A row of bike racks which were smashed to the ground in November will finally be repaired after Breckland Council agreed to foot the bill. 

The council said it would fix the six damaged racks outside Dereham's Church Street Halifax bank branch, even though it does not own them.

Dereham Times: The bike racks on Dereham's Church Street which appeared to have been knocked overThe bike racks on Dereham's Church Street which appeared to have been knocked over (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Councillor Paul Claussen, Breckland's executive member for economic development and growth, said: “Breckland Council’s ward members for Dereham wanted to replace them so people in the town can make use of the racks and continue to cycle safely in and around the town. 

Dereham Times: Paul Claussen, executive member for economic development and growth at Breckland CouncilPaul Claussen, executive member for economic development and growth at Breckland Council (Image: Breckland Council)

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to facilitate this through our Market Town Initiative programme, which is investing in each of our towns to make them more attractive for residents and visitors.”

Councillor Harry Clarke said he reported the damage on November 27.

Phillip Duigan, Norfolk county councillor for Dereham Toftwood, said: “I think the repair is a help for everyone, as far as the public wants, they couldn't care which council did it, as long as the job is done, then find out the history later.

"It makes the place that bit tidier. 

Dereham Times: Phillip Duigan, Norfolk County Councillor for Dereham-Central & ToftwoodPhillip Duigan, Norfolk County Councillor for Dereham-Central & Toftwood (Image: Archant)

“It would be helpful if anyone knows when the racks were put in, which we believe to be around 30 years ago, I plan to have future conversations with the county officers to try and sort something out for when cases like this happens in the future.”