Fakenham emerges from Broadland's shadows as name changes

This election, however, will see it finally emerge from the shadows for a share of the spotlight, after its name was added to the title for the first time. 

The new constituency - Broadland and Fakenham - covers largely the same area as the previous Broadland one, apart from some minor tweaks.

Drayton and part of Thorpe Marriott have been transferred to Norwich North, and Wighton, Thursford, Bale, Briningham, Gunthorpe and part of Melton Constable switched to North Norfolk. 

But the most eye-catching change is to its name. 

It means that Fakenham is one of the smallest towns in the country to now feature in its constituency title, and the only town in Norfolk, apart from Great Yarmouth, to do so. 

So what do people in the town make of its big arrival on the political stage?

TIMELY RECOGNITION 

On a busy day in the town centre, many welcomed the move as helping to ensure the area was not overlooked by the nationally better-known Broads. 

They also hoped it would ensure that its MP - whoever that may be - keeps a focus on Fakenham as much as the other towns and villages further east.

Brendon Prestage, 61, a retired dental surgeon, and Martin Fuller, 57, a retired practice manager, were indifferent about the new name, but said the town needed an MP who "stood up and cared for" Fakenham.

Mr Prestage, Mr Fuller and Lucy Lake, who works at the Tudor, would like to see Fakenham get back its spark. (Image: Newsquest)

"Obviously north Norfolk is quite a prestigious area for the county, and so are the Broads, but I think what Fakenham needs is for someone representing it at a higher level to help bring back its spark," said Mr Fuller. 

Others agreed that Fakenham needed a fillip. 

Lawrence Cuttler, who loves Fakenham and enjoys going to watch its football club, said: "Over the last 25 years, the town has shrunk.

Mr Cuttler is concerned about Fakenham's business sector. (Image: Newsquest)
"Since my son opened a shop in 1999 on the high street, he's counted 60 stores opening and closing over the years."

Other business owners feel the same.

Fay Dewing, owner of Sew Sweet on Market Place, said she would like to see stronger support for its independent shops and local businesses and thought the name change could help by creating more of a sense of identity.

Ms Dewing hopes that putting Fakenham's name on the political stage will help support the town's local businesses. (Image: Newsquest)

Carol Bloye, owner of the Fakenham Chapel Antiques, said the change could "put the town on the map".

Letitia Crowson, 30 and Dave Prynn, 60, said they were concerned that Fakenham has "lost its edge" over the last decade. "We'd love to see more restaurants in the town. Whether the renaming will help with that, I don't know. 

"But if it's going to put the town's name out there, then maybe that's something that could change. Over the years, Fakenham has just lost its edge," said Ms Crowson. 

Ms Crowson and Mr Prynn feel that Fakenham has lost its edge. (Image: Newsquest)
But Brian George Brown, 88, said it still had much to offer. 

"I reckon Fakenham has the best market in all of Norfolk," he said. "You should see the market square on Thursdays, it is just packed." 

Fiona Calver, 66, and her mother, Netta Thompson, 91, were passing through Fakenham on their way from King's Lynn to Lowestoft, where they live. 

Mrs Calver and Mrs Thomson, the mother-and-daughter duo were day-tripping through Fakenham and appreciated how clean the area was. (Image: Newsquest)
Mrs Calver praised the town's cleanliness and its historic feel. "I think there's lots this town has to offer. It's quite picturesque," she said. "It would be good to see that preserved."

Jim Riley, an undertaker from Leicestershire, and his partner, Lindsey Beesley, are regular visitors to family in Fakenham and its racecourse. 

They said the addition of the name was important recognition, to prevent it being overlooked. 

"It will bring some vibrancy and preserve its history," Ms Beesley added. 

Mr Riley can be seen sketching scenes of Fakenham whenever he visits the area. (Image: Newsquest)

FITTING IN FAKENHAM 

Constituency and council boundaries do not always overlap and Fakenham has had an unsettled history in local and Westminster politics. 

Until 2010, it was part of the North Norfolk constituency and is still covered by North Norfolk, rather than Broadland District Council. 

Broadland and Fakenham is an extremely long constituency, stretching from the town to the edge of Great Yarmouth, a distance of almost 50 miles.