01/06/22: Building back stronger in Attleborough

Breckland Council members have been speaking to business-owners in Attleborough to hear how they are bouncing back from the pandemic and discussing the impact of an ongoing car park trial in the town.

The Council's Leader, Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen and Breckland Ward members toured the high street and spoke to shopkeepers about levels of trade now the pandemic restrictions have passed and support available from the council. The councillors also received feedback from businesses about the ongoing car park trial at Queen's Square Car Park. The trial aims to increase trade by encouraging greater number of people to use the car park each day.

The visit took place ahead of a meeting of Breckland's Cabinet, which will be held in the town on 6 June at Attleborough Town Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting from 9.30 to submit questions to the Cabinet, before the full meeting agenda starts at 10 a.m.

Cabinet meetings are normally held in Dereham and livestreamed online, however a new schedule will see meetings alternate between Dereham and the various market towns across Breckland.

Cllr Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement, commented: "It was incredibly useful to tour Attleborough today alongside other Breckland members, meeting residents and discussing with business leaders how the high street is trying to bounce back in 2022.

"Speaking to high street retailers it was great to see first-hand how our support through business grants offered invaluable help during the pandemic go keep those independent businesses trading and learn how our Market Town Initiative programme is making a real difference in the town. Our Market Town Initiative Programme is currently investing £150,000 into each Breckland market town, including Attleborough, on specific projects that meet bespoke needs for that community.

"I hope to see local residents and business leaders attend our forthcoming Attleborough Cabinet meeting on 6 June, where they will be able to ask any questions directly to me and my colleagues about our current policies and watch first hand local democracy in action."

Cllr Ashby, Cllr Birt, Cllr Dale and Cllr Martin, who also took part in the tour commented: "Attleborough is one of the high street jewels in Breckland, with the widest range of independent retailers in the district. Local retailers have been the very backbone of our community throughout the pandemic, ensuring goods and services were delivered when residents needed that support. By shopping local and supporting our high streets now, we can help secure jobs, drive further investment into our high streets and help our communities come back stronger after the pandemic."