An update to proposals that would see significant changes introduced to Dereham Market Place has been unveiled.
A consultation had gone out earlier this year about improving bus services and accessibility in the town centre. It forms part of Norfolk County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and is estimated to cost in the region of £620k.
The consultation found that locals were mostly supportive of the initial plans, but expressed concerns over the relocation of the disabled bays to Quebec Street, which required reducing the size of the taxi rank to accommodate this.
Amended plans will now instead see the disabled bays relocated to Church Street, providing closer access to the High Street, and the taxi rank will be unchanged.
One of the improvements will see the bus stop outside NatWest expanded.
The bus stop outside NatWest would be extended to accommodate three buses, while cycle stands on Church Street are to be redistributed around the Market Place. Three new, larger bus shelters with electronic displays showing live departure times would also be introduced at both Market Place stops.
An improved raised-table zebra crossing with tactile paving will be installed to improve pedestrian safety, while Market Place, the Market, and Church Street would all be resurfaced.
According to the plans, the changes “will make it easier for people to cross the Market Place and reach shops, amenities, and bus services”.
Works are scheduled to begin on January 12 and are expected to take ten weeks to complete, weather permitting.
The scheme forms part of Norfolk County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan
A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council said: “Every effort will be made to progress the works efficiently and to maintain full access to all shops throughout the construction period. However, minor delays may occur during essential phases of the programme.”
Temporary road closures will be in effect at different times and bus services will be relocated around Dereham, with most of them operating from Cherry Tree car park.
(Source: Dereham Times)
