Norfolk town walkway plans on ice

Author: Chris Taylor - 25 September 2012

Residents from the Norfolk town of Diss will have to wait a little longer before they find out whether a major new tourist boardwalk will ever come to fruition, suggests edp24.co.uk

That's because objections and funding woes have put plans for a proposed walkway - that would span the entire six acres of the local mere (river) - temporarily on ice.

Diss Town Council had originally applied to the South Norfolk Council for planning permission with the intention of enabling visitors to get even closer than before to the mere's wildlife and habitat.

The construction, which could have potentially been a covered walkway, would include numerous rest areas and information boards for local visitors. A viewing platform was also proposed.

However, residents backing onto the mere, and in view of the walkway - which would run from behind the council offices in Hales Yard to King's Head Yard - have objected to its construction.

Furthermore, Diss Town Council has just missed out on potential funding bid from the Waveney Valley Rural Development Programme - due to a lack of time for proper consultation. Dissexpress.co.uk previously reported that the development sum would certainly be a six-figure number in the region of around £250,000.

Despite the situation, town clerk Deborah Sarson found some solace: "We have every intention to proceed with it, but by withdrawing it it gives us time to consult properly with local businesses and the local community," she said.

"We can also look for funding as part of the second round of heritage lottery funding."