Dereham Market Place improvements survey sent to businesses

But local campaigners are hoping that a survey will help kickstart improvements to Dereham.

This week, Dereham Action Partnership (DAP), a group of councillors, businesses and community organisations, is sending out a questionnaire to businesses about plans to change the Market Place. 

Carolyn Coleman, a member of the group and town councillor, said: "We are concerned about some buildings in the Market Place which are neglected and run-down.

"They need to be smartened up.

A call has gone out to improve Dereham's 'run-down' Market Place. (Image: Denise Bradley) READ MORE: Plans for homes near town's Market Place met with objections

"Dereham is a small market town that has been neglected for far too long by the powers that be," she added.

A site of particular concern was the former Akaash Tandoori Restaurant building, at 23 Market Place, which is now "semi-derelict".

The building has been empty since it was abandoned by its owners in 2015.

In October 2022, Breckland Council issued an enforcement notice, requiring improvements to the property - but that has since expired. 

"It's a shame because it's in a row of listed buildings, and it could be a pretty little row," Ms Coleman said.

She added that when people parked in Cherry Tree car park and entered the town centre they would enter the Market Place which was "run down and neglected".

READ MORE: Town leaders meet to shape a bright future for 'heart of Norfolk' town

Currently, Breckland Council is undertaking a traffic survey to understand flows into and out of the Market Place and what might be better models for traffic in the future if, for example, the market square were to be pedestrianised.

DAP is made up of representatives from Dereham Town Council, Breckland District Council and Norfolk County Council, as well as local businesses, landowners and community organisations. 

Their next meeting is July 19 at 5.45pm at Church House. Town centre businesses are invited to attend.