Recipients include Attleborough Boxing Club, which was awarded £5,000 to continue and grow the club’s Parkinson’s boxing programme – a vital initiative which helps people stay active and improve their wellbeing.
“Funding from Breckland Council enabled Meeting Point to open at weekends, giving people a safe place to go, someone to talk to, and activities that keep them connected…”
Dereham Meeting Point, recipient of a previous council grant
Also receiving £5,000 is Family Action, in Swaffham – this funding will support the costs of running the ESCAPE Community Allotment Project, which provides a safe and supportive space for residents.
We’ve awarded another £5,000 to the Norfolk Community Law
Breckland communities Investing in
Breckland Council is continuing to invest in local organisations that make a real difference to the lives of local people. In the latest round of our Inspiring Communities Match-Funding Grant scheme, five groups were awarded a share of almost £25,000, which brings the total invested into community groups since the scheme relaunched two years ago to around £155,000.
Service, enabling it to maintain outreach sessions through its Mobile Legal Adviser, ensuring residents can access free legal advice.
A further £5,000 has been allocated to The Benjamin Foundation, facilitating the running of the Watton Youth Group – a programme offering young people a place to connect and socialise.
Finally, The Horticulture Industry Scheme CIC received £4,986 to build on its Growing Home project in Thetford, supporting people through hands-on, community-based work.
Our Inspiring Communities Match
Funding Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £5,000 each and is delivered in partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation.
The scheme backs new and existing initiatives that improve wellbeing, reduce health and social inequalities, and tackle issues such as domestic abuse,
Changing lives
Breckland Council is committed to helping local people by providing support which helps people facing financial hardship, loneliness and isolation, and those who have experienced domestic abuse or declining mental health.
Since relaunching our Inspiring Communities programme in April 2024, we’ve invested more than £1m into initiatives that have changed the lives of thousands of individuals and families.
Here are some of the highlights from the last year.
Help when times are tough
Investing in local communities
loneliness, and isolation, aligning with the priorities of the Inspiring Communities programme and helping to create a happier, healthier, and better-connected district.
“Breckland Council’s funding kept the doors open, so families in crisis could get essential clothes immediately…”
Breckland Children’s Clothes Bank, recipient of a previous council grant
Check our website for details on the latest round of funding and see whether your group or club may be eligible to apply for a grant: www.breckland.gov.uk/ community/funding
2,300+ housing enquiries handled by our Triage team, helping residents access housing services before they reached crisis Welfare officers supported 329 residents, assessing needs and offering information and support 604 households received a share of £120,800 from our Household Support Fund, helping with essential living costs.
“Your human and person-centred approach and support was very much appreciated at a difficult time.” Breckland resident
Over the last year we released grants worth more than £80,000 to support community groups to deliver schemes and projects which benefit local people. This has enabled groups to unlock a further £145k from other sources, helping create stronger, better-connected communities.
£25,900 to provide transport for residents who otherwise couldn’t get to medical appointments or travel around the district
£32,925 in match-funding grants
£12,000 to mark the anniversaries of VE and VJ Day
£5,500 to help organisations launch new projects
Bringing people together
All five of Breckland’s towns, plus eight villages – Swanton Morley, Necton, Shipdham, Mattishall, East Tuddenham, Narborough, Banham, and East Harling – have now achieved Mindful Town or Village accreditation.
This means that since 2021 we’ve invested 222 training hours, delivered 48 courses, and trained 607 people to enable people in local communities to identify and support neighbours experiencing isolation or declining mental health.
We’ve also expanded support for older residents through our Age Friendly Communities Programme, distributed winter warm packs to vulnerable residents, and introduced ‘Time to Talk’ benches to tackle loneliness and isolation.
On top of this, 58 people have attended our Bowls for Health programme, which enables socially isolated older adults with existing health conditions to try bowls as a gentle, accessible and sociable activity.
Support Hub
The Link community hub in Dereham has transformed how residents can access help from Breckland Council and our partners, bringing physical and mental health services, skills and employment support, and financial and housing advice all under one roof.
