Turning round the fortunes of 'stagnating' North Walsham would take time and patience councillors were told.

A retail study looking at ways to increase footfall in the town centre has suggested a central supermarket on the Paston Sixth Form College's Lawns site.

Trevor Ivory told fellow North Norfolk District Council cabinet members the college was exploring the idea, and there were discussions ongoing with locals including traders, and the report seemed to be getting cross-party support.

Wyndham Northam said when he moved to Norfolk 20 years ago he thought North Walsham had 'great potential' but added: 'it seems to have stagnated over the years and many people hope this is the start of realising that potential.'

Eric Seward said turning around a town was like 'turning around an oil tanker heading for the rocks' and while it was easy to say the town was not what it used to be, it was harder to what it should be and how to get there.

'It takes time and patience,' he added.

The full council will be asked to look at ways to provide investment and development at North Walsham that will support the vitality and viability of the town centre.