• Residents’ concerns about traffic issues

    Thursday, January 6, 2022 - 10:18

    The town council has received a number of emails from residents expressing concerns about traffic issues in Reepham. These include speeding, damage to buildings on Norwich Road and vehicles colliding with the church wall.

    Highways matters are the responsibility of Norfolk County Council but, as detailed in previous editions of “Your Council Matters”, the town council can make representations to Norfolk Highways.

    At the forthcoming Reepham Town Council meeting, which will take place on 12 January at 7.30 pm in the town hall, time has been allocated on the agenda for councillors to hear residents’ views about traffic in Reepham.

    Perhaps even more importantly, councillors would like to hear any suggestions or ideas as to how traffic flow through the town could be improved.

    Incidents of vandalism

    There is little doubt that Reepham is a pleasant place to live. However, there seems to be a small group of individuals who are determined to cause damage to the facilities that the town council provides for the community.

    Following previous incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, on 21 December a significant amount of damage was done to the public toilets in Pudding Pie Alley. This included smashing wall tiles, ripping the architrave from the doors and damaging the windows.

    Between Christmas and the New Year litter bins were overturned on Stimpson’s Piece.

    As a small community we should be able to identify those responsible. If you have any information, please inform the police or speak with the town clerk in confidence.

    Platinum Jubilee celebrations

    The town council is currently co-ordinating arrangements for the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

    A number of local organisations are working together to plan the celebrations and the next meeting of this group is at Stimpson’s Piece pavilion on Wednesday 19 January at 7 pm.

    Any organisation that wishes to become involved is welcome to send a representative or any individual who would like to help is also welcome to attend but please notify the clerk (contact details below).

    Hall for hire

    The main hall at the pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece has been redecorated and the building is available for hire.

    If you would like to view the building, without obligation, prior to a possible hire, please contact the town clerk by telephone 01603 873355 or email clerk@reephamtowncouncil.co.uk

  • Town council to monitor impact of wind farm cable routes

    Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - 19:30

    Reepham Town Council, supported by County Councillor Greg Peck, is continuing to push for various improvements to paths and roads within Reepham.

    Following the meeting with Norfolk Highways, which was described in detail in the last Your Council Matters (1 October 2021), the town council has been informed that a handrail will be fitted on the sloping section of path between Bircham Road and Ollands Road by the end of January.

    Although our previous dealings with Norfolk Highways does not lead to optimism, we continue to push for this work to be done before Christmas.

    Onshore cable corridors

    While the town council is fully supportive of renewable energy, it is continuing to monitor closely the impact of the proposed onshore cable routes on Reepham.

    The Vattenfall and Ørsted offshore wind farms, situated off the north Norfolk coast, plan to have their service centres at Oulton airfield.

    They plan to construct cable corridors that will connect the wind farms to two National Grid substations, one between Swardeston and Stoke Holy Cross, south of Norwich, and one at Necton.

    The town council has been informed that the construction of these corridors would mean up to 424 vehicle movements every working day through Cawston, from 7 am – 7 pm, Monday to Friday, and for 10 hours on Saturdays.

    We have been assured by Vattenfall that construction traffic will not come through Reepham, but there will almost certainly be road closures around Reepham, which will affect vehicles coming to and from the town. It is also possible that many workers’ transport and delivery vehicles will be coming through the town.

    Following a consultation letter, the town clerk wrote to Ørsted regarding the impact of its work on Reepham. Ørsted confirmed that some of its traffic will travel down Station Road then turn right on the B1145 towards Dereham. She has asked if this will include HGV traffic but has not yet received a reply.

    Platinum Jubilee plans

    The town council is currently co-ordinating arrangements for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

    A number of Reepham-based organisations attended an initial meeting on 6 October, which established working groups to look at various aspects of the celebrations; the group plans to meet regularly over the next few months.

    Any organisation that wishes to become involved is welcome to send a representative and any individual who would like to help is also welcome to attend, but please notify the clerk (contact details below).

    Churchyard walls

    The town council is responsible for the maintenance of the churchyard walls, parts of which are in a poor state of repair and one part of which has been hit, yet again, by a vehicle. A working group of councillors is currently investigating the extent of the repairs required and the costs of these.