Over the last year, The Link has supported 2,854 residents and now has a new online referral system in place to make it more accessible than ever.
Find out more about how to access the broad range of support available at: www.breckland.gov.uk/community
Do you rent your home?
If you rent your home from a private landlord – or you’re a landlord yourself – you need to be aware of recent changes in national legislation.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has brought in changes which apply to private rented housing, even if your landlord does not update your tenancy agreement. If you live in social housing or you are a lodger, the new rules will not usually apply to you. Here’s a summary of what you need to know
• ‘No fault’ evictions have been abolished: Landlords can only evict renters when they have a specific, legally-valid reason, such as if they need to sell or move into the property.
• Fixed-term assured tenancies have been banned: All new and most existing tenancies in the private rented sector are now ‘rolling tenancies’. This means renters can stay until they decide to move out or their landlord serves a valid notice to end the tenancy.
• Rent increases are limited to once per year: Landlords must detail any proposed changes in rent at least two months in advance. If a renter thinks the proposed rent increase is higher than the open market rent, they can challenge it at a tribunal.
• Rent bidding has been banned: Landlords and letting agents must publish the asking rent for the property in any written advert, and must not ask for, encourage, or accept a higher offer.
• Requiring large amounts of rent in advance has been banned: Landlords cannot ask renters for more than one month’s rent in the time between all parties signing the tenancy and the tenancy starting.
• Barriers to renting have been removed: Discrimination against renters who have children or receive benefits is now illegal.
• Pets must be considered: Landlords must consider written requests for pets from renters within a set timeframe and provide valid reasons if they choose to refuse it. Refusals can be challenged by renters in court.
This is only a summary of the changes. To read the full guidance, go to www.gov.uk/ rentingischanging. Visit www.breckland.gov.uk/ housing to see the housing support we offer.
£1m+ to meet young people's housing and skills needs
Breckland Council is investing £1.2 million to address the growing demand for housing support among young people across the district. This funding is towards a dedicated housing support service for 18-25 year olds, helping young adults at risk of homelessness build stable and independent futures.
Over the past three years, around 20% of people seeking housing support in Breckland were under the age of 25. Without the right support, many face repeated episodes of homelessness. To help tackle this issue, the council has awarded YMCA Norfolk a £1.2 million grant to develop and deliver a specialist service for young adults. The service will provide early, tailored support, including age-appropriate accommodation, life-skills training and educational opportunities. This will help young people build confidence, develop independence and improve their employment prospects, enabling them to move into long-term, stable housing.
Vote for your Pub of the Year
This autumn, we’ll be holding the inaugural Breckland Business Awards to celebrate some of the district’s most outstanding businesses. This will include crowning Breckland’s Pub of the Year, which will be decided by public vote (details below).
Categories
Breckland Business of the Year
Community Pride Award
Best High Street Business
Rural Innovation and Diversification Award
Local Pub of the Year – People’s Choice
Employer of the Year
Outstanding Contribution to Business Award
Made in Breckland Award
Visitor Experience Award
Exceptional Impact Award
The awards will feature a total of 10 categories, recognising innovation, visitor attractions, and businesses that make a positive contribution to the district. Thank you to everyone who has recently nominated a local business. Our judges will assess submissions during July, with winners announced in September.
The Pub of the Year Award is a special category chosen by residents, with voting opening in late July – so don’t miss your chance to get involved! Pubs play a vital role in our communities. As well as supporting the local economy, they provide welcoming social spaces where friends, neighbours and families can come together. These connections help
strengthen community ties, reduce social isolation, and can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.
The awards will not only recognise outstanding local businesses but also help create opportunities for young people. Each category winner will be asked to support at least one person aged 16 to 24 through employment, apprenticeships, mentoring, work experience, or skills development. Funding for the event is provided through external sponsorship and ticket sales. Visit www.breckland. gov.uk/business-growth/ business-awards or check our social media for details on how to cast your vote for Pub of the Year.
