LETTERS: The council are looking into new ideas for Diss town

Diss Town Council was concerned to read of another shop closure within the town centre (If it continues like this, Diss will become a ghost town, Diss Express, June 28).

We also appreciate residents’ concerns and frustration by this news.

These continuing shop closures in town centres across the country are an inevitable reaction to our ever-changing shopping habits.

Unfortunately, we have no powers over private property rental charges or business rates charged by the district council.

We would, however, be keen to work with parties to find a solution to the current problem that we find ourselves in.

We are currently working with Diss Town Team on innovative ways in which we can reinvigorate our town centre.

A recent Government paper called The High Street Report is a great guide on ways we could achieve this; it will not be an easy task but one which is necessary if we are to stave off any further decline.

The town council will keep residents up to date on progress of this initiative; in the meantime, can I encourage everyone to shop locally where possible to support the wonderful businesses we continue to have in Diss.

Simon Olander

Council Leader

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