    Council vacancies

    Reepham Town Council now has nine members, but there are three vacancies. If you have some time to spare and would like to contribute to the work of the town council, which is responsible for a wide range of facilities and provision for the public in Reepham, we would love to hear from you.

    The town council can be contacted by telephone 01603 873355 or email.

    Minutes of council meetings can be found on the website.

  • County council to act on road safety concerns

    Friday, October 1, 2021 - 10:49

    A number of residents have contacted the town council recently to express their growing concerns about road safety in various parts of the town.

    In response to this, County Councillor Greg Peck and chairman of the town council, Paul Mitchell, met with an officer from Norfolk Highways to look at the problem areas at first hand.

    Photo: Reepham Community Press

    Following the meeting we were assured that the following actions will be taken:

    • A handrail will be installed on the steep slope at the Bircham Road end of the path (above) that runs from Bircham Road to Ollands Road and, if possible, other steps will be taken to make the path safer.
    • A row of large wooden bollards will be put in place around the churchyard wall on the sharp bend in Norwich Road at the junction with Church Street and Church Hill to prevent further damage to the wall.
    • Road signs, warning of pedestrians in the road, will be installed at either end of the bend in Norwich Road from approximately opposite the disused graveyard to the junction with The Moor.
    • Vegetation will be removed from the kerbside in Bircham Road and from around the churchyard wall.

     

    Highways have also been asked to take in action to clear the ditches and drains to stop water flowing on to Norwich Road between the junction with The Moor and the bridge at Booton.

    The town council has previously written to Norfolk Highways expressing its concern about road safety in Nowhere Lane and Whitwell Road and asking if these roads could be seen as a local priority for the improvement of road safety.

    Table-top sale

    There will be a table-top sale at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion on Sunday 17 October from 10 am – 4 pm in aid of the Stimpson’s Piece Charity, which maintains and cares for Stimpson’s Piece.

    Here is a chance to sell your own domestic items that you no longer need, such as toys, books, CDs, bric-à-brac, clothing, etc. – but not food.

    To book a table (£5 charge) please contact the town clerk (details below).

    Reepham Town Council can be contacted by telephone 01603 873355 or email.

  • Senseless acts of antisocial behaviour show lack of respect for community

    Thursday, August 19, 2021 - 20:05

    Reepham Town Council would like to thank the many community-minded residents who go out of their way to keep Reepham tidy and help the council in its work.

    In particular, our thanks go to those people who voluntarily pick up litter and keep the council informed of matters that need attention, such as recycling bins needing to be emptied.

    Recently, a public-spirited resident very kindly picked up the contents of a litter bin on Stimpson’s Piece that had been turned over deliberately.

    Sadly, since then, this deliberate upturning of litter bins has been repeated by people who seem to get pleasure out of mindless acts of vandalism, which someone else has to rectify.

    A trolley was also taken from the Co-op and smashed up on the skate park.

    These senseless acts are undoubtedly caused by a small number of individuals who show no respect for our town.

    If you see any antisocial activity of this kind, please inform the police or the Town Council, to whom you can report such matters in confidence.

    Road safety concerns

    The Town Council has been contacted by residents expressing their concerns about road safety in Nowhere Lane and Whitwell Road.

    These roads are narrow in places, such that large vehicles have difficulty in passing, and have no footpaths for pedestrians. The speed limit is also too high.

    The Town Council has written to Norfolk Highways expressing its concern and asking if these roads could be seen as a local priority for the improvement of road safety by measures such as extending the speed limit from its current ending point near the high school to the railway bridge.

    Reinvigorating the weekly market

    Reepham is a town, rather than a village, due to the Market Charter granted in 1277.

    The Town Council, along with the Bircham Centre, is seeking ways to reinvigorate the Wednesday Market.

    One possibility would be to allow local residents to have a table/stall free of charge to sell items of their choosing.

    If you have any ideas on how the market can be re-invigorated the Town Council or the Bircham Centre would like to hear from you.

    Appointment of town clerk

    Following a rigorous recruitment process, at its meeting on 4 August the Town Council ratified the appointment of Kirsty Cotgrove as town clerk.

