Two years after closing, Fakenham's information hub has a new home.

Active Fakenham reopened its tourist and community information hub at The Original Factory Shop in Upper Market Place on Saturday, November 26.  

The business is letting the community group use the space free of charge for the hub, which used to be based at Sew Sweet.

The old centre closed back in October 2020 due to a "range of unfortunate circumstances".

Richard Crook, chairman of Active Fakenham, said: “The hub will have leaflets and information for visitors to the town. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Fakenham Info Hub has reopened at the Original Factory Shop in FakenhamThe Fakenham Info Hub has reopened at the Original Factory Shop in Fakenham (Image: Richard Crook)

“We also plan to have information about events and facilities for local people.

"In addition, there will be a page on our website, a physical noticeboard where local organisations can place notices free of charge, some social media, a TV screen with information and an e-newsletter which people can sign up for through the Active Fakenham website.

“As Active Fakenham has no staff, we rely on the goodwill and support of local people, businesses and organisations.

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Crook with his dog, Benji.

"The Original Factory Shop will be limited in the number of questions they can answer. They will keep the leaflet racks stocked and the noticeboard updated.”

Currently, the TV screen is showing a film of the virtual Christmas lights switch-on in 2020, which Active Fakenham - with the help of 30 local organisations - produced during lockdown when the physical event was cancelled. 

Matthew Browne, manager at the Original Factory Shop manager in Fakenham, said the store had been working with Active Fakenham for the past six months to bring the hub back.

Eastern Daily Press: Matthew Browne, Manager of The Original Factory Shop in Fakenham.

He believes it will help tackle the decline in footfall seen throughout the year amid the cost of living crisis. 

“This will support footfall as we have seen 20pc decrease this year,” he said.

“Working with our community has been key to us building relationships and getting closer to our customers and community.”

Eastern Daily Press: The Fakenham Info Hub launched at The Original Factory Shop in NovemberThe Fakenham Info Hub launched at The Original Factory Shop in November (Image: Matthew Browne)

Although the hub is already open, an official opening ceremony is expected to take place in the new year.

Mr Crook thanked Fakenham Town Council for providing a start-up grant through its 'Market Tolls Fund' as well as The Original Factory Shop and Aldiss for their support.