BECCLES quay could get a welcome shot in the arm if a masterplan to rejuvenate the town attraction gets the go ahead.A scheme to build a bandstand for musical events has already been mooted, but now calls are being made for a working party to oversee general maintenance work and secure community funding for the area.

BECCLES quay could get a welcome shot in the arm if a masterplan to rejuvenate the town attraction gets the go ahead.

A scheme to build a bandstand for musical events has already been mooted, but now calls are being made for a working party to oversee general maintenance work and secure community funding for the area.

The district council also revealed last night its support for all new ideas, adding it had agreed to assist with any proposed projects, as well as carry out its own winter works, if it can secure a suitable contractor.

Bob Aris, secretary of the Beccles Society they would like to see a group formed by people, or organisations that use the quay to help make it more attractive to tourists and everyday visitors.

He added that cash was available under council framework, which could help to improve the car park, playing areas and seating.

Mr Aris, who lives in Fen Lane said he was concerned about the cleanliness of the quay: “My first gripe and I think I can speak for everyone who lives here is the total lack of cleanliness, the roads have been swept once this year. Grass is growing out of the kerbs and if you look outside the tourist information office there is grass growing out of the brick built flower bed, which has broken away from the wall.

“The other major gripe is that the quay continually floods just by the tourist information office where the valves allowing the water to drain back into the river are not working. On the plus side the parks department of Waveney have trimmed back all the willow tress and keep the grass well cut.

“The quay to Beccles is what the seafront is to Lowestoft. If it's kept scruffy and unkempt those who use it paying �1,000 a week for a boat are not going to be impressed.”

Jula Janney, secretary of Beccles Community Arts confirmed she would be meeting with a representative from Waveney to discuss proposals for a �10,000 bandstand. It would have a permanent concrete base, but the rest would be removable and could be hired out to pay for its cost or moved for use at other events.

A spokeswoman for Waveney District Council said it had been approached by Beccles Town Council and had agreed in principal to look at a proposed project for amenity development at Beccles quay, subject to funding and planning.

She added that the community development team would be pleased to assist Beccles Society in investigating funding opportunities.

“It is still very early days, but we are happy to be involved and to offer our assistance. The council has also been in discussions with the Broads Authority and is due to meet with them at the end of January. Following this meeting, we will ensure that those keen to see improvements at the quay are informed of any wider plans for the area and consulted with fully about any proposals before implementation.”

She said the cleansing team had not been made aware of any specific cleansing issues. “The schedule for cleaning Fen Lane is spilt into two. During the summer, litter picks and the emptying of litter bins takes place daily from Monday to Saturday and sweeping is carried out each week. During the winter, October to April, litter picks and bin emptying takes place once per week and sweeping is carried out on a seven-week schedule. A pre season clean is requested by the Harbourmaster just before the season starts at Easter.

If you would like to join the working party telephone John Sayer, chairman of Beccles Society on 01502 717415.