The duo behind a shopping collective selling the "best Norfolk has to offer" said an enforced quiet period due to roadworks has made them more determined than ever.

Vicky Evans-Melo and Dawn Caley are volunteers who run Fitzherberts from The Original Factory Shop in Dereham.

They have reflected on the decline in footfall caused by roadworks on Matsell Way.

Ms Evans-Melo said the hub, which currently houses products from 45 local sellers after another four recently joined, is using the drop in footfall as a time to make improvements.

Dereham Times: Vicky Evans-Melo (right) and Dawn Caley are volunteers who run Fitzherberts from The Orginal Factory Shop in DerehamVicky Evans-Melo (right) and Dawn Caley are volunteers who run Fitzherberts from The Orginal Factory Shop in Dereham (Image: Vicky Evans-Melo)

“It is very quiet at the moment, but we have utilised this time to shuffle the shop and refresh, to make plans, to book tables at craft shows and pop-up shops taking Fitzherberts ‘on tour’,” she said.

“We have also gathered as many of the group together as possible for a networking session. We are as determined as ever."

Despite the drop in trade, Ms Evans-Melo is still finding a positive angle: “Although we are not on the high street we understand it’s a tough time of year in retail and generally quieter.

 "The positive is that the works are being completed now and not at a busier time.”

Dereham Times: Fitzherberts runs from The Original Factory Shop in DerehamFitzherberts runs from The Original Factory Shop in Dereham (Image: Vicky Evans-Melo)

Despite the decline in footfall, Fitzherberts remains open seven days a week and throughout the roadworks.

The business takes no commission from sales and does not charge its vendors any card payment fees - instead using rent payments from businesses to raise funds for Dereham Cancer Care - to which £6,000 have been donated over the last 20 months.

They have now set their eye on an even better 2024, with increased community support, including for Tyler Colman, a Neatherd student raising funds to take him to Kenya, expanding links with The Big C charity in Wymondham, introducing craft workshops, and continuing fundraising for Dereham Cancer Care.

The works are expected to take eight weeks to complete, weather permitting, until March 15. 

Dereham Times: Fitzherberts runs from The Orginal Factory Shop in DerehamFitzherberts runs from The Orginal Factory Shop in Dereham (Image: Vicky Evans-Melo)