Car park set for improvements

FOLLOWING last week's decision to implement car parking charges in Loddon, South Norfolk Council have defended the move and promised to make improvements to the Council-owned Church Plain car park.

South Norfolk Council have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals that will see charges introduced in Loddon and other south Norfolk towns, including Harleston.

However it has also been decided that there will be two hours' free parking allowed at the two public car parks in Loddon, Church Plain and the Staithe, and this week South Norfolk Council Leader John Fuller said that there would be significant improvements made to the Church Plain car park.

He said: “The car park is not in the sort of state we would expect it to be in- there are pot holes all over it and I don't think it's had maintenance for about two years.

“We want to put in better lighting and make it safe and secure, and get the spaces marked clearly.

“We will also be putting in a proper mini-recycling centre which will be able to recycle many more things.”

Mr Fuller said the improvements may start in July or August, but would certainly be under way by October, and added that there is also the possibility of acquiring more land to expand the number of spaces in the town, although these plans are still at an early stage.

The Council will also be offering discounted season tickets to residents that use the car park because they do not have off-road parking, who will be charged £10a month, or 38p per day, to use the car park, compared with the usual £20 or 76p per day. There will also be concessions for local businesses.

Mr Fuller added: “Because of the new charges people will always be able to find a space, which isn't the case at the moment.

“What we've got to do is protect the car parking for the people who come to Loddon to shop. If you want to park all day, we're asking you to contribute towards the cost of upkeep. That seems fair.”