Emily-Rose Thompson

Residents living near the fire-damaged former Fishergate Apartments in Norwich are urging authorities to address six years of alleged trespassing, drug-taking, littering, vandalism and other antisocial behaviour. The building's roof was destroyed by fire in 2020, and neighbours say its exposed structure, broken fencing and surrounding debris pose safety risks and have harmed the area’s appearance and property values. Residents have complained to Norwich City Council, Norfolk Constabulary and owner Tim Fenn, but say little has changed. Norwich City Council acknowledged the concerns but said responsibility for securing and maintaining the privately owned building rests with the owner and that its powers are limited.

Groundhog Home Hardware in Poringland has been acquired by James Ramsden from Claire and Geoff Wilcockson, who developed the store from an empty yard over 12 years. Ramsden plans to invest thousands of pounds, expand the range of building supplies and homeware, and retain the shop’s five employees. The store will operate under his existing company, JR Products Ltd.

NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board has abandoned plans for private provider Chilvers and McCrea, part of Operose Health, to take over Norwich’s Rouen Road walk-in centre. Norfolk Primary Care, a community interest company, will continue running the facility, which serves about 6,000 patients monthly. The proposed change had faced opposition from local councillors, including Norwich City Council Green Party leader Lucy Galvin, amid concerns about service quality and uncertainty following the collapse of One Norwich Practices in 2023. The ICB had also considered closing the centre in 2025 as a cost-saving measure before proceeding with the procurement process.

Tori Fama has opened Doughpamine on Hall Road in Norwich, a cafe serving freshly baked goods and American-style dirty sodas. Although cookies and brownies have sold well, the flavoured sodas have reportedly been the most popular, with the Mon Cherry combining cherry and vanilla syrups, Pepsi Max, glacier cherries and cold foam. Fama plans to add seasonal spiced flavours, apple crumble and hot chocolate, while continuing to run her And Eat It stall at Norwich Market.

Family-run Norwich coffee shop OPs is preparing to launch its freshly made bagels, cakes, drinks and other food on Deliveroo. Owner Oliver Lee-Stevens runs the Bank Plain location with his brother Harry and has expanded to two additional sites since opening. The Deliveroo service will operate from the café’s kitchen at Dojo Norwich on Burton Road, with meal deals and future promotions planned. The business also serves alcohol, including its own-brand coffee liqueur and Duration beer, as it seeks to become a relaxed destination for both daytime customers and people on nights out.

The opening of Broadland Country Park’s new cafe and visitor centre has been delayed until October because of construction setbacks. Broadland County Council has not yet confirmed an exact date, while Norfolk Wildlife Trust is finalising cafe procurement ahead of taking over park management. The £2.4 million project also includes woodland, toilets, additional parking and an outdoor educational space, funded through regional growth funding, business rates and the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Residents of Britannia Road in Norwich, who have endured reckless driving and anti-social behaviour from groups of motorists, will be invited to consultation meetings in September. Norwich City Council has renewed a Public Spaces Protection Order first introduced in 2023, allowing police to issue £100 fines that can rise to £1,000 for non-payment. Norfolk County Council cabinet member Tom Dickerson says the consultations aim to deliver a long-term solution, while councillor Tim Day and local residents have welcomed the move and called for more effective enforcement.

A jewellery business at Norwich Market, Raw Gemstone, has moved from the back of the market to a more prominent location at units 28 and 29, resulting in increased customer traffic. Owners Sophie Daniels and Frank Kelly reopened after renovating the stall and are preparing to launch a new jewellery collection made with ethically sourced gemstones. They report strong support from returning and new customers and receive assistance from an independent jeweller for bespoke pieces including engagement and wedding rings.