By Geoff Fisher Reepham Town Council has received complaints from allotment holders that dogs are running loose on the sites and leaving their little calling cards.
The allotments are not part of the town’s recreational areas and we would not expect dogs to be exercised there. Dogs that are on the allotments must be kept on leads at all times and their faeces must be removed and disposed of off-site.
There is a dog waste bin situated outside the Stony Lane allotment site on Marriott’s Way, so there is no excuse for mess not to be disposed of properly and safely.
We would also like to remind allotment holders and visitors alike to make sure that the gates are closed at all times to prevent dogs entering the area.
Redevelopment at former station site
The roadworks at Station Plain, opposite the entrance to the former station, have excited much comment, not to mention many complaints, in recent weeks and the problems were discussed at the January meeting of the town council.
Concerns were expressed about the safety of pedestrians negotiating the ever-changing excavations, the difficulty of drivers attempting to leave the Kerri’s Pine site and the impact the work on local businesses.
It was agreed that the issues would be taken up with Norfolk County Council (the highways authority), with the result that its engineers have been undertaking a proactive role in monitoring the works.
In connection with this development, councillors also discussed the possible provision of street lighting on the roads bordering the site.
Norfolk County Council has decided that there are no road safety issues requiring the installation of additional lighting, so the matter has been passed to the town council for our attention.
After some discussion, councillors agreed that there is no requirement for street lighting in Stony Lane, but concern was expressed about the safety of pedestrians crossing Station Plain, Cawston Road and Station Road to access the proposed convenience store, especially at night.
It was therefore agreed that the town council would seek to retain the existing streetlamp at the entrance to Kerri’s Pine with additional lights situated at the junction of Station Road and Stony Lane and at the entrance to the convenience store on Cawston Road.
Grants for local community events
As part of our policy of supporting local community events, councillors discussed applications for grant funding for this year’s music and food festivals, and were pleased to fund the provision of basic amenities for these events.
Recycling
There are five recycling banks at the Station Road car park and a further bottle bank at the Stimpson’s Piece car park and every effort is made to ensure they are emptied promptly as necessary.
Unfortunately, this is not always possible and on those few occasions when a bank is full we would ask residents not to leave bags of recyclables on the ground, but to take them home and bring them back when the banks are empty.
We would also appreciate your support in letting the town clerk know of any problem with the recycling banks so we can resolve any issues as soon as possible.
Council vacancies
Reepham Town Council still has vacancies for two councillors. If you wish to help shape the future of the community or to serve the community in a voluntary capacity, why not consider joining us by becoming a councillor?
Future events
- Wednesday 12 February, Reepham Town Council meeting, followed by Stimpson’s Piece Charity Trustee meeting
- Wednesday 4 March, Town Hall Management Committee meeting
- Wednesday 11 March, Reepham Town Council meeting, followed by Stimpson’s Piece Charity Trustee meeting
All meetings are held in Reepham Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, starting at 7.30 pm unless otherwise advertised.
Local residents, businesses, organisations and members of the general public are welcome to attend and you will be able to meet your councillors, comment on any agenda items and raise any other issues of concern.
Contact: Reepham Town Council, Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, Norfolk NR10 4JW. Tel: 01603 873355. Email.
Geoff Fisher