The Council has received requests from two potential stallholders selling jewellery and craft items, which would mean increasing the trading space to the north of the Market Place on the Old Brewery House side. However, this will result in the loss of several car parking spaces during Wednesday morning.
 
While there have been a few complaints about not enough parking in the town, particularly from certain individuals who insist on leaving their cars in the Market Place all day, Cllr Edwin Rose pointed out that there is plenty of parking space in the side roads, but that many people simply do not want to walk.
 
“Do we want to be a market town or a commuters’ car park?” he asked. “Besides, the market is only held one morning a week.”
 
Town Council chairman Les Paterson felt the market has enough stalls for the time being. “Yes, we need the extra trade, but a lot of these customers drive into Reepham and they need somewhere to park,” he said.
 
Councillors were reminded that the market formerly took up the whole of the market square. Norfolk County Councillor James Joyce added: “It’s called ‘Market Place’ – and that’s what it should be. Moreover, the shops in Reepham aren’t open six days a week, a.m. and p.m.”
 
The Town Council voted in favour of allowing two more market traders on a temporary basis “to see how it goes”.
 
Several suggestions were made to move the Reepham Rover community minibus if there is a need to free up more space. It was also noted that Broadland District Council is currently reviewing the Station Road car park, where long-term vehicle storage may be an issue.
 
The next meeting of Reepham Town Council is at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 10 April in the Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham.