AMT Public

Press Release: 26 June 2009

Norfolk town wins top Market Town Award in East of England

Background

In March 2009, market towns in the East of England were invited to enter for a national award for the best completed project in the fields of

• Business and Economy
• Social and Community
• Environment and Culture
• Partnership and Strategic Working

The first stage, the regional awards, was organised in the East of England by Action for Market Towns and The Regional Rural Forum. The Awards Ceremony took place on July 26th 2009 at Victory House, Histon.

At this event the Iceni Partnership from Swaffham, Norfolk was given the accolade of the region’s “Best Market Town Project” and will go forward to the national final. The national champion Market Town project will be announced at the Action for Market Towns National Annual Convention in Melton Mowbray, on 13 October  2009.

The East of England Winners

Winner: Business and Economy
RAMSEY TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP
JOB SEARCH
Project Contact: Vera Woolmer 01487 813612

Project Outline
Ramsey Town Centre Partnership developed a weekly 2-hour drop-in or appointment session for local job seekers. It is manned by volunteers from the local community who work with local businesses, JobCentre Plus and other agencies to link local unemployed people with work, training and personal development opportunities by providing information, advice and practical support.

Winner: Social and Community and OVERALL WINNER
THE ICENI PARTNERSHIP
YOUTHIE AND YOUTHIE+
Contact: Vicky Mason/Dennis Tallon 01760 722800

Project Outline
A youth club managed by the young people of Swaffham and surrounding villages was formed in the local Community Centre. A 13 year old boy managed to write a successful application for funding to purchase IT equipment to set up a cyber cafe. This generates revenue which pays for trips and activities. Disadvantaged children are able to access computer equipment to complete school work.

The project is overseen by Iceni Partnership, Norfolk County Council and the Children’s Services Youth Work Team. It also involves Hamond’s High School, Swaffham Safer Neighbourhood Team and Family Action. The project provides a safe environment for young people and reduces the incidents of anti social behaviour.

Winner: Partnership and Strategic Working
SAFFRON WALDEN PARTNERSHIP BOARD
SAFFRON WALDEN PUBLIC REALM
Contact: Catherine Flack 01799 525036/07855 620743

Project Outline
Saffron Walden had previously been let down by a lack of signage and an unattractive Market Square. Working together, Saffron Walden Initiative and Saffron Walden Town Council unlocked nearly £181,000 of funding to install fingerposts, maps and seating as well as seeing a complete refurbishment of the Square.

Winner: Environment and Culture
SUDBURY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
SIAM GARDENS
Contact: Mrs Lesley Ford-Platt (Chairman) 01787 372171 or 07947 335252

Project Outline
Siam Gardens was closed for years due to anti-social behaviour. The gardens have been redesigned, replanted and re-opened to the public; display boards trace Sudbury’s importance as a wool and silk-weaving town – silk is still woven in the town. Sculptures depict spinning, weaving and Princess Diana’s wedding dress.

Ends
For further press information on the market town awards, please contact: John Pole on 01430 441557. Email: john.pole@towns.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Within the six counties forming the East of England Region (Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk) Market Towns eligible for the Awards have a population of between 4,000 and 40,000; provide at least convenience shopping with some weekly and specialist needs being accommodated; and act as a service centre for its hinterland and local community – typically offering some of the following services: bank/building society/cash-point machine; small health centre or large daily doctor’s surgery; secondary school; permanent library facilities. Although the traditional definition of a market town is one where agricultural occupations predominate, the presence of a ‘market’ as such is not the determining feature.
2. Prizes were presented by East of England Development Agency ( EEDA) Officer Chris Allen and Philip Eden, Vice Chair of Action for Market Towns.