A number of residents, shopkeepers and businesses in the Market Place have expressed significant concerns regarding the recent installation of two groups of planters within the parking areas of the market square.

There has been a lack of consultation with owners of business premises around the Market Place, as well as with local residents, and it has had an unnecessary detrimental effect on businesses and parking availability for residents and visitors.

An online petition has been set up remove the planters from the Market Place. We currently have more than 300 signatories, and will present the results to the town council at its next meeting on 17 September.

Typical reasons for signing the petition include:

• “These are unnecessary and detrimental to important and well-established businesses.”
• “We have managed to adhere to social distancing before these monstrosities appeared. All they do is reduce the already limited parking in the town.”
• “Why does this sort of decision and expense happen with little or no consultation with the actual residents and businesses of the town it is effecting?”
• "There is absolutely no need to restrict parking in the Market Place 24/7.”
• “Maybe the council will sit up and take notice when someone injures themselves on these monstrosities of a trip hazard as not everyone has 20/20 vision day or night.”
• “Where the planters have been placed restricts parking for people like me with limited mobility.”
• “This is completely unnecessary and a waste of public money.”
   

The latest government guidance COVID-19 Secure: Safer Public Places – Urban Centres and Green Spaces concerning social distancing in market places does not advocate using planters in existing parking areas.

We look forward to your added support on this petition.

Hugh Ivins, Whitwell, Reepham