Resurfacing work will begin at a popular Fakenham car park in September, ahead of the introduction of parking charges, a Norfolk council has decided.
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) announced the decision to resurface Highfield Road car park in Fakenham at a full council meeting on Wednesday, June 27.
Parking costs in the car park, which was previously free of charge, will also commence from September 2018.
The contract to carry out the work on the car park is currently out to tender.
Fakenham mayor, George Acheson, said: “As a council, we were against the charges being introduced but we recognise that it’s up to NNDC.
“They made it very clear that if they did [resurface] the car park there would be charges.”
He added: “They put off [the work] until after the summer at.”
Mr Acheson said there would be spaces provided for residents who’s homes back onto the site.
He said: “We were disappointed that the surface they’re putting on won’t allow coaches to park there.
“About 18 months ago they stopped coaches parking there but we have managed to get two coach spaces in the Limes car park, which will be needed for visitors to the Christmas tree festival.”
Fakenham town councillor Janet Holdom said: “We fought long and hard to keep it free.
“As a town council, we have done a lot to protect it, including taking on ourselves. If NNDC have decided, we have to accept it.
“It will be a better service. I understand the reason that it can’t be free is that it has to brought in line with all the other car parks.”
A council spokesperson said: “The management of council assets, such as Highfield Road car park, is a crucial part of the careful financial approach taken by NNDC.
“It was decided at a cabinet meeting in October 2017 that the car park should be retained as a public car park, owned and operated by NNDC but that charges would be introduced in accordance with other car parks around the district.
“It was also decided to set aside £75,000 to pay for the car park to be improved. The car park is currently unsurfaced, so the end result will be a much improved car park for the town and its visitors.
“We are undertaking the work in September in response to a town council request to avoid the busy summer months.”
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