Leader's robust response to critics
Breckland District Council leader William Nunn has mounted a robust defence of his authority's commitment to Thetford.Comments made by Mr Nunn in the Times two weeks ago prompted a torrent of anger and disbelief from town residents who put pen to paper in the letters pages last week - and again in this week's issue.
Breckland District Council leader William Nunn has mounted a robust defence of his authority's commitment to Thetford.
Comments made by Mr Nunn in the Times two weeks ago prompted a torrent of anger and disbelief from town residents who put pen to paper in the letters pages last week - and again in this week's issue.
In turn, readers' comments have stung Mr Nunn into writing a reply to the Times, which you can read in full inside our newspaper.
In his letter, Mr Nunn insists Breckland Council is as highly committed to Thetford's future as it is to any of its communities. He claims:
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Breckland has played a key role in attracting investment of over £14m aid for projects in Thetford projects over the last five years - representing more than third of the overall investment in the district as a whole.
Over £600,000 has been spent on recent projects including tourism, museums, transport, building, training and community development.
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The £2m Rural Enterprise Valley project will attract highly skilled jobs in advanced engineering and motorsport and has funded training for 300 local people.
Thetford Growth Point will mean new jobs, homes and opportunities for everyone in the town.
Working with local partners, Breckland has already secured over £6m to ensure sustainable development which will transform the town and the local environment.
Breckland has spent £4.4m on refurbishing the Thetford Leisure Centre.
Mr Nunn accepts that, in common with every town, Thetford has areas which require regeneration but says Breckland is working with both the town and county councils for plans to improve public transport, for both bus ands rail travellers.
“We are also investing and releasing land in residential areas such as in Barnham Cross to build new homes and tidy up garage and parking areas. We work closely with our partners and the police to prevent vandalism and improve anti social behaviour, including taking a tough stance on litter and fly tipping.
And although Breckland has the lowest Council Tax in the country he insists the council is still a high spending authority.
To read Mr Nunn's letter in full, see Page 8 of the printed Thetford and Brandon Times. To read more local residents' views see pages 9 and 11.
