Council news

It’s been over a year since COVID-19 hit. And what a year it’s been. Despite the many challenges, Diss’ community spirit has shone through. From painting rainbows for businesses struggling to operate to running foodbanks for those facing economic hardship, we’ve witnessed many examples of kindness, generosity and strength in the face of adversity. Thank you for making Diss such a supportive and caring place to work and live.

Here at the town council, work to enhance our beautiful town has continued at pace too - despite the lockdowns.

Improving facilities The Diss Youth and Community Centre (DYCC) has had a facelift in more ways than one. At the end of 2020, we redecorated and installed a new kitchenette. More recently, we’ve supported its transformation into a COVID-19 vaccination site for Diss and the surrounding area. The Mere’s Mouth area has also been transformed. It’s now pedestrianised, with new surfacing, reconditioned sleepers and refurbished toilets. It’s lovely to see this iconic part of town so well used and enjoyed.

Restarting events Despite the challenges brought by COVID19, we kept the solemnity and significance of Remembrance Day alive and made sure our pretty town sparkled at Christmas. We also paid tribute to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh through a service of commemoration at St Mary’s church and a book of condolences, which has been archived with South Norfolk Council. And we have lots to look forward to this summer, most of which centres around our lovely park. There will be a special ceremony to mark the installation and lighting of our Beacon of Hope, a ‘Meresterious Figures in the Park’ event organised by WARTS, a free, family-friendly walk organised by the Rotary Club of Diss & District, five Corn Hall outdoor theatre productions and a university outreach event. (If you’re interested in running a summer event in the park, we’re offering a discount to local organisations, so get in touch!)

On 29th September, we’d love residents to join us (in person, not Zoom!) at our Annual Town Meeting (ATM). Our ATM is an opportunity to share ideas, successes and plans, and to network with a mix of local organisations. The giving and receiving of our Honoured Citizen awards is also a special part of the meeting.

Allocating grants During such a difficult time, we’ve been delighted to be able to offer financial assistance to four local organisations, with grant funding totalling just under £16,000. From providing resources to help with school distance learning during the pandemic to supporting a programme of community arts and wellbeing courses, these projects have benefited a wide range of Diss residents. Another £20,000 is now available for eligible projects.

Attending meetings Whether you’re new to Diss, want to find out more about the responsibilities of the Town Council or have an idea you’d like to present, we encourage residents to attend our meetings.

Strategic plan The Town Council has adopted its second strategic plan covering the period 2021 to 2023. This plan focuses on three priorities, all contributing to the council’s vision “to make Diss a successful, vibrant, attractive town, where people want to live, work and visit”. These priorities are to: • create a greener, cleaner and safer town • develop and implement the Diss &

District Neighbourhood Plan • reduce costs and deliver better value. Within these priorities, we will work with partners to enhance the Mere and make it safer and more usable. We will also continue to manage and improve the other facilities and amenities enjoyed by many in the town. We welcome community involvement in any aspect of council activity. Councillors and staff are here to serve the people of Diss. This plan will help us to deliver outcomes that matter and make a difference to people’s everyday lives. For more on all of this, please see our website: www.diss.gov.uk or contact us at: towncouncil@diss.gov.uk

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my staff, councillors and members of our community who have gone above and beyond to help the council deliver its objectives and services during a really challenging year.”

Councillors and staff are here to serve the people of Diss. This plan will help us to deliver outcomes that matter and make a difference ”to people’s everyday lives. Diss Town Clerk, Sarah Richards

Sarah Richards, Town Clerk at Diss Town Council