Let's hear it for Hampton's

I’m feeling very sad this morning.  I heard yesterday that the enthusiasm of one of our successful new businesses owners is being badly knocked by the actions of a few disgruntled people who appear to want to get that business closed down.
 
Can I say, here and now, that I love Hampton’s and think it is a huge asset to Reepham.  I believe it is a perfect example of how a small town like ours can become home to key independent businesses. 
 
Hampton’s brings in consumers from all parts of the county – shoppers who will return again and again and could benefit all of our retail traders.  We need more businesses like this...  On one day this week, over 120 people came through Hampton’s doors.  We should be congratulating Annie and her team, not complaining.
 
The issue is parking, I believe.  At the moment the parking on Norwich Road is unrestricted and therefore Hampton’s customers can – and do – park there if there is space.  They are just as entitled to do so as the residents.  They’re not parking on double yellow lines or private land, but on the public highway on one of the main routes into Reepham.   If there is no space, they park elsewhere – in the Market Place or on adjoining roads.  They are not there in the early mornings, evenings or on a Sunday.
 
We all know that parking in Reepham is a problem.  It’s something that Reepham Chamber and the Town Council are talking about, but there are no easy solutions. 
 
Since she opened, Annie has received a steady string of anonymous complaints and hate-mail pushed through her door as well as more overt action discouraging her customers from parking outside.  She is beginning to feel that we don’t want her here in Reepham.
 
Please let’s not allow the actions of the few to bring the success story of Hampton’s in Reepham to a sad end.   I’d like to see us counterbalance the negative messages she’s getting with a campaign to tell Annie that, in the main, Reepham does love Hampton’s and we want her to stay...  Can I appeal to all of you who believe Hampton’s to be good for Reepham to simply pop in and tell her so? 
 
By the way, I love V’s, Kerri’s Pine and Very Nice Things too – to mention just a few of our fabulous retailers and eateries!   We’re hugely lucky to have such a rich diversity that gives us something for every occasion.  There’s room for everyone and enhancing Reepham’s reputation as a lovely country market town can only benefit us all.