With a raft of new projects in the pipeline, Holt is set to cement its reputation as the 'jewel in the crown' of north Norfolk, according to town mayor Duncan Baker.
And to celebrate, the town council is inviting local families to help launch this year's In Bloom scheme by joining them for a family barbecue and planting day at Holt Community Centre on Friday (May 19).
Newly-elected district councillor Mr Baker said the town's In Bloom efforts, which are being co-ordinated by town clerk Elaine Oliver and Councillor Maggie Prior, were part of a string of improvements promising to reap benefits for both locals and visitors.
These include the new, 80-space car park due to be completed at Cley Road in the next few months and the £10,000, Lottery-funded Owl Heritage Trail marking historically important sites, which is due to be up and running by the end of the year.
The town council also plans to get involved in the North Norfolk Railway's hugely popular annual 1940s weekend by running a vintage fete with entertainment, and has employed a two-man maintenance team to work on In Bloom schemes and wildlife and planting projects at the town's cemetery and memorial gardens.
Holt Neighbourhood Plan, which was launched 18 months ago, is also in its final stages and once the results of a 3,000-household survey have been analysed by an independent consultant, a fact-gathering open day will be held before the draft plan is put to a referendum.
The £20,000 scheme, which is part of a government-funded initiative aiming to pass decision-making from a national to a local level and give people a say in development and growth in their communities, is being led by Mrs Prior, who said the key to its success was community involvement.
'We are now on the last leg,' she added. 'And, for Holt, what this will mean is that the district council will be bound to consider our views in any planning decision affecting the town.
Mr Baker said the town council was committed to collaborating with as many businesses, groups and individuals as possible.
'This is an exciting time for Holt,' he added. 'The town is changing and we want to be at the forefront of making sure that what is happening is right for our community.'
The free family barbecue, with seed planting for children, will celebrate the launch of Holt in Bloom at 3pm on Friday at the community centre, Kerridge Way.
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