Dereham needs 'easy fixes' to restore town centre

Rory Sexton, who founded Zest Car Rental in Dereham, said that if Dereham's pavements received a deep clean, the weeds were removed, and the pigeons were dealt with, those living in and visiting the town would see a big improvement. 

Mr Sexton came up with the idea to send out a survey, on behalf of Dereham Action Partnership (DAP), to businesses in the area for feedback on how to uplift the Market Place. 

The DAP is a collection of councillors, businesses and community organisations working together to improve Dereham.

One of the group's primary goal is to redesign the Market Place and reduce traffic and pollution.

Rory Sexton, owner of Zest Car Rental, said that the priority for restoration in Dereham needs to be retailers and businesses. (Image: Submitted)
Mr Sexton, who is a member of DAP, said: "Zest Car Rental has been based in the town for the last 20 years, and we've never been asked about issues in Dereham. 

"A survey just seems like the right thing to do. We want to make changes that have a meaningful impact on the people they affect, and we can't do that if we don't ask them.

"There are lots of businesses here with different needs, and there are lots of different ways in which we can support them. 

"Otherwise we're going to lose the town centre," Mr Sexton said. 

The Akaash remains one of the most controversial buildings on the topic of dilapidation in Dereham. (Image: Denise Bradley)
The Rev Paul Cubitt, who is also a member of DAP, said: "I hope that by working together we can see the renewal of the town centre. 

"When something is restored, it uplifts the people it benefits, and it brings a sense of well-being."

The survey was sent out only weeks before Breckland Council announced it plans to introduce car park charges across its five towns, which has been received as another blow to businesses in the affected towns.

 The results of the survey can be expected in the next month.