£400,000 boost to help regenerate four Norfolk towns
Holt is one of four towns to get a cash boost from North Norfolk District Council Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
Four inland market towns in north Norfolk are set to get a £400,000 boost to help regeneration.
Fakenham, Holt, North Walsham and Stalham will be able to bid for £100,000 to spend during the financial year 2018/19.
Community-led projects will be supported by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) with the intention of revitalising and enhancing the towns, making them a better place to live, work and visit.
Through funding, advice and support, the council will enable community groups to consider opportunities and submit proposals that will build on the character of each of the towns.
Community groups from the towns have been invited to a launch event at the council's offices in Holt Road, Cromer on Monday, July 2.
They will then be able to learn more about the initiative, what the bidding process for the funding will look like, how to make an application and what the criteria will be for an application, and also discuss project ideas.
NNDC leader John Lee said: 'These are difficult times for town centres. This initiative is designed to help support our market towns, to make them more attractive to locals and visitors alike and to support independent businesses.
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'If our market towns thrive it gives a lift to the surrounding villages also. I sincerely hope that all relevant groups, such as the town councils and chambers of trade, make it a success.'
Liberal Democrat group leader for NNDC, Sarah Butikofer said: 'This is an exciting new project that we were delighted to propose additional funding for during the budget negotiations. Market towns are the central hubs for our communities away from the coast, providing important services not only to the towns themselves but also the villages around them.
'It is essential they remain vibrant, thriving focal points, and we hope the boost we have given this project will enable communities to implement new ideas for regeneration initiatives and environmental improvements.'
Independent group leader for NNDC, John Rest said: 'Working together with local people to improve the vibrancy of our four market towns with this significant financial investment is a hugely exciting project to be a part of.'
