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