By Geoff Fisher I read with interest Hugh Ivins “I told you so” letter regarding the benches in the Market Place (Your Letters, 14 September 2021).
It is also interesting to note that, on seeing the situation shown in the picture, Mr Ivins, in a blinkered “car centric” way, immediately decided to criticise the town council for placing the bench in the Market Place rather than, as he should have done, criticise the inconsiderate driver who parked so close to the bench that no one could use it.
The Market Place is for all the people of Reepham, including pedestrians and cyclists.
The benches were placed in the Market Place following requests from elderly residents who needed somewhere to rest after walking to the shops. Surely their needs should be considered too.
The town council is very aware of the need for parking in the Market Place to support businesses, but it’s a sad day when drivers are unwilling to sacrifice one space, which is only large enough for a mini, to enable the elderly to have somewhere to it down.
I have been told by a shopkeeper that the benches are used frequently so there is clearly a need for them.
The benches are black to fit in with the conservation area. The litter bins and the posts on the islands are also black, but I am not aware of pedestrians colliding with them at night.
Paul Mitchell, Chair, Reepham Town Council
Geoff Fisher