Moving Thetford Forward (MTF) has secured £1.7m of funding as part of the original 'growth point status' grant which has already been assigned to projects in the town.

MTF, an offshoot of Breckland Council, had claimed that the funding had been under threat due to recent government cuts. Part of the grant is earmarked for the town's planned new skate park, land for which has been secured near the Breckland leisure centre, while further money has been set aside for the refurbishment of the footway and cycleway of Haling Path in Thetford.

Funds for improvements to the appearance of Thetford town centre have also been assigned, with cosmetic work planned to shop fronts and buildings in the area and to improve signage, street furniture and street lighting in and around the pedestrianised section of the town. William Nunn, leader of Breckland Council and chair of Moving Thetford Forward said: "This is a major coup for the Moving Thetford Forward programme and the town as a whole. Work can now continue on a number of projects that will really make a difference to the residents of Thetford."