancing must be observed and the staff will not assist members of the public in unloading vehicles.
Inevitably, there may be delays in entering the sites and everybody is advised to check the websites of the recycling centres for opening hours and any conditions that are being applied.
Future meetings
As stated in a previous report, owing to the current restrictions on public gatherings, we are unable to publish a list of future meetings or events.
As soon as these restrictions are eased or lifted we will be able to return to publishing these events on a regular basis.
Contact: Reepham Town Council, Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, Norfolk NR10 4JW. Tel: 01603 873355. Email