Towns set out plans for £100k investment
Earlier this year, Breckland Council announced it would be investing £100,000 across the district’s market towns to support local initiatives that make a real difference to our residents, businesses, and visitors.
The grants can potentially be used on a variety of one-off projects, such as those that enhance public spaces, support cultural, arts or heritage initiatives, or enable environmental schemes such as tree planting and clean-up plans.
Since we announced the grants, the five town councils have been considering how they will use the money to meet local needs.
town projects, such as the regeneration of St John’s Way, upgrading the pocket park and introducing a new pocket park, and Anglia in Bloom enhancements.
• Dereham plans to put the money towards a new skate park which will be inclusive and accessible to all members of the community, including less confident skaters and people with disabilities.
By providing this new custom service, young people will have access to support that better meets their needs. This will enable us to reduce the use of temporary accommodation for younger people and release capacity in adult-supported housing to help other people who need housing support.
• Swaffham intends to install new signs promoting Swaffham’s Saturday Market, while some money will also go towards installing planters to brighten the town.
• Thetford plans to use the money on a variety of
• Watton and Attleborough are currently working on plans for their share of the funding.
To see these projects progress, follow Breckland Council on social media and stay tuned for more information in further magazine editions.
Help shape Breckland’s growth
Breckland residents are expected to have another opportunity to help shape our revised Local Plan when the latest consultation launches in late July.
The Local Plan is a document mandated by Government which sets out how Breckland should grow over the next couple of decades, including identifying sites for new homes, employment hubs, and leisure spaces.
Thank you to everybody who has engaged with our previous consultations. Your feedback has helped to develop this important document, ensuring our district grows and evolves in a way that best meets your needs and preferences.
The next consultation phase is known as ‘Regulation 19’ and will invite comments specifically on the ‘soundness’ of our emerging Local Plan. This means we’re seeking your views on whether the Plan is justified, effective, positively prepared and consistent with national policy. It will look at things such as whether appropriate and proportionate evidence has been used to shape the plan, whether the plan is deliverable over the set period, and whether it meets our district’s development needs.
At the time of going to print, the decision on whether to take the draft plan to consultation was
due to be made by Breckland's Cabinet in mid-July. If approved, the consultation is expected to launch in late July and run for six weeks.
If you’d like to take part, you can review the latest iteration of the plan and submit a comment – either in support or raising a specific concern – by visiting our dedicated consultation web portal at breckland. govocal.com or attending one of our upcoming roadshows.
Drop-in consultation events
17 August (9.30am-1.30pm): Thetford Library
20 August (9.30am-1.30pm): Dereham Library
26 August (9.30am-1.30pm): Watton Library
28 August (9.30am-1.30pm): Attleborough Library
3 September (1-6.30pm): Harling Old School Hall
8 September (1-6.30pm): Breckland Council office, Dereham – focussed on East Tuddenham growth proposals
9 September (4-7.30pm): Breckland Council office, Dereham
Food containers coming soon
Breckland Council will be delivering new food waste containers to households across the district this August, ahead of the launch of a brand-new food waste collection service. Please look out for your containers – you will receive an indoor kitchen caddy and a food waste bin for outside. Inside these you will find key information to get started, including when your weekly collections will begin and what can go into each container.
It is a Government requirement that all councils provide this service, with Breckland set to begin household collections in phases from September. It follows the successful rollout of food waste collections to local businesses, which we’ve been providing for around a year.
You will be able to put a wide range of food waste into your containers, including fruit and vegetables, meat, bread, tea and coffee grounds, and other leftovers. Once collected, your food waste will be taken to a local processing plant where it will be converted into energy to help power homes, as well as nutrient-rich fertiliser to support local farming. More information will be available with your containers when they are delivered to your home soon, as well as via our social media channels and our website: www.breckland.gov.uk/food-waste
Summer Adventures Adventures in Breckland
There is so much to see and do in Breckland this summer. From well-known attractions to hidden gems, paid-for days out to complete freebies; there really is something for everybody. Here are just some of the best local venues and upcoming events, but there are so many more.
