Allotment rentals to increase in 2024
At the request of allotment holders, who felt that autumn is a better time for allotments to change hands, the allotment renewal date has now changed to October annually.
Due to tall hedging shading plots on all three allotment sites, extensive hedge cutting and tree work has been required at considerable expense.
To help offset this cost the town council will need to increase the rental to £35 per year for a half-sized plot and £70 for a full-sized plot from October 2024.
Feasibility study on extension to 20 mph speed limit
Road safety in Reepham, which is a matter of concern for many residents, continues to be high on the town council’s priorities.
Following requests to Norfolk Highways for an extension of the 20 mph speed limit along Norwich Road as far as the junction with The Moor and a ban on heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tons unladen weight using Market Place and Church Hill (except for access/deliveries), a feasibility study on possible changes has been carried out by Norfolk County Council and a report is expected shortly.
It is hoped that this will be received soon so it can be considered at the October meeting of the town council.
Volunteers needed to help with Neighbourhood Plan
At Reepham Town Council’s meeting on 13 September, District Councillor Stuart Beadle spoke in favour of a Neighbourhood Plan for Reepham and suggested that, by working on such a plan, it would encourage more people to join the town council. He also offered help with publicity and other assistance wherever required.
However, although this has been discussed and publicised previously, there has been no interest from members of the community in getting involved in its production.
There is also no capacity within the town council, which still has vacancies, for two councillors to commit to the time and effort required, which will be extensive.
It was agreed not to pursue a Neighbourhood Plan further, unless willing volunteers from the community come forward.
The town clerk will contact two people who Cllr Beadle feels may be interested in helping with a view to them joining the town council.
There are some advantages to having a Neighbourhood Plan, such as the town council being able to determine how more of the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is paid by housing developers, is spent.
However, it is clear that, although Broadland District Council as the planning authority must have regard to the Neighbourhood Plan, it can override the plan.
Cllr Beadle also explained that a Neighbourhood Plan would not stop large-scale developments, such as Broomhill Lane, but may influence lesser matters, such as the site layout and design of the buildings.
If you feel that Reepham should have a Neighbourhood Plan and are willing to help with its preparation, please contact the town clerk (details below).
More youth engagement
Cllr Sam James would like to develop more youth engagement in Reepham. To access grant funding, the council will need to identify and engage with young people in the town.
MAP youth charity and the Youth Advisory Board can support engagement and assist with pop-up sessions at the high school to generate ideas and also help to arrange some sessions away from the school, which should assist in identifying what young people would benefit from in Reepham.
The town council continues to support this work, which will be geared towards secondary school children initially. Cllr James and the town clerk will arrange a meeting with potential young volunteers.
Stop fly-tipping in Station Road car park
Residents are requested not to leave paper/cardboard and other recyclables in front of the paper bank in the Station Road car park as this is fly-tipping.
If you notice that the paper bank is getting towards being full, please let the town clerk know (details below) as there is often a delay between contacting the company that empties the paper bank and the bank being emptied.
Town council vacancies
Reepham Town Council currently has three vacancies. If you would like to support your local community by joining the council, please contact the town clerk (clerk@reephamtowncouncil.org.uk or 01603 873355) for further information without any obligation.