A Norfolk market town which is far from dying has launched a rallying call to beat the credit crunch before it has chance to take hold. Unlike many market towns, Reepham in north Norfolk has not got one single empty shop unit.

REEPHAM has launched a rallying call to beat the credit crunch before it has chance to take hold.

Town leaders say instead of waiting until they start losing any of their services, they should act now.

And they want to bring businesses and local groups together to see if there are shortfalls in services or skills they can address or improve.

Liz Kiener, a member of the town council, launched the idea at the town council meeting.

She said: "There is an overwhelming tendency of people to value something only when they have lost it.

"Years ago Reepham was described as dying when they closed the cattle market. When Barclays left there were fears businesses would struggle. The financial situation has prompted me to do something now.

"We should look at how we can identify and promote skills and talent at the businesses that exist in Reepham and highlight any current gaps."

Trevor Bevan, chairman of the council, decided the project should dominate the town's annual town meeting, open to everyone, on April 22.

A working group of four has been set up to lead the project.

The idea is to hold an event to showcase and promote the town, look at skills and employment opportunities and address any shortfalls.

Mrs Kiener has put together a list of agencies that could help, from the Women's Employment and Enterprise Training Unit to Norfolk Rural Community Council.

A credit union, which will be a branch of Broadland Community Bank, is being formed in the town.

To get involved in the Sustainable Reepham project should contact the town clerk Ros Calvert on 01603 870813.