Visit www.breckland.gov.uk/whatson for the latest list of events, to sign up to receive email alerts when new events are added, or to submit your own.
Win!
A free day out in Breckland!
Who doesn’t love a free day out? Thanks to generous donations from local attractions, Your Breckland readers can win tickets to one of a number of fantastic days out in the district this summer. We’re running separate prize draws for each set of tickets, so you can enter as many as you like.
Nature lovers could win family entry to BILLINGFORD LAKES AND COUNTRY PARK, where you’ll find peaceful lakes, countryside walks and plenty of wildlife, plus brilliant play areas for little ones.
A MID NORFOLK
RAILWAY FAMILY
TICKET will provide an opportunity to step back in time and experience the golden age of rail travel on a heritage train journey through the Norfolk countryside.
During a round of MINI GOLF AT MATTISHALL GOLF CLUB a free family ticket will mean you can enjoy a fun, friendly competition, with plenty of opportunities to show off your putting skills!
Discover the amazing animals at BANHAM ZOO with a free family ticket, great for family adventures, conservation experiences and getting up close to tigers, giraffe, penguins, red pandas and more!
All prizes have been kindly donated by the attractions. To enter, complete the online entry form, selecting which of the prize draws you’d like to enter (you can select as many as you like!): www.breckland.gov.uk/ DaysOutCompetition Alternatively, send a letter or postcard with your name, contact details, and which prize draw(s) you’d like to enter to: Competitions, Communications Team, Elizabeth House, Dereham, NR19 1EE. Online and postal entries must be received by 23:59 on 9 August 2026. Good luck! Terms and conditions: There will be one winner per prize, selected at random from valid entries. You must be over 18 and a Breckland resident to enter. One entry per household. For further terms and conditions see: www.breckland.gov.uk/CompTerms
FREE ENTRY
Dad’s Army Museum
The Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford celebrates the iconic BBC comedy with memorabilia, costumes, photographs, and exhibits, showcasing the town’s role as a filming location for the beloved series.
Step into history at Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, where Norfolk’s rural heritage comes alive.
Venue: Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Gressenhall, Dereham NR20 4DR
Cost: Adult: £15.30 • Child: £13.05
Discounts available, including for advanced online tickets, families, and concessions. www.gressenhall.norfolk.gov.uk/
Thetford Ancient House Museum
Possibly the best example of an early Tudor town house in East Anglia. Upcoming events include medieval knights, WWI soldiers, a Victorian kitchen, and fossils and dinosaurs
Venue: White Hart Street, Thetford IP24 1AA
Cost: Adult: £6.60 • Child: £5.60 Discounts available, including for advanced online tickets, families, and concessions. www.ancienthouse.norfolk.gov.uk
Old Buckenham
Country Park - Car Show
FREE ENTRY
Explore an impressive lineup of classic, custom, and modern vehicles, and spend a fantastic day out for all ages.
Dates & Venue: Sunday 6 September, 10am – 3pm • Old Buckenham, Doe Lane, Old Buckenham, Attleborough NR17 1PP www.oldbuckenhamcountrypark.com/eventdetails/ob-car-show-8
Dereham Windmill
Teddy Bear Zip Wire
Come along with your teddy or soft toy and watch them fly down the zip wire from the top of Dereham Windmill!
Come to one of the largest Beer Festivals in Norfolk that’s been going strong for over 30 years.
Dates & Venue: Thursday 30 July 1pm, Friday 31 July 12pm, Saturday 1 August 12pm
The Angel Inn, Larling, Norwich NR16 2QU www.angel-larling.co.uk/events/summer-beerfestival
Summer Programme
School-aged children can enjoy a range of activities throughout the school summer holidays, including sports, crafts, creative workshops, zoo visits, woodland adventures and more!
Wayland Agricultural Show
The Wayland Agricultural show celebrates rural life with livestock displays, local produce, crafts, competitions, and more!
Venue: Sunday 2 August
Wayland Show Ground, Brandon Road, Watton IP25 6NG
Cost: On the gate: Adults £15
Online: Early Bird Adult £10 • Adult £12.50 Under 16's free www.waylandshow.com
Heritage Open Days
A festival of history and culture with free entry to many local historic attractions and museums.
