While the opening of a car park might not seem a cause for celebration, for people living in a coastal village it could mean an end to the problems caused by cars parking on the streets.

It is hoped the 187-space facility in Burnham Market will allow shoppers and tourists to leave their cars outside the centre of the village, bringing an end to more than 30 years of issues.

The car park was built by Fleur Hill as part of the developer's 27 home scheme at Foundry Field, off North Street.

It was officially opened by North West Norfolk MP Sir Henry Bellingham.

He said: 'This has been the culmination of a huge amount of work and effort by a lot of people over many years. I think at the first parish council meeting I came to back in 1983 the issue of car parking arose.

'Burnham Market is one of the jewels in the crown, a great village, a special part of our tourism offer and the car park compliments that by relieving congestion. It is probably the most attractive and well built car park in the country.'

He added that Fleur Hill had worked well with the community and he hoped other developers would take note of the development.

Six of the homes will be rented out by a housing association with the aim of providing properties for locals.

Burnham Market has been nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea and has a significant number of second homes. Richard Bird, Norfolk County Councillor for the North Coast Ward, said: 'This [car park] means so much to the people here. This has been in the offing for more than 30 years and to see the culmination of all of the efforts at all levels of government with a proactive developer in Fleur Hill is just fantastic.'

Are there parking issues in your village? Write to doug.faulkner@archant.co.uk