Cittaslow commits a community to create a town that meets 60 criteria associated with a good quality of life.

As Cittaslow co-ordinator, I am overseeing an exciting programme of improvements over the next year.

I get very annoyed at people who knock Cittaslow because so far it's been fantastic for the town and will continue to be so.

Cittaslow is good value; it has brought in £106,000 of LEADER+ European funding that wouldn't have been secured if we didn't have Cittaslow status. £20,000 of that funding is available to be given as grants to community groups or small businesses that want to do Cittaslow projects.

I have information packs on the types of projects that can be funded – anything that aims to improve the quality of life in Diss.

For example, promoting a healthy lifestyle is an aspect of Cittaslow.
I'm trying to do my bit. I cycle to work on my new bike from Madgetts.

I love it because I get some wonderful views of the Mere and I think: 'wow!' (I used to drive down the A140 to Ipswich in my last job).

Cittaslow emerged from the International Slow Food movement and means 'Slow City or Town' in Italian. Diss became a Cittaslow town in March 2006.

The Waveney Valley Slow Food group doesn't exactly have
eight-hour meals under vines but, yes, their meals are about local food, sensual pleasure and hospitality.

So why not join up? Amandine's Vegetarian Restaurant has got joining forms, or visit us at the Cittaslow Centre.

Another Cittaslow goal is to have good visitor accommodation.
I like my new office in Cobbs Yard. The planning application process was agonisingly painful, but we've, at last, got a great office and shop to sell a fantastic range of locally made goods.

Signage is a key Cittaslow project for Diss over the next few months. Let's face it, it's pretty awful. We've got poor or no signage on the Diss entry roads, at the railway station, and in the park and graffitied signposts in the town.

We are holding a public meeting and brainstorm to discuss the Cittaslow improvement projects, in particular signage, in September.

The whole town is invited. We'll have some local refreshments too, so look out for the date and venue and see you there.

Cynthia Schears is Diss Cittaslow co-ordinator and can be contacted at the Cittaslow Centre, 7 Cobbs Yard, Diss, IP22 4LB, on 01379 642002, 07828 123414 or by email at cynthiaschears@googlemail.com