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.