Retailers in Attleborough met to discuss how to keep the high street the town's focal point, as part of the creation of an emerging blueprint of its development.

The Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan, a legally backed and community led document, is currently being developed by the town council as a way of giving residents a greater input into how infrastructure develops around the 4,000 homes earmarked for the town.

Last week, 30 retailers gathered at the London Tavern to discuss what is needed to ensure the high street remains the town's focal point.

Tony Perkins, town councillor and owner of Tony Perkins Butchers on Church Street, chaired the meeting.

He said: 'I am fortunate to be part of the local retail community, I love this town we have a great selection of independent shops with room for more. This is our moment to take this town and create something really special and unique, envied by others and something we are exceptionally proud to be a part of.'

Among the ideas discussed included changing the location and day of the Thursday market.

A shoppers' tariff for car parking, marketing the town to those outside of Attleborough and introducing more events similar to the summer carnival were also discussed.

Mr Perkins said: 'It is a sobering thought that our town will double in size over the next few years. I believe with this we should try and make the most of the opportunity.

'Under the Localism Act Breckland has to listen to what the community has to say. They are developing their own plans and we hope they will work in partnership with the town to introduce the right solution for all areas. Any plans must be employment led, it is so crucial to the area development.'

The neighbourhood plan would work alongside Breckland Council's emerging local plan, a development blueprint for the district up to 2026.

Previously, a Core Strategy recommended 4,000 homes be built in the town.

The preferred option decided by the previous consultation is for land to the south-west of Attleborough, predominantly between London Road and the B1077, to be allocated for these new dwellings.

To sign up for updates on the plan's development, click here.

What do you think is needed in Attleborough? Contact lauren.cope@archant.co.uk