A new community group has pledged to be more than just a talking shop after being formed in response to plans for a 4,000-home extension of Attleborough.

A new community group has pledged to be more than just a talking shop after being formed in response to plans for a 4,000-home extension of Attleborough.

An ambitious masterplan for the future of the market town was presented to residents last month following a public consultation into the development of a 400-acre greenfield site.

A community forum has now been established by a group of townsfolk to help shape the future of Attleborough over the next 20 years as proposals for the 4,000-home scheme move forward.

Officials from Attleborough Land, part of the Ptarmigan Land Group, which is promoting the land south of the railway line, have also pledged to regularly update the new Attleborough Community Team (ACT).

A planning application for a 4,000-home estate, which will include an enterprise park, community centre, and recreational facilities, is set to be submitted next spring.

The ACT group was formed after about 100 people took part in the latest consultation event in Attleborough on Thursday.

The independent, apolitical forum, which is set to meet on the fourth Thursday of every month, will aim to ensure that the town extension will be integrated into the whole of Attleborough.

Richard Middleton, acting chairman of ACT, said the group would try and 'drive through' some of the things on the town's wish list for the future.

'It was good to have ACT endorsed by so many people and the enthusiasm to work together for the benefit of the town and local community was plainly evident.'

'The nature of ACT will evolve with time but in the short-term we need to publicise our existence and activities, both within the community and outside. Equally importantly, ACT must be a group that does things rather than becoming just another talking shop. To make sure that happens we shall be looking to find some projects, 'quick wins', which will make ACT more visible and get more people involved,' he said.

Charles Campion, of John Thompson Partners, which is leading the community consultation for Attleborough Land, added: 'We are very pleased that the people are participating and giving up their time and showing their commitment to the town.'

'We are committed to coming regularly to the ACT meetings to enable people to participate in the development of the proposals and show how things are integrated in the development.'

An ACT account has been set up at www.attleborough-community-team-act.socialgo.com. Or contact Richard Middleton on 01953 451215 or Steve Hall on 01953 451534.