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