Charity shops are on the brink of 'overwhelming' Sheringham town centre, a concerned councillor claimed.

Peter Cox told members of the town council's planning committee there were eight of the businesses in the town.

And members agreed to write to North Norfolk District Council to clarify how they qualified for reduced rates, amid fears that some were only selling new, not donated, goods.

Mr Cox said: 'Two of the eight charity shops only sell new items. Could we enquire what's the criteria for charity shops to qualify for a reduction in their rates?'

He added: 'I did a quick survey of our shopping centre. We have 166 business units, of which only 73 are retail units.

'There are 38 non-retail, like banks, building societies, solicitors and beauty salons, and 43 food-related shops. Only four units are empty.

'In Norwich, there's probably 2,000 business units and only 20 of those are charity shops. That's a much smaller percentage than Sheringham.'

Mr Cox said: 'We could get overwhelmed with charity shops if we are not careful, because only they might be able to afford to take over shops when they get vacated.'

? What do you think? Write to NNN Letters, 31, Church Street, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9ES, email steve.downes@archant.co.uk or follow @nthnorfolknews on Twitter and join the debate.