Breckland Council seeks 'local figure' to lead £20m project

Thetford will receive the investment as part of the Long Term Plan for Towns scheme, which was announced in chancellor Jeremy Hunt's spring budget.

The huge funding boost will be released in instalments over 10 years and will be used to improve transport links and regenerate the high street.

Breckland Council is seeking a "significant local figure" to lead a new board charged with overseeing the delivery of the investment.

The group will be made up of community leaders, business people, representatives from local government and South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss. 

The chairman of the board will work alongside the council to help produce a long-term plan for the project, engage with the local community and provide recommendations for how the money will be used. 

Council officers said: "The chair will need to be able to commit the time and energy required, whilst having an understanding of the needs and opportunities in Thetford and being able to work collaboratively with the range of partners to the town.

"They must be a non-political member."

READ MORE: Small village set for major expansion with almost 40 new homes

It was revealed last month that Thetford and King's Lynn would benefit from the Long Term Plan for Towns scheme, following the announcement that Great Yarmouth would receive funding last October. 

The government has agreed to release the £20m funding, ring-fenced to Thetford, through instalments starting in 2025. 

Sam Chapman-Allen, Breckland Council leader (Image: Breckland Council)

Members of Breckland Council will meet on May 13 to discuss how to move forward with the project and establish the new board. 

Sam Chapman-Allen, leader of Breckland Council, said: "I’m confident this new money will help us deliver against the priorities we’ve agreed with local people, and ultimately have a positive impact for people and businesses in and around Thetford."