Swaffham and Thetford to benefit from boost in market town funding

The latest plans to receive financial backing from the council will help to deliver a programme of community activities in Thetford, as well as two arts projects in the town, and improvements to the Buttercross in Swaffham.

The Market Towns Initiative was initially assigned almost £250,000 and has since had its funding increased by a further £250,000 to enable the scheme to deliver even more projects.

Councillor Paul Claussen, Breckland's executive member for place, said: 'We are investing significant funding into our communities through our Market Towns Initiative and rolling out projects which enhance our towns. Our drive is to make them more attractive for our residents and visitors and ensure the district's vitality and prosperity.

'We have already made a start on a number of our own projects under the Market Towns Initiative and I'm delighted that we are also now able to support a number of local partners who are on board and share our vision for a brighter Breckland.'

Up to £25,000 will be provided for a new year-long programme of On The Green events at Thetford Riverside leisure complex, following the success of the inaugural programme which is still underway, as well as around £4500 to support the delivery of two arts projects.

£20,000 has also been allocated for the redevelopment of the Buttercross in Swaffham.

Breckland Council launched its Market Towns Initiative last year in order to fund and deliver projects that make the district's market towns and their surrounding areas a positive place to live and work and to attract visitors into the district.

This includes the council delivering its own initiatives as well as supporting projects being delivered by the council's partners.

The latest funding will also contribute £1700 for a town centre redevelopment study in Dereham, which will look at opportunities to enhance the market and associated events and give consideration to how buses and cars access the town centre.