    Kirsty is an experienced parish clerk with many years’ experience, who has much to offer Reepham.

    She will take up the post on 13 September. Until then, Sally Gill, the council’s responsible finance officer, will continue as acting town clerk.

    Please continue to contact the Town Council in the usual way via post, email or telephone. Phone messages left will be picked up regularly.

    Pavilion redecoration

    The main hall and toilets at the pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece are in the process of being redecorated and will shortly be available for hire.

    If you would like to view the building, without obligation, prior to a possible hire, please contact the town clerk by telephone 01603 873355 or email.

    The next meeting of Reepham Town Council will be held on Wednesday 8 September at 8 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham (venue to be confirmed). This will be preceded by a meeting of the Trustees of Stimpson’s Piece at 7.30 pm. Members of the public are invited to attend both meetings.

  • More seating to be provided in Market Place

    Monday, June 14, 2021 - 15:01

    After months of Zoom meetings, Reepham Town Council met face to face on Wednesday 9 June, albeit socially distanced. This was a significant step in the return to normality.

    Photo: Reepham Community Press

    Following a brief closure of Church Hill, the damage to the churchyard wall caused by vehicles has now been repaired.

    However, significant restorative work is needed to other sections of the wall. A small working group of councillors is investigating costs, etc., for this work.

    A working group of councillors has also been established to oversee the three allotment sites for which the town council is responsible.

    If you are an allotment holder and have not returned a signed letting agreement for this year, please do so. If you would like a copy of the latest agreement, please contact the town clerk.

    Town clerk vacancy

    Following the resignation of town clerk Jo Boxall after 10 years’ service to Reepham, the town council is currently advertising the vacancy.

    If you have relevant skills and administrative/management experience the town council would welcome an application. Details can be found on the town council website.

    Seating and grit bins

    Town councillors have received requests for more seating to be made available in the Market Place, particularly for those waiting for the bus or who need to rest before walking home.

    The council is therefore proposing to place a bench in front of the island at the bus stop on the Kings Arms side of the Market Place and another next to the island on the Dial House side facing the church. These will not affect car parking to any extent.

    Although on a warm, sunny June day snow and ice seems a long way away, following requests from residents the town council now has permission to install a salt bin in the Market Place. A bin, suitably in keeping with the conservation area, will be installed in time for the winter.

    The town council is aware that repairs are needed to the church paths and the driveway at the Whitwell Road cemetery and is currently seeking quotes for this work.

    Stimpson’s Piece improvements

    As trustee for the Stimpson’s Piece Charity, the town council continues to work on improving the facilities and pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece. This month the gutters have been repaired, which means work can commence to paint the doors, etc.

    Following the previous replacement of playground equipment, old and rotten picnic tables and benches have now been replaced. The trustees would like to thank Bryan Gostling for giving his time voluntarily to help assemble and install these items.

    The trustees would also like to thank those residents who have purchased Broadland Community at Heart Lottery tickets in favour of Stimpson’s Piece or generously made a donation to support this work.

    If you have any ideas of ways in which the town council could bring about improvements, please let us know.

    If you have time to spare and feel that you could make a contribution to the Reepham community as a town councillor, we would like to hear from you.

    Please contact the town clerk by telephone 01603 873355 or email.

  • Residents’ responsibility to care for recreation ground

    Wednesday, April 21, 2021 - 09:19

    It has been good to see so many people making use of Stimpson’s Piece recently, both as a place to meet friends and as a place for children to play safely.

    The recreation ground was bequeathed to the town and is run by the Stimpson’s Piece Charity as a place for the community to use and enjoy, therefore all residents have a responsibility to care for it.

    Please use the litter bins and report to the charity, via the town council, if you see anyone causing damage.

    The charity would also like to thank all those residents who have bought Stimpson’s Piece lottery tickets, via the Broadland Community at Heart Lottery, to help support the children’s play area.

    The charity has recently replaced the large multipurpose play tower and the toddler swing. The older benches and picnic tables will also be replaced shortly.

    Volunteer to refurbish pavilion

    Stimpson’s Piece Charity is committed to refurbishing the pavilion as a community centre, which is available to all.

