Report of Executive Member Place, Lynda Turner.

The Executive Director Place said the five market towns had been approached with proportional funding asking for projects, which met criteria, they would like to spend the outstanding residual funding.

Councillor Borrett fully supported the initiative.

Councillor Chapman-Allen mentioned it had previously been in the press about the Clock Tower in Thetford, and hoped Thetford Town Council would use some of the money to have it working.

The Chief Executive clarified that this was residual funding being used in the District’s market towns.  A further piece of work had started on supporting the market town initiative across a number of aspects and more information would be presented at a later date.

Options

1)     To approve the Town Action Plans to enable the spend of the allocated money of £23,017

2)     To not approve the recommendations and ask for further review of particular initiatives.

3)     Do nothing

Reasons

We have a clear commitment in our Corporate Plan to helping our market towns to thrive in order that they in turn provide the required support to surrounding villages and hinterlands.  We recognise that Brecklands market towns need to be vibrant and busy, offering an interesting and enjoyable experience for visitors.  Out of town and online shopping have drawn many people away from our town centres.

RESOLVED that:

1)     That Cabinet approve the indicative Town Action Plans in appendix A to enable the spend of the allocated money of £23,017 from the Resource4Growth funds approved by Cabinet in February 2016.

2)     That Cabinet agree to delegate authority to the Executive Manager (Growth and Prosperity) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Place to agree amendments to the Action Plans if requested by the relevant Market Town.