Venue: Various locations across Breckland. www.heritageopendays.org.uk FREE
Cost: Free places available for students who receive benefits-related free school meals. Some activities also offer places to other students for a fee. Booking now open. See page 13 for details.
Leisure Centres / Parks / Youth Sports
It’s time to get active in Breckland with vibrant leisure centres, exciting parks, and youth sports opportunities for fun and fitness.
Old Buckenham Aerodrome, Abbey Road, Old Buckenham NR17 1PU
Cost: General Admission: £39.50 Ages 12 – 16: £22.25 • Under 12's free www.oldbuckenhamairshow.com
Anglia Karting Swaffham Centre
Experience high-speed thrills, exciting racing sessions, competitive fun, and adrenaline-fuelled track action.
Venue: The Airfield, North Pickenham, Swaffham PE37 8LL
Cost: £20 - £30 depending on the experience www.visitbreckland.org.uk/places/unitedkingdom/norfolk/swaffham/attractions/ anglia-karting-centre-north-pickenhamswaffham-norfolk/
Banham Zoo
Head to Banham Zoo for their biggest summer ever! Explore themed Safari Base Camps, train as a junior ranger, meet incredible animals from tigers to giraffes, and ride the summer-exclusive 120ft Ferris Wheel Sky Safari.
Venue: Kenninghall Road, Norwich NR16 2HE
Cost: Prices vary www.banhamzoo.co.uk
Grime's Graves
Explore Grime's Graves, Britain’s only accessible prehistoric flint mine, and descend underground into a fascinating 4,500-year-old world.
Venue: Grime's Graves, Lynford, Weeting IP26 5DE
Cost: (without donation): Adult: £6.90, Child: £4.60, Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) £17.90 www.visitbreckland.org.uk/places/united-kingdom/norfolk/ weeting/attractions/grimes-graves-lynford-thetford-norfolk/
Trip to the cinema
Watch the latest blockbusters at a cinema right on your doorstep.
Thetford Garden Centre Restorative Yoga & Meditation Class
Join Stephanie Satriawan for a deeply nourishing evening designed to gently guide you back to yourself.
Venues: The Light, Thetford • Orion, Dereham www.thetford.thelight.co.uk www.oriondereham.co.uk
Watton Antiques & Collectables Centre
Step into a treasure-filled two-storey emporium offering antiques, vintage finds, retro gems, and unique curiosities from a wide range of specialist dealers.
Venue: Watton Antique And Collectors Centre, Breckland Business Park, Norwich Road, Watton IP25 6UP
We’re proud that Breckland is home to a strong Armed Forces community. Building on our existing support for past and present members of the Armed Forces, we recently launched a dedicated grant fund worth £11,500 to help deliver projects that support personnel, veterans, cadets, and their families.
The money can be used to deliver activity that raises awareness of, facilitates engagement with, or celebrates notable events within the Armed Forces Community.
Grant recipients so far include:
• Royal Norfolk and Royal Anglian Dereham and District Branch
- £1,000 to support a Veterans’ Hub Pop-Up in Dereham
• Royal British Legion Swaffham Branch - £250 to support the Norfolk County Standard Rededication efforts, including a parade, church service, and tea party.
• Veterans Central Swaffham Drop-in - £500 to help cover venue hire and refreshments for a monthly drop-in which is well-attended by veterans, their partners, carers and widows.
Previously we have funded community commemorations for D-Day and other events, delivered Armed Forces Week activities, and hosted veterans, their families, and our partner organisations at an annual community brunch and more. Information about available funding can be found at www.breckland.gov.uk/community/funding. You can find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant and support available at www.breckland.gov.uk/armed-forces-community
Memorial honours
fallen Dereham soldier
A memorial stone has been placed in Dereham to honour a local soldier who was killed while on active duty in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins, of the 1st Battalion
Mid Norfolk Railway
It’s full steam ahead for family days out on the Mid Norfolk Railway, with heritage steam journeys, a Bluey event, 1940s Weekend, Dino Squad, and unforgettable themed experiences.
