Published: Wednesday, 26th May 2021
Since launching on 10 May, the Opportunities Downham Market online consultation has received 313 responses and over half of those responding want to stay involved with the project.
Cllr Jenny Groom, Mayor of Downham Market, said: "This is a phenomenal response and we are absolutely delighted that so many people have taken the time to give us their views. People have submitted a range of ideas for the town and the town hall building, which will be a great basis for discussion as we start to draw plans together."
This initial consultation runs until 28 May, so there is still time to get involved and submit your comments.
Cllr Jenny Groom added, "We really want to hear from people, to see what they think of the town, what the positives are and where the areas for improvement might be. There are lots of opportunities to explore as we look for ways to encourage people back to the town centre, to capitalise on the opportunities presented by people who are now home-working rather than commuting, and of course to develop our tourism offer as more people are likely to be holidaying in this country for a while. We also have a fabulous, historic town hall, which is currently underused. We want to hear people's ideas for how that valuable asset can be put to better use. We need to have plans ready so that we can secure any funding that might be available."
To take part in the consultation visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QRVSQLS. The survey closes at midnight on 28 May.
Opportunities Downham Market will be the route for consultation, engagement and communications around plans, investment and potential improvements for the town. Opportunities Downham Market hopes to encompass various funding programmes and schemes that could benefit the town. These include, but are not limited to, the Welcome Back Fund, the Community Renewal Fund/UK Prosperity Fund and the Levelling-up Fund.
Opportunities Downham Market will bring together various partners, including the town, borough and county councils, business representatives, health representatives, and young people.
A Downham Opportunities Partnership is being established, to review feedback from the consultation and to start to pull together plans for the future development of Downham Market as a place to live, work or visit and of course invest. The results from this survey will support the development of a strategic plan for Downham Market, to address and reverse the long-term impacts of Covid-19, particularly where they relate to the high street and town centre. A website is being developed to ensure ongoing engagement with anyone who wishes to be involved in shaping the future of the town.
The initial phase of consultation is being funded through the government's Welcome Back Fund.