    We are currently seeking volunteers to help with a wide range of practical tasks from painting the outside doors, refurbishing the kitchen, assembling flatpack benches and picnic tables to helping with tabletop and car boot sales, which we are hoping to run later this summer.

    If you can help, please email the town clerk, who is also clerk to the charity, with your contact details and an indication of the skills you can offer. All help will be greatly appreciated.

    Amendments to allotment agreement

    Following feedback from allotment holders the town council has amended the allotment agreement to clarify some of the council’s expectations.

    The revised agreement was ratified at the town council meeting on 14 April and is effective from that date. The revised agreement can be found on the town council website.

    If you have returned the previous agreement, it will not be necessary for you to sign the revised agreement, but if you wish to do so, please contact the town clerk for a copy or download it from the website.

    Tree maintenance

    The town council is responsible for the trees in several areas of the town. Following a recent tree survey, maintenance work will commence shortly to remove any dead wood, etc., that was identified in the survey.

    Meanwhile, several residents have asked if a salt bin and more seating could be provided in the Market Place and at the bus stop.

    As the Market Place is within the Reepham Conservation Area, the town council is currently in discussion with Broadland District Council about this matter.

    If you have any ideas of ways in which Reepham could be improved or would like to join the town council to help your community, please contact the town clerk by telephone 01603 873355 or email.

  • All dog owners reminded to clear up after their pets

    Saturday, January 16, 2021 - 13:39

    Reepham Town Council would value support in helping to monitor areas for which it is responsible and reporting any problems or issues, such as storm damage to trees, vandalism, etc.

    Areas for which the council is responsible include the allotments (at Norwich Road, Stony Lane and Fiddlers Field), Stimpson’s Piece, Overton Way play area, the public toilets, and the cemeteries on Whitwell Road and Norwich Road.

    Mobile phone ‘not spots’

    The town council continues to be concerned about mobile phone “not spots” in parts of Reepham.

    If your business is affected by this issue, please write to Broadland District Council’s Business Support team (business@broadland.gov.uk) to explain how the lack of a mobile signal impacts on your business.

    The more evidence that we have to demonstrate how this effects the local economy the better.

    Precept stays the same

    The precept is the town council’s share of council tax. Being mindful of the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and individuals, the town council has agreed to keep the precept for 2021-22 at the same level as last year.

    Stimpson’s Piece costs

    As trustee, the town council is doing all it can to improve the facilities at Stimpson’s Piece.

    This is challenging as the only source of income the Stimpson’s Piece Charitable Trust receives is from lettings and by making applications for grants.

    In particular, the trust is committed to improving the pavilion and play area. The pavilion gutters have now been cleared and will be repaired when weather conditions are suitable.

    Replacements for the toddler swing and the multi-activity equipment have been ordered and should be installed in the spring.

    Irresponsible

    The town council would like to thank the many responsible dog owners who clean up after their pets and use the dog-waste bins provided.

    Unfortunately, there is a small number of irresponsible owners who do not do so, or if they do, feel it is acceptable to throw the used waste bags into people’s gardens or hang them on bushes; children have also been arriving at school with dog mess on their shoes.

    This is unacceptable and, as a community, we need to do all we can to identify and report the offenders.

    If, as a dog owner, you feel there is a site where a dog bin would help reduce the problem, please let the clerk know and the council will give this due consideration. The site would have to be easily accessible to the vehicle that empties the bins.

    Councillor vacancies

    The council has councillor vacancies and would welcome expressions of interest from residents to join the council. If you are interested in giving some of your time to support the community, or would like to find out more without any obligation, please contact the clerk.

    Next meetings

    The next Reepham Town Council meeting will take place on Wednesday 10 February at 8 pm (preceded, at 7.30 pm, by the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting) via Zoom. Please contact the clerk for joining instructions.

    The town council can be contacted by email clerk@reephamtowncouncil.org.uk or telephone 01603 873355. www.reephamtowncouncil.org.uk

  • Poor mobile phone signal impacting local economy

    Friday, December 11, 2020 - 16:58

    Reepham Town Council continues to be concerned about mobile phone “not spots” in parts of the town.

