I was pleased to note that, following our petition, Reepham Town Council has voted for the removal of the planters from the Market Place within two weeks.
However, it is understood the council intends to consult with businesses “to see if a better place could not be found for them, without compromising parking and safety, as these were resident’s main concerns”.
On the basis of that decision, it is intended to approach the town centre businesses concerned and to continue with the online petition to ensure the planters are removed completely from the Market Place.
I note the town council consider there is a long-term need to make the Market Place a more attractive feature and not just function as a car park.
This is a misconception as the Market Place has many attributes and uses that seem not to have been recognised.
Whatever has happened to the 2013 Reepham Economic Strategy published by Ingham Pinnock Associates and adopted by the town and district councils?
The Market Place functions particularly well as it is at present for its regular market day and annual events such as the food festival, music festival and classic car festival.
Reepham Market Place is unique in having an enclosed “open” area not found anywhere else in the county and it should stay that way for the benefit of the town.
The strategic use of trees, plants, benches, pedestrian areas and a one-way traffic system would be the end of the Market Place as we know it.
I also refer to Broadland District Council’s officially adopted Reepham Conservation Area Appraisal of May 2008, which states that the Market Place is of “townscape importance”.
Any proposals by Broadland or the town council that compromise that assessment would be contrary to the adopted policy.
While continuing with the current petition for the complete removal of the planters, we trust another will not be necessary.
Hugh Ivins, Whitwell, Reepham