Cittaslow (Slow City or town), formed in Italy in 1999, has its origins in the Slow Food movement which was formed to counteract fast food restaurants. Cittaslow aims to preserve and  enhance the traditional way of life and the unique character of market towns.

Diss Town Council together with the Diss Community Partnership participated in a pilot study on Cittaslow carried out in 2005 by the East of England Development Agency.

Following Aylsham, in March 2006 Diss was awarded Cittaslow status by the Board of Cittaslow UK. Diss Cittaslow is managed by a committee, which is led by Diss Town Council. This committee is made up in a similar way to the South Norfolk Alliance in that its members include not only town councillors, but also representatives of South Norfolk Council and community organizations, including the Diss Community Partnership and Diss Business Forum.

Promotion and support for Cittaslow is incorporated in the South Norfolk Community Strategy 2007. Funding has been obtained from the EU led Leader+ programme for projects to maintain and improve the attractiveness of Diss as a market town by attracting tourists and supporting local business and promoting employment.

As a reult of the funding, a Cittaslow Co-ordinator was appointed and the Cittaslow Resource Centre was launched in June 2007.

Cittaslow Resource Centre

The Cittaslow Resource Centre is located in Cobb's Yard,  For information about the Centre & Cittaslow scheme please click on the following links.

Cittaslow Diss LEADER+ Programme Flyer

Cittalslow Booklet

There is also a Cittaslow Grant Fund (Community Chest) available, for more information see below.

Community Chest Critieria

Community Chest Application Form

Community Chest Application Form Notes

Community Chest Grants Meeting Dates

 For further information contact::

Cynthia Schears
Cittaslow Coordinator
Cittaslow Resource Centre
7 Cobb’s Yard
Diss IP22 4LB

Tel: 01379 642002 Mob: 07828 123414
Email: cynthiaschears@googlemail.com
Web. www.dissconnected.net/groups/dcp/cittaslow

For more information on Cittaslow and Slow Food see the links below;

www.cittaslow.net
www.cittaslow.org.uk
www.cittaslowludlow.org.uk

www.slowfood.com

Click for more information on Slow Food Waveney Valley.