Venue: Mid-Norfolk Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham NR19 1DF
Cost: £20 - £55
www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk
The Royal Anglian Regiment, died in July 2007 after an explosion struck his vehicle in Helmand province. He was 22 years old.
Alex’s parents recently reached out to the Royal Anglian Regiment Association and Breckland Council to see whether a memorial could be created. As Alex went to school in Dereham, attended Cadets in the town, and worked there before joining the Army, the memorial stone has been placed in Dereham’s Queen Mother’s Garden, off Church Street, where it is accessible to the whole community.
We’re proud to have helped create this marker of remembrance as a lasting testament to Alex - a local hero whose life was dedicated to service and sacrifice.
Breckland Council has a long and proud tradition of supporting veterans, serving personnel, and their families. This includes supporting the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a commitment to helping members of the Armed Forces community to access essential local services.
We’ve also earned a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, the highest level an organisation can achieve.
Recently, we awarded a £15,000 Breckland Business Growth Grant to Arbortec Forestwear. The Swaffham business is a global brand in chainsaw protective clothing and tree care equipment. This funding is supporting the business to grow by helping with the final phase of the new Arbortec Innovation Centre in the town, while also supporting the purchase of specialist testing and sewing equipment. This is enabling the team to develop prototypes locally, reduce lead times, and strengthen product innovation.
"This funding has been a great help, enabling us to bring new products to the arboricultural and forestry industry all over the globe and we're very thankful for the council's support."
Karl Brothers, Managing Director of Arbortec
O.C.O Technology Limited also received a Business Growth Grant. The £30,000 grant has been put towards the replacement of their existing water tank and funded upgraded infrastructure which will reduce water consumption and protect the environment. We’re proud of the success of this local business, which specialises in capturing carbon and manufacturing sustainable building materials.
"Through the help of Breckland Council's grant, we've been able to install a new water tank, which has given us the ability to store water and successfully use it for the future."
Paul Barber, Site Manager at OCO Technology
Business-savvy kids take over disused Swaffham pub Grants helping businesses to thrive
From shops and businesses on our towns’ high streets to those in Breckland’s villages, local industries and employers are a vital part of our district’s economy.
That’s why we’re continuing to provide funding and advice to local businesses, helping them succeed, driving regeneration and protecting and creating jobs.
Other businesses which received Business Growth Grants were:
• Efficient Endurance in Dereham: £900 for cycling and training equipment
• Tom and G’s Ltd, Thetford: £1,000 for kitchen enhancements
• Adcock & Sons Ltd, Watton: £900 towards digital price ticketing
• Dodds Road Stores and Post Office, Attleborough: £4,300 to replace shop doors
Our Business Growth Grants are delivered through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), funded by the UK Government to boost rural economies. On top of this, we’ve allocated further funds to several businesses through our Reopen Scheme, which helps start-up businesses overcome financial barriers and breathe new life into vacant commercial spaces. Recent grants have been awarded to the following businesses:
• Inkaroo Clothing, Swaffham: £7,500
• Cotton World, Dereham: £8,000
• Palm Studio Pilates, Attleborough: £8,000
To find out what support is on offer for your business, go to www.breckland.gov.uk/ business-growth/business-skills
A group of Breckland children recently put their entrepreneurial spirit to the test, after opening their own business in the centre of one of the district’s historic market towns.
The group of 7–11-year-olds were handed the keys to The White Hart, a disused pub in Swaffham, and temporarily turned it into the Kidz Arms. The children let their imaginations run wild and got stuck into the experience of running a shop across two weekends in May, with patrons delighting at their creations, such as Coco-Pop cocktails.
The project was part of the ongoing activity to support Swaffham’s historic high street and protect and enhance its rich character, culture and heritage assets. The programme is being delivered in partnership by Breckland Council, Norfolk & Norwich Festival (funded by Arts Council England), Historic England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Swaffham Town Council.
