A Norfolk council has been accused of neglecting a market town which they say is being overlooked for much-needed investment.

Local councillors from Stalham made the claim at a North Norfolk District Council meeting this week when it was announced it would receive just £20,000 in capital grants while other places like Cromer, Holt and Sheringham are set to benefit by much more.

They say the lack of support is creating further problems in a community which is one of the most deprived areas in the district.

Eastern Daily Press: Matthew Taylor, Stalham councillor at North Norfolk District Council Matthew Taylor, Stalham councillor at North Norfolk District Council (Image: NNDC)

Matthew Taylor, who represents the town, said: "The council has shown utter disregard for Stalham.

"Nothing is being done to further the interests of the people."

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Eastern Daily Press: Stalham councillor Kevin BayesStalham councillor Kevin Bayes (Image: Lolly Dawson)

While Kevin Bayes added: "It is constantly being overlooked. It is one of the most deprived areas and people feel undervalued."

Stalham is a small town located in the Norfolk Broads and it was once the centre of the basket-weaving industry which supplied fishing gear for the Herring fleet that sailed from Great Yarmouth.

While it may be picturesque, with boats travelling along the River Ant that weaves through the town in the summer months, it has faced a period of decline in recent years.

Currently, it is facing difficulty due to the closure of its high street for pavement resurfacing which has put added pressure on local businesses due to a drop in footfall.

Eastern Daily Press: Simpson's Boat Yard in StalhamSimpson's Boat Yard in Stalham (Image: Newsquest)

Chair of the council, Sarah Bütikofer, argued it had not been neglected and that it had received the same amount of funding as every other town that received grants through the market town initiative.

Eastern Daily Press: Stalham's high street bustling with people in the summer monthsStalham's high street bustling with people in the summer months (Image: Newsquest)

But she added not all areas had been as successful as others in "achieving the potential of this money."

Tim Adams, leader of the council, said they will look to develop projects in the future for Stalham when funding becomes available.