    It has lobbied a number of key organisations, but it would help to leverage support if as many local businesses could email Broadland District Council’s business support team to explain how the lack of a mobile signal impacts their business.

    The more evidence we have to demonstrate how this affects the local economy the better.

    Stimpson’s Piece improvements

    The town council, as trustee, is doing all that it can to improve the facilities at Stimpson’s Piece.

    At its December meeting it was agreed that urgent work should take place to repair the leaking gutters on the pavilion and to replace playground equipment that is reaching the end of its useful life.

    While the town council wishes to continue to make the designated areas of Stimpson’s Piece available for dog walking it is becoming increasingly concerned about the large quantities of dog mess, which is being left by inconsiderate dog owners.

    In addition to the obvious unpleasantness, this is also a health hazard. Please clear up after your dog. Dog bins have been provided for convenience.

    Allotments’ interest

    The town council is pleased to see so many residents showing an interest in having an allotment plot; owing to demand there is now an extensive waiting list for plots.

    The council is in the process of dividing full plots that become vacant to allow more people to have access to a plot and is conducting inspections with a view to ensuring that all plots are being fully cultivated.

    Guidance has also been issued to ensure that chickens on allotments are kept in suitable housing and humane conditions.

    Papillon Project

    The Papillon Project is a Reepham-based project that is inspiring children and young people to learn to grow their own food for their school and the community.

    The project recently held a community litter pick, when volunteers collected litter from around the town.

    The town council is supportive and appreciative of the work the project does and has awarded it a grant of £100 to further its work.

    Precept

    The precept is the town council’s share of council tax. Being mindful of the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and on individuals, the town council has agreed to keep the precept for 2021-22 at the same level as last year.

    Thank you to all those who help make Reepham a pleasant place to live, especially residents for helping to keep one another safe, all those who have volunteered in the community and councillors for their support during what has been a challenging year.

    The town council has two vacancies and would welcome expressions of interest from residents to join the council. The town council can be contacted by email or telephone 01603 873355.

    The next meeting of Reepham Town Council will take place on Wednesday 13 January at 8 pm (preceded at 7.30 pm by the Stimpson’s Piece Trustees meeting) via Zoom. Please contact the clerk for joining instructions.

    Have a happy Christmas and, as the vaccine is rolled out, an enjoyable New Year.

    www.reephamtowncouncil.org.uk

  • Town council to fund Christmas trees in the Market Place

    Tuesday, November 17, 2020 - 09:51

    Members of Reepham Town Council give their time voluntarily to support the community, so it is encouraging that we have recently co-opted several new councillors and welcome Barbara Douglas, our latest recruit, as well as Guppy Kular and Alice Hazelwood, who were co-opted at the October meeting.

    The council now has 10 councillors with two vacancies. If you are interested in becoming a councillor, please contact the clerk (details below) or any of our councillors for more information.

    Stimpson’s Piece gate to be locked in evenings

    The town council, as trustee for Stimpson’s Piece, is seeking to replace some play equipment and a working group has been set up to consider the options.

    The Stimpson’s Piece Charity relies solely on income from lettings and grants to maintain Stimpson’s Piece so funding presents a challenge, especially during in the current coronavirus pandemic.

    It is therefore particularly upsetting to note that Stimpson’s Piece has once again been the subject of anti-social behaviour and vandalism, causing additional expenditure.

    A vehicle was driven across the field, damaging the grass and creating deep ruts where it became stuck at the Kerdiston Road end; the glass in a door of the pavilion has also been broken.

    In light of this sort of unacceptable behaviour, the gate of Stimpson’s Piece will be locked to vehicles in the evenings.

    Continued vandalism of public toilets

    Following on from the theme of anti-social behaviour, the public toilets in Pudding Pie Alley have regrettably been the target of continued vandalism, with the toilets being deliberately blocked and the area flooded, toilet rolls stolen and, on some occasions, the soap being emptied and spread around the toilets.

    Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to the police, who have been made aware of the issue.

    Handrail dispute

    The town council was recently contacted regarding the steep slope on the footpath between Bircham Road and Ollands Road, which becomes slippery in icy weather.

