IAN CLARKE Pressing for full dualling of the A11 and A47, promoting railway stations and attracting more hi-tech businesses are among the key issues in a new plan to boost Breckland's economy.

IAN CLARKE

Pressing for full dualling of the A11 and A47, promoting railway stations and attract-ing more hi-tech businesses are among the key issues in a new plan to boost Breckland's economy.

Five objectives have been outlined in the district's new economic prosperity docu-ment: improving business competitiveness, attracting and retaining inward invest-ment, enhancing workforce development and skills, improving transport and infrastructure and regener-ating and developing the Breckland environment.

The Breckland Local Strategic Partnership has launched the strategy and chairman William Nunn - who is also district council leader - said it was a "crucial tool for directing economic activity."

"Over time, the Economic Prosperity Strategy will inform and influence both local and regional partner-ship plans and resources for the benefit of the area," Mr Nunn said.

The strategy was prepared in close consultation with strategic and local partners including EEDA, GO-EAST, Breckland Council, the area partnerships and town councils, Keystone, the LSC and Business Link as well as the private sector.

In addition to pushing for dualling of the two main roads through the district, the strategy also outlines proposals for increasing the capacity and use of rail services, including more parking at Attleborough and Thetford stations, enhancing development of hi-tech manu-facturing and service sectors, a focus on the Breckland "brand" promoting what the area has to offer businesses.

The plan also highlights the need to grow and develop skills and competencies of the workforce.

The strategy can be down-loaded from the website www.breckland.gov.uk or by calling the council on 01362 656807.