Thanks to the contributions of adults and kids alike, and the collaboration with artists Hunt & Darton, the event was a huge success and the Kidz Arms received hundreds of customers.
We’ve also organised renovations to repair and protect three more of the town’s key historic buildings, following similar work on other buildings in the town. Most recently, The White Hart, Market Cross Café and Gift Gallery, and Break charity shop have all been undergoing a series of repairs and upgrades. This programme will ensure Swaffham remains a proud, thriving market town for generations to come.
More children and families across Breckland will benefit from a programme of summer holiday activities this year thanks to a £15,000 investment from Breckland Council.
The money will strengthen the established Big Norfolk Holiday Fun (BNHF) scheme, which offers local families support when schools are closed. It is delivered locally by Active Norfolk.
BNHF will provide activities and healthy meals for children over the summer break, enabling young people to stay active, make friends, and try something new. The activities on offer are set to include football, gymnastics, woodland adventures, paddle sports, film-making, beauty workshops, zoo trips, and much more.
Families eligible for benefits-related free school meals can access activities free of charge, while some activity providers offer paid places for other children. There are activities on offer for children from Reception (aged 4-5) through to Year 11 (up to 16 years).
Last year, the programme provided fun days out and structured sessions to 874 children in Breckland, including 351 children with special educational needs. We have provided funding as part of our commitment to supporting Breckland families and providing opportunities to all local residents.
The activities will take place from 20 July to 2 September. You can find more information, filter activities by location and children’s ages, and book activities now via www.activenorfolk.org/bignorfolkholidayfun
Roar-some fun comes TO derehAM
and visitors enjoyed a t-rex-cellent day out in Dereham recently, when some prehistoric friends came to town.
Breckland Council organised and funded Dereham Dino Day, with some additional funding contributed by Norfolk County Council via the Love Your Market Town initiative.
The day offered something for everyone to enjoy, from kids to parents and grandparents alike! Families climbed aboard the dino activity bus – delivered in partnership with the Yellow Bus Events Company – got up close to baby dinosaurs, enjoyed a range of activity stalls, and met ROARR’s Dippy the Dino.
As well as visiting a wide range of stalls, offering face painting and arts and crafts, the festivities also included a fortnight-long dino trail, which invited people to explore Dereham in search of mini dinosaurs hidden in shop windows, with prizes provided courtesy of ROARR! The event took place during May half-term, giving lots of families opportunities to visit the town
and support Dereham’s fantastic shops, cafés, and businesses.
But the day was about more than just dinosaurs – it was also a celebration of the recent improvements to the Market Place, which has been transformed by upgrades to its bus services and fresh paving. These works have enhanced the high street’s accessibility, efficiency, and appearance, making it a more attractive and welcoming town to visit – and a place that Dereham residents are proud to live in.
This lively event reflected our wider vision for our district – creating vibrant spaces that families want to spend time in, where communities can come together, and businesses can thrive.
Enhanced leisure centre prepares to reopen
Attleborough Leisure Centre is now in the final stages of its £2.6m expansion work, which will improve access to enhanced leisure services right on the high street. The work has seen an extension built to house a new, fully-equipped gym, dedicated spin studio and flexible community room for yoga, fitness classes and wellbeing.
When the works are complete, the enhanced centre will offer extended access to the public, from early morning until late evening, seven days a week.
As part of a further £1.5m investment into the site, construction of a brand new 3G football pitch is also getting underway and is also expected to be finished around the end of the year.
Meanwhile, new interactive play equipment is being installed at Thetford’s leisure centre as part of an upgrade by Parkwood Leisure, which runs the site on our behalf. This will include tipping buckets, squirting fish, a toddler slide and an aquatic-themed play area in the pool.
We continue to invest in local leisure provision as it helps local people stay active, creates positive spaces for families and neighbours to come together, and supports local employment. By investing now, we can improve health, reduce isolation, create opportunities, support local economies, build stronger communities, and ensure residents across Breckland have access to the facilities they need for generations to come.
Want a sneak peek of Attleborough’s upgrade?
