Car parking and traffic issues in Thetford are set to be looked at, the first public meeting of a partnership group has revealed.

A meeting of the Greater Thetford Development Partnership (GTDP), heard that a survey of the town's car parking and a traffic management survey will be carried out in the New Year.

The work will look at tackling Thetford's 'confusing' traffic system, according to board chairman Anna Graves.

The car parking assessment comes as part of plans for the town's impending expansion.

Adam Broadway, director (development) for Flagship Housing, also urged the board to consider public transport provision.

He said: 'Many people on the estates own cars because there's no good public transport to get them into town.'

The GTDP, which is aiming to steer the future expansion of the town through partnership working, invited in the public for the first time this afternoon in a meeting at the Carnegie Room.

A wide-ranging discussion also saw debate over the creation of a community sub-committee, with four members of the local area to be invited to offer input.

Forums will also be held every six months for the public to ask questions.

Ms Graves, who is chief executive of Breckland Council, chaired the meeting in lieu of an independent chairman being found. A hiring committee has been set up to find candidates.

The board also heard from Nigel Robson, director of Breckland Bridge, which is currently managing the Riverside Development in Thetford.

He said good progress was being made on the site, with discussions ongoing to find tenants for the site's cafe and restaurant units.

The use of the remaining funding from Moving Thetford Forward was discussed, with it decided at the partnership's last meeting that around £450,000 of unspent money would be directed towards kickstarting the Thetford Enterprise Park (TEP).

Rob Walker, Breckland Council executive director for place, said groups which missed out on that funding would be able to apply for around £32,000 from 'unilateral undertaking' funds. The money is sometimes paid to the council by developers when planning permission is granted.

A website is also set to be created to keep the public informed on the partnership's progress, and upcoming meetings.

What do you think the partnership should be looking at? Email andrew.fitchett@archant.co.uk