    Norfolk County Council’s highways department was asked to support the town council’s request for a handrail to be installed, but was advised the path is too narrow for a handrail. The town council has disputed this and has asked highways to reconsider its decision.

    Glass recycling supports local groups

    The town council is responsible for the recycling bins located in the Station Road car park, as well as additional glass recycling bins at Stimpson’s Piece and The Crown, with the income from glass recycling used to provide grants to local organisations.

    Residents are encouraged to place their glass in these recycling bins rather than in their wheelie bin to support local groups. The grant application form and details can be viewed on the town council website.

    Festive cheer

    The town council has agreed to fund the erection and lighting of the Christmas trees in the Market Place in the hope of bringing some festive cheer and sense of normality to the town centre. Residents are wished a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

    The town council is always keen to hear the views of residents, in particular thoughts or ideas on how the environment or quality of life in Reepham can be improved. It can be contacted by email clerk@rephamtowncouncil.org.uk or telephone 01603 873355.

    Future events

    • Wednesday 9 December: Reepham Town Council meeting, followed by Stimpson’s Piece Charity Trustee meeting

    Meetings will begin at 7.30 pm and, until current restrictions are lifted, will be held via Zoom.

    Members of the public are warmly invited to attend and joining instructions will be posted on the town council website or can be obtained via the town clerk. Please keep an eye on the website for any changes.

  • Stimpson’s Piece pavilion in need of urgent repairs and refurbishment

    Monday, October 19, 2020 - 20:48

    Reepham Town Council is responsible for a wide range of community provision within Reepham, including the Market Place, street lighting, Stimpson’s Piece, the play area on Overton Way, the cemeteries, the church yard and Pound, and the allotments on Norwich Road, Stony Lane and Fiddler’s Field.

    The town council is also the sole trustee of the Stimpson’s Piece Trust, caring for the recreation ground and pavilion.

    The pavilion is a particular focus at present as it is in need of some urgent repairs and refurbishment.

    To look into this matter the town council, as trustee, has established a working group of councillors with a brief to identify the repairs and refurbishment needed and to report back to the trustees on priorities for action and likely costs.

    The children’s play area also requires a considerable investment to replace some equipment that is reaching the end of its life. Quotations are currently being sought for this work.

    Anti-social behaviour

    The town council is committed to doing all it can to ensure Reepham continues to be a safe place to live and work.

    The latest police community update report from the Reepham Safer Neighbourhood Team identifies that the monitoring and challenging of anti-social behaviour on recreation grounds and public spaces is a priority.

    Although we are fortunate that crime in the Reepham area is low, Stimpson’s Piece is sometimes a focus for anti-social behaviour.

    Recently, the football club’s portable toilets were tipped over and bottles from the bottle bank were smashed on the car park.

    As a community we need to work together to identify those responsible for this kind of anti-social behaviour.

    If anyone has any information on these or other matters, please contact the police on 101, via their website or social media, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

    Pedestrian safety

    A number of local people have recently expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians crossing Station Road to visit the new Co-operative store, which is due to open by the end of the year.

    The original plans for the site, which were approved by Broadland District Council, included a pedestrian crossing, but this has not been installed. The town council is currently in correspondence with Broadland about this matter.

    New youth group

    The town council has received an enquiry from Beth Wade, a lead youth worker on the Positive Activities Project at the Benjamin Foundation.

    This project is being funded by the Broadland Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and involves the development of new youth provision in the Broadland area for 11 to 19 year olds (up to 25 years for young people with a disability).

    She is looking for people locally who would be willing to help in the setting up and developing a new youth group, particularly anyone who is actively involved in the community or is willing to help promote, develop and sustain the youth provision in this area.

    This project aims to ensure young people are positively involved in this process and that the outcome is a successful community youth group, run for the benefit of the young people in Reepham, supported by the Broadland YAB Positive Activities Project.

    Reepham Town Council is keen to explore ways in which it can help promote and sustain this project. If you are interested, please contact Beth Wade on 07817 013812.

    The town council is always keen to hear the views of residents, in particular thoughts or ideas on how the environment or quality of life in Reepham can be improved.

    Reepham Town Council can be contacted by telephone 01603 873355 or email.

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