Fakenham’s heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped the town after terrible fire

Now that the market has returned to its traditional home in Market Place, this seems a good time to reinforce the thanks of all the Fakenham visitors, businesses and residents to the many people who worked so hard after the terrible fire which destroyed two well known buildings in the Market Place and disrupted the lives of residents and traders alike. We all particularly recognize the tremendous work done by the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service in containing and controlling the blaze to ensure that the damage was kept to an absolute minimum. We value and appreciate everything they did both on the outbreak of the fire and the days which followed. Following the fire, North Norfolk District Council worked to coordinate efforts and make sure things were up and running as soon as possible, and we held regular meetings with representatives of the district, town and county councils, together with the press, businesses and other members of the community. We are particularly pleased that the district council was able to offer free use of its car park in Bridge Street for the market. Businesses and individuals rallied to provide help to affected businesses. Anglian Demolition has done sterling work in removing the damaged buildings and making the adjoining buildings safe. Norfolk County Highways has ensured the minimum disruption is caused by the closure of roads and footpaths. Fakenham Town Council and staff have worked with the market holders to ensure the running of the weekly market in difficult circumstances. The district council had staff from environmental services and housing on duty during the fire itself and staff from planning, building control, housing and property services have been active, doing everything from helping set up the market, providing housing assistance to those who lost their homes, to working with the property owners and insurers. Finally, we would like to thank the Eastern Daily Press for setting up its Fakenham Fire Appeal so quickly: it made a real difference to those who lost everything in the fire. Our particular thanks to those many individuals and businesses who responded so quickly and generously. There was a whole range of donations – everything from a special race at Fakenham Racecourse, to very generous donations of goods and vouchers. So many have worked hard over the past weeks that we really want to acknowledge their efforts and record our appreciation: we realise that we may have missed some organisations or individuals. If we have omitted to mention you, please accept our apologies and be assured of our thanks and appreciation.