THE future of Beccles Quay was discussed at a “fruitful” meeting this week .The Beccles Society and Beccles Community Arts want to make the quay into a more attractive area of the town that will entice tourists and town residents, and so they set up a meeting with the parties responsible for its upkeep.

THE future of Beccles Quay was discussed at a “fruitful” meeting this week .

The Beccles Society and Beccles Community Arts want to make the quay into a more attractive area of the town that will entice tourists and town residents, and so they set up a meeting with the parties responsible for its upkeep.

The aim was to discuss what could be done to enhance the area, as well as looking into setting up a community group that would help implement the changes.

They believe that a united community group would have more power to apply for funding for any future projects.

The meeting included representatives from Waveney District Council, Waveney Norse and The Broads Authority.

Bob Aris, secretary of the Beccles Society, said that it was very well attended and that everyone seemed to be in agreement about proposed improvements to the area.

However he stressed that there was still a long way to go, particularly in the current financial climate.

“It was quite a fruitful meeting,” said Mr Aris. “Considering the number of people there, there wasn't any dissention amongst the parties about the way it should go. We were all agreed that uplifting the quay for the future is important.”

At the meeting the parties discussed possible improvements to drainage, in light of flooding issues.

Another issue had been the state of the toilets and showers at the quay, however Waveney District Council reported that refurbishment work on the female facilities was finished and that completion of work on the male facilities was imminent.

Another topic up for discussion was a new band or concert stand at the quay to house entertainment. Mr Aris said that the idea was generally being supported, and that they were looking into ways to fund the project.

“The quay is an asset and it can generate income into the town and we want to maximise that,” he added. “But we have to be careful. We don't want to destroy the feel at the moment. People come there to rest. There's a balance to be achieved.”

He said that the next step was to formally create the community group and then investigate funding sources for it.