A Norfolk town is a step closer to receiving £1m in funding to make its centre more attractive after a breakthrough in negotiations. 

Wymondham Town Council has agreed to contribute its share to a funding pot with South Norfolk Council for the improvement of its high street area. 

The total investment of around £1m is expected to consist of a £250,000 contribution from each authority and nearly £500,000 from the sale of the former council offices in Middleton Street, which were owned by South Norfolk Council.

Suzanne Nuri-Nixon, Wymondham mayor and council chairwoman, said she felt "backed into a corner" after South Norfolk Council warned the offer could be taken off the table if an agreement was not reached soon. 

"We simply don't have that amount of money floating around," she added.

South Norfolk Council has already said it would reduce the amount given from the proceeds of the office sale by £100,000 because of the town council's delays. 

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Mayor and chair of Wymondham Town Council, Susanne Nuri-NixonMayor and chair of Wymondham Town Council, Susanne Nuri-Nixon (Image: Suzanne Nuri-Nixon)Michael Rosen, South Norfolk councillor for North Wymondham and town councillor, said: "We want to be sure we are going to get something worth the money of Wymondham residents. We still need to get some more clarity on how this money will be spent.

"But if the town council agree now, then there's a really good chance of us getting the original amount of money back in the pot."

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Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Michael Rosen is also Labour's Mid Norfolk election candidateMichael Rosen is also Labour's Mid Norfolk election candidate (Image: Labour Party)

The town council unanimously voted in favour of allocating money to the project, providing that South Norfolk Council match the £250,000 contribution and re-commit the full proceeds from the sale of the former Middleton Street offices. 

The funds will be used for 'public realm improvements' to make the town centre more attractive, although it is unclear exactly how this money will be spent. 

John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council, said: "I am delighted that they have accepted the proposal and chosen to move forward with working with us together with the county council to co-design the improvements. 

"It also unlocks the ringfencing of the net proceeds from the sale of the former Middleton Street offices to be spent in the town."