New boardwalk on the Mere in Diss is a hit

The new boardwalk across Diss MereByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

The walkway on the Mere in Diss will be ready in a couple of weeks following only a partial one day opening due to bad weather and some issues.

Rain and storms meant people could not walk the full loop of the boardwalk when it opened but those that viewed the Mere from the platform were impressed.

Project manager Sheila Moss King said: 'It turned out even better than I thought it would. What you get walking on the boardwalk is an amazing feeling. Although it's very stable, you almost feel you are walking on water.

'It's a real asset to Diss and will bring a mix of people to the town to enjoy the Mere and meander.

The new boardwalk across Diss MereByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

'The day was a huge success. People had a lot of fun, enjoying the view and listening to the buskers. The decking area can be enjoyed regardless of whether people want to go on the boardwalk or not.'

Contractors are now putting the finishing touches to the project which includes detail on the decking, planting in the gardens, planters in the street and the installation of the remaining interpretation boards.

Pensioner William Rogerson, 80, from Diss, said: 'I think the boardwalk would be an excellent thing to walk along. Overall it will smarten up the town.

'Diss was a very famous place for linen, hemp and flax. People forget that.

Sally Crawford, 48, who works as a buyer for Diss Publishing Bookshop on the mere, was at the boardwalk weekend with her family.

She said: 'I have lived in Diss all my life and have never set foot on the mere before until the open weekend. I think the boardwalk is great with lovely views. Visitors will love it and local people will really benefit from it.'

Visitor John Hines, 80, from Hampshire, said: 'The boardwalk seems like a good idea to me. It will make the area prettier.'