Fakenham's Facebook fightback

Facebook has been used to inspire an online call to action in Fakenham, aimed at kick-starting the town's community spirit.The recent demise of Woolworths and last week's announcement that the Crown Hotel was to close prompted town mayor Jayne Cubitt to warn Fakenham was in danger of becoming a “ghost town”.

Facebook has been used to inspire an online call to action in Fakenham, aimed at kick-starting the town's community spirit.

The recent demise of Woolworths and last week's announcement that the Crown Hotel was to close prompted town mayor Jayne Cubitt to warn Fakenham was in danger of becoming a “ghost town”.

But UEA student Rachel Seretny has responded to the gloomy outlook by creating a group on the social networking website to generate ideas on what is needed in her hometown - and how to make them happen.

Kick Start Fakenham was set up on Sunday and has already attracted more than 140 members, whose suggestions include a town forum, more community events and a “resounding call” for no more discount shops.

Miss Seretny said: “Having read and heard numerous negative views about certain aspects of the town, I thought it was best to take a little action.

“This group was started in a pure moment of intrigue about how people felt - I wanted people to be aware of what others wanted.

“I hope that with enough support, the group members can bounce ideas off each other and start to initiate some really beneficial community projects.

“I think the main thing is to accept that Fakenham is not the place we want it to be, stop passing negativity and blame and instead establish a way forward.”

It is not the first time the internet spotlight has fallen on Fakenham, which was dubbed the “most boring place on Earth” by a contributor to the Knowhere Guide in 1998.