A public consultation on a plan to move Cromer's market from a car park to the town centre has ended.

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Heels from the North Norfolk Taxi and Private Hire AssociationSteve Heels from the North Norfolk Taxi and Private Hire Association (Image: Archant)

And there is an apparent resounding 'we don't want it' message from many of the people who replied.

The town council planning committee voted to reject the idea, saying that while they had no objection to a town centre move in principle, the earmarked area of High Street and Tucker Street location was not a good location.

It is urging North Norfolk District Council to improve the current Meadow car park market site instead.

Cab drivers and traders have already voiced concerns about the move, which would mean relocating the taxi rank, and cause problems for customers and deliveries getting to shops in the affected streets.

Spokesman for the North Norfolk Taxi and Private Hire Association Steve Heels said he had delivered a 392-name petition against the idea, and 286 consultation forms - of which only three were in favour - to the district council this week.

He urged councillors making the decision to 'listen to the voters who put you there.'

The market move suggestion was driven by a desire to boost town centre trade.

Mr Heels said a better solution to that would be to allow an initial free hour on shoppers' car parks, and increase street-side waiting times from 30 to 45 minutes.

A district council spokesman said the feedback from the consultation, online survey and town council would now be considered for a report and decision at the cabinet meeting on December 8.