Markets are so often at the centre of community life in our rural towns, and that’s why I am such a big supporter of them. I always relish the opportunity to speak to stallholders and customers about local matters, and their wider thoughts and concerns.

On Friday, I visited Dereham Market and discussed a whole range of issues, including Brexit, local planning, traffic congestion and the vibrancy of the town centre. I also had a quick catch-up with an EDP journalist about my letter to Breckland Council, in which I raised my concerns about the Glavenhill application for a minimum of 291 homes on land off Shipdham Road, Westfield Road and Westfield Lane. (To read more about that letter, please click here)

It was, as ever, great to see the brilliant Dereham spirit on show – and I was pleased to see so many people keeping it local on ‘Black Friday’. We really must get behind these truly important local assets.

I look forward to popping by the Market again in the near future.