All of our market towns face the familiar challenge of balancing new growth and development with the needs of the communities living in, and around, them – all the while preserving the unique rural heritage and way of life that we all cherish, and that makes our part of the world such an attractive place to visit.

That’s why, alongside my support for Breckland Council’s ‘Future Breckland Plan’ initiative (see more here), I am delighted to continue my involvement in the ‘Future Breckland Board’, which met again this past Monday.

This group is a collection of leaders from across Breckland’s public and private sectors, straddling a wide variety of industries and sections of society. Led by Breckland Council Leader Sam Chapman-Allen, it is already inspiring the efforts of other district councils across the country through its work exploring how funding (through the likes of the Shared Prosperity Fund) can be used to maximum effect, even attracting additional private investment, in order to boost local services, strengthen community resilience and target support at those households that need it most.

Much positive work has already taken place, with progress being made in each of Attleborough, Dereham and Watton – and I am determined to do all I can to help Breckland deliver even more in the months and years ahead.

Over the years, I have worked closely with Breckland councillors and other partners on:

• Town Plans for Watton, Dereham and Attleborough
• Health and Wellbeing Hubs
• Support for local SMEs on decarbonisation, reducing energy costs and the Road to Net Zero

I am therefore particularly excited about the Board’s work to drive forward Health and Wellbeing Integration in our local communities, low carbon regeneration for our local businesses and improved skills and community offers in our area.

There is much still to do, but I am certain we have the great local leadership required to help bring about the positive progress our local towns and villages deserve.

Rest assured, I will post further updates as this important work progresses.

To learn more about my work to date with the ‘Future Breckland Board’, please click here and here.