A planned �1.1m recovery package to help Fakenham and rest of north Norfolk work its way out of the recession has been welcomed by industry leaders.Officers at North Norfolk District Council have proposed a raft of measures to help businesses during the economic crisis and ease the way towards recovery.

A planned �1.1m recovery package to help Fakenham and rest of north Norfolk work its way out of the recession has been welcomed by industry leaders.

Officers at North Norfolk District Council have proposed a raft of measures to help businesses during the economic crisis and ease the way towards recovery.

The ideas include a business start-up support package, mentoring for fledgling businesses, and the creation of a virtual market-place where local small businesses can bid for public sector contracts.

Caroline Williams, chief executive of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said the news would have a “ripple effect” on businesses across the county.

Between �150,000 and �200,000 of council cash, along with at least �400,000 from partner organisations, will form part of a funding bid to Interreg, an organisation which promotes interregional cooperation between regions in the EU.

For more read today's Fakenham and Wells Times.