What locals think of the council's masterplan for Hunstanton

Some people living in Hunstanton are up in arms over proposals to pedestrianise the High Street for part of the day, the lack of parking and summer traffic jams.

Others agree with West Norfolk Council's proposals to improve the town centre and Prom.

Their responses to a public consultation exercise carried out by officials in July have been released after an application under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

"A pedestrianised High Street would be a complete business killer," one said. "There is no sense removing existing parking spaces from a small town that depends on day trippers for its trade."

One business owner said the town had an elderly population, who needed to park within walking distance of the shops, adding: "It's important to remember this is our day-to-day trade, people parking up and nipping in and out of shops."

One local said the High Street and Westgate should be pedestrianised with more parking made available, adding: "Cars and lorries overwhelm the High Street."

The Masterplan suggests designating the Seagate car park near the fairground as the town's main car park.

Pedestrianisation of the high street was among the council's suggestions (Image: Chris Bishop)

But one respondent said: "The idea of moving the main car park away from the town centre is ridiculous.

"It will make trade even worse through the winter months with people having to walk further to the shops."

Another said: "We need central parking for shoppers and to encourage visitors to shop."

One called for 20mph speed limits around the town centre, because Hunstanton has "too many heavy-footed drivers".

Many backed the idea of revamping the aging Oasis Leisure Centre on the seafront, but called for a broader mix of facilities including a larger pool, sauna and restaurant.

Another said: "Hunstanton needs more than just fish and chip shops, good though they are.

"It needs nicer wine bars, preferably with a sea view, eateries and music venues catering for all tastes."

Some complained of visitors' cars in residential streets along with ovenight parking of mobile homes and campervans, with one saying: "Please ban this throughout Hunstanton."

Not everyone thought change was needed in the town. One posted: "I would like Hunstanton to be left alone as it is fine as it is attracting thousands of visitors.

"All these plans do nothing for locals and are all money making ventures."

Another said: "Hunstanton is supposed to be a Victorian holiday town not Benidorm."