Scan the QR code to take a computer-generated virtual tour.
Government sets out the future of local services
The Government has announced its intention to abolish Norfolk's existing eight district and county councils and instead replace them with three new unitary authorities for the county from April 2028.
The decision means the areas of Breckland Council and Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, plus a small number of parishes from South Norfolk, will be replaced by a new authority for West Norfolk. Two additional unitary authorities will also be established, one for Norwich and one for East Norfolk.
These three unitary councils will be responsible for providing all local authority services within their respective areas, including social care, planning, highways, housing, education and waste.
Breckland Council would have preferred to keep councils and service delivery as they are, but this wasn’t an option given by the Government. As a result, we supported a 'three unitary authority' model in our
submission to Government at the end of 2025, as this was the best available option to put local people’s priorities at the heart, at a scale to work efficiently across all local services, and remain the most democratically representative.
Since the Government confirmed its intentions for the county we’ve been working closely with our partner councils and partners in other organisations, such as the NHS, to begin the smooth transition to the new approach.
Throughout the transition period, all council services currently delivered by Breckland Council, such as waste collection, planning and housing support, will continue to be delivered as normal.
Key Dates
Safe,
clean streets
Breckland Council is committed to keeping the district safe, attractive and welcoming. Through investment, enforcement and strong partnerships, the Council continues to protect communities and enhance the local environment.
A key part of this work is maintaining a visible community safety presence. We have more than 100 CCTV cameras across Breckland’s towns and public spaces, alongside mobile camera units and bodyworn cameras. Together, they help Council officers and Police respond to incidents and gather evidence.
The Council’s dedicated Street Wardens are visible in Breckland’s five market towns and Swanton Morley, speaking with businesses and residents, addressing concerns and providing reassurance.
Building on this work, Breckland is introducing two additional Community Enforcement Officers They will help tackle environmental crime, antisocial behaviour, licensing compliance, planning enforcement and housing-related issues. Their role will include investigating fly-tipping, gathering evidence and identifying offenders. Recent investigations in Thetford, Gressenhall and Weasenham St Peter resulted in Fixed Penalty Notices totalling more than £1,100. By holding offenders accountable, Breckland Council aims to deter environmental crime and keep public spaces clean and enjoyable.
Breckland is also improving the appearance of towns and villages by addressing unsightly sites and neglected buildings, such as The King’s Head in Thetford and Akaash in Dereham. Through targeted action and collaboration with owners and partners, Breckland Council is helping strengthen local pride and create places communities can be proud of. Breckland Council remains committed to investing in and expanding this work wherever possible.
Residents
Your Breckland Council contact directory
Apply online!
You can apply for lots of services we provide at www.breckland.gov.uk/ applyforit By clicking online you can apply for housing and council tax benefits, building control inspections, garden waste collections, council tax E-billing, voting registration and more!
Waste enquiries
See it.
Report it. Sort
it!
Come across an issue that affects you, your property or your community? Let us know by using our quick and efficient online reporting system at www.breckland.gov.uk/reportit
For queries about missed bins or new bin orders, contact Serco on 0330 109 9220
Pay for it
Visit our website to pay invoices, council tax, business rates or benefits over-payments online. You can also set up a direct debit to pay your Council Tax on a monthly date that suits you. www.breckland.gov.uk/payforit
Sign up for Direct Debit
Paying your Council Tax by direct debit is safe, hassle free and reliable with the protection of the Direct Debit Guarantee. Sign up at www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland
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Your Breckland brings you news and information on the services and support provided by Breckland Council and its partners. Your comments and ideas are very welcome. If you need this magazine in large print, or in an alternative version, or you know someone who has not received their copy, please get in touch by calling 01362 656870 or via www.breckland.gov.uk/contactus
Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE. Local centres: www.breckland.gov.uk/visitus
Your Breckland is printed on chlorine-free paper from managed forests. Information correct at time of going to print.
Keep in touch
If you need help or advice, contact our expert Customer Service staff at www.breckland.gov.uk/GEForm or call 01362 656870 @BreckCouncil
