Whitwell Station, Norfolk
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Whitwell Station is situated in Norfolk, England. Although called Whitwell Station, nowadays the site is closer to the town of Reepham than Whitwell and as such, is considered 'home turf' by the people of Reepham, as well as being a notable stop on Marriott's Way. Although the old buildings still stand, the site has been derelict ever since the Beeching Axe of the 60s and subsequent decline of rural railway.
[edit] Controversy over Whitwell Station
In June 2006, proposals were been made by the council about the possibility of the derelict Whitwell Station site being converted into a traveller's site. Ironically, up to this point, the council had put considerable effort in to prevent this occurring, with such additions to the site as trenches, car obstacles and metal barriers. These proposals have proven to be generally strongly opposed by the local populace, who argue the town's services will be overstretched. However, the council replies that there is no funding to develop the site any other way, and such land use is much needed.
By July, several meetings had been held to allow residents to express their views. These events proved very popular however, and gatherings had to be upgraded to larger venues nearer Norwich due to their sheer popularity. Tensions rose, and eventually one meeting had to be cancelled due to active protests. Disgruntled residents accused the council of rushing plans through without their consent. Outside spectators criticised the opposition for general racial intolerance, particularly one instance where a literally-liberal flyer was put through the doors of properties in Reepham, that expressed contempt and loathing for travellers, and was considered unacceptably offensive. Under pressure, the group responsible apologised shortly afterwards.
On August 1st, the council has offered a compromise stating that any other offers for the land are welcomed, but the 1 month deadline they set was widely considered as a rush of contract. At this point, there was still no certainty about its fate. What is certain though, is that there will always be a diehard opposition group within the village; a 1000 name petition was handed to County Hall.
In an act of poetical irony, on the night of 30th August many youths, who had just left the local high school, demonstrated what they thought the site was suited for by throwing a party at Whitwell Station. Although local residents called the police, once noise levels had been lowered and fire risks adhered to the law decided the party was not disturbing the peace and let it run its path. This minor act of rebellion has be seen by many as the last flourish of freedom for this previously public building and as a farewell from students who past would have passed the old station during cross country runs in their physical education lessons.
On the 19th October, Simon Woodbridge, leader of Broadland District Council confirmed there were major obstacles to the sites use as a travellers camp. Campaigners in Reepham viewed this with elation as an admittance of their success. It emerged that Broadland Council had used the Whitwell Site as a textbook-example of targets when applying to the government for traveller-site money. On 21st October, the 7.78 acre plot was reported as still being for sale at £250,000.
Reepham Town Council emerged as the new candidate for buying the site; community welfare developments such as a youth hostel are rumoured to be on the agenda. However, many sceptics doubted the weight; such a council has to perform so powerful a move.
Ultimately, on the 12th November, it was announced that the site had been sold to a private bidder for an undisclosed amount. While some felt relieved at the conclusion of the situation, others felt it was a disappointing reflection on the town. "Lost [from] the town forever" were the words of the Town Council chairman.
On the 18th January 2007, it was announced that the site's buyer had been a 'Lesley Wyatt', who describes her plans as establishing a colony of around 40 South American alpacas on the site. Her inttentions also include creating a centre where visitors can learn about the animals and how to make clothing from their coats.
Wyatt and her partnet have applied to the council for permission to restore the station as a home and a goods shed as a storage and workshop using authentic Victorian era materials. Their plans to restore the historic features of the building have received support from conservation charity SAVE Britain's Heritage.
Both the Reepham Society and Reepham Town Council have strongly supported the proposals.
The Wyatts' plans for the site will be decided by Broadland District Council at a future meeting - with its next planning meeting taking place on January 31.
[edit] Whitwell Station Site Photography
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