By Geoff Fisher Reepham Town Council continues to take steps to improve road safety in the town and protect vulnerable buildings from damage.
Having given their support to the replacement of the crossing patrol outside the primary school, councillors were pleased to hear that an advertisement has been placed for a new crossing patrol person.
Warning signs outside schools
Following representations from the town council, County Councillor Greg Peck has agreed to fund improvements to the warning signs outside the schools that ask traffic to slow down.
When the lights flash on these new signs, traffic will be expected not to exceed a speed of 20 mph. There will also be more carriageway markings asking traffic to slow down.
Traffic survey
Cllr Peck has also agreed to arrange a traffic study to ascertain the feasibility of restricting heavy goods vehicles from the Market Place, Church Hill and the section of Norwich Road as far as the Bircham Road junction.
As well as improving pedestrian safety this would help reduce the frequent damage to the churchyard wall and nearby properties.
Orchard Lane danger
Having received a number of concerns from residents about the danger to pedestrians in Orchard Lane, particularly from its use by large lorries, the town council is currently exploring the possibility of asking that a section of the lane, from just beyond the last bungalow to Cawston Road, be closed to traffic and restricted to cyclists and pedestrians.
Vandalism arrest imminent
Following the repeated vandalism of the public toilets the police now have good evidence, which should enable them to identify the person responsible for this, so hopefully an arrest will be made soon.
Wind farm cable route concerns
The town council discussed a planning application in respect of the Hornsea Project Three Offshore Wind Farm for hedgerow removal for the purposes of laying cables around Reepham.
The cable route will cross roads to the north of Reepham, including the roads to Kerdiston, Wood Dalling, Heydon, the B1145 to Cawston and the road from Reepham to Norwich.
The town council is concerned about the effect on the environment and the significant impact on road travel to and from Reepham while the trenches are being dug across the roads.
The town council has expressed its concerns and has asked that horizontal tunnelling under the road be considered.
Full details can be found under ”Planning” on the Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council website under planning application reference 20221614.
Skate ramp replacement
Following the removal of the skate ramp from Stimpson’s Piece for safety reasons the town council is seeking funding for a replacement. In the meantime, the council has agreed to install a full-size basketball hoop with backing in the area previously occupied by the skate ramp.
Council vacancies
The town council is keen to fill its remaining vacancies by co-opting interested residents or business owners who would like to make a contribution to their community by joining the council.
If you would like to explore this further, without obligation, please telephone the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email clerk@reephamtowncouncil.org.uk for further details.
Geoff Fisher