'Love Your Market Town' grants offered to boost visitor numbers

Local councils are calling for new ideas to boost footfall in Norfolk towns, following a successful pilot last year.

The 'Love Your Market Town' fund is offering grants of up to £2,000 to groups and businesses in Breckland and West Norfolk who want to increase visitors to their area.

The scheme is supported by Norfolk County Council, Breckland Council and the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk.

Councillor Fabian Eagle, cabinet member for economic growth at Norfolk County Council, said: 

"I am really passionate about our market towns and how important they are to our local economy. This scheme, based on a successful pilot last year, asks local businesses and groups to develop new ideas to give local residents a great reason to visit their town centres."

Applications are welcome from any local groups or business with a brand-new idea to boost footfall.

Last year, the fund received a diverse range of applications and supported a number of successful projects. Among them was a collective of knitting groups from Swaffham who came together to produce a distinctive display that decorated the town's Buttercross landmark.

The fund also supported a food festival, outdoor cinema screening and a local pride event.

Councillor Simon Ring, deputy leader of the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, said:

"We are excited to be funding the Love Your Market Town initiative again this year so that we can back the very best ideas to generate footfall and increase activity in our local market towns."

Councillor Paul Claussen, executive member for economic development and growth at Breckland District Council, said: 

"We ran a successful pilot scheme last year, working closely with our county council partners creating an exciting opportunity for local Breckland groups to put forward their creative ideas to enhance their market towns. We've set aside some additional funding so that we can back the very best initiatives again this year."

The fund is open to groups in Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton in Breckland. In West Norfolk, ideas are welcomed from Downham Market, Hunstanton and King's Lynn.

Businesses and community groups have until 5pm on Friday 13 September 2024 to submit their expressions of interest. A series of sessions will be held in Autumn 2024, where shortlisted local groups or businesses will be invited to present their ideas to a panel of judges.

For more information and to submit an expression of interest, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/loveyourmarkettown.