The initial projects include the promotion of Diss by increasing awareness, jobs and tourism using attractive signs, promotional material and activities; and a Community Chest Fund for many smaller projects by businesses or community groups wishing to adopt the Cittàslow principles.  The grant will also allow the appointment of a projects co-ordinator to oversee these projects and identify further suitable Cittàslow projects including funding.

The Diss Cittàslow Committee, working through the Diss Community Partnership, will co-ordinate the projects. Jen Larner, Chair of the Diss Community Partnership said:

“It is really good news that we will be able to appoint a co-ordinator to pull together all the excellent work being done in Diss in terms of Cittàslow.  It’s a very exciting opportunity and we invite people to come and get involved in the various projects.’

The total grant of £100,000 includes not only money from the EU, but also matching funding of £1,000 from  EARTHA, which represents traditional clay lump builders.

Cittàslow is led by Diss Town Council in partnership with a number of community organisations is the town. Town Councillor Tony Palmer, Cittàslow Committee Chairman said:

”The success in winning this grant is a tribute to the hard work of the committee since membership of Cittàslow UK was obtained in March last year. The Diss Community Partnership is to be particularly thanked for putting its faith in Cittàslow by funding the preparation and submission of the Grant Application.

“The support of councillors and officers of Diss Town Council and South Norfolk Council was invaluable in helping to secure grant approval. Closer links with Europe will increase awareness of Diss as a destination for visitors.”

The Diss Cittàslow Committee membership is made up of town councillors and a range of community organisations concerned with the future of Diss. It is hoped that in the future, more projects will be developed and funding sought as a means of improving the town’s profile through application of the Cittàslow philosophy and principles to promote a better quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The Chairman of South Norfolk Council, Councillor Richard Carden said "I am delighted that the District Council has been able to work with the Town Council, the Diss Community Partnership and with Cittàslow UK to achieve this. We believe Cittàslow will help protect the unique and positive qualities of Diss for its residents and for the many people who visit every week to shop, eat, relax and have fun."

The Mayor of Diss Councillor Brian Clark-Taylor said ‘’This grant is a tremendous boost for Diss, enabling the town to put the Cittàslow principles into practice to preserve and promote the town’s unique character’’. 

The President of Cittàslow UK and Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Graeme Kidd offered his congratulations:

‘’The Cittàslow principles of improving quality of life of people underpin the Diss Leader+ bid and provide an excellent set of guidelines for running and improving a town. It's great news for Diss, and Cittàslow UK and the other towns in the network. I look forward to working with Diss over the coming years’’.

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Press Release by Diss Community Partnership and the Diss Cittaslow Committee.
Contacts Cllr Tony Palmer Chairman  Diss Cittaslow Committee Tel 07789 758851