Resident parking permits could be introduced in Great Yarmouth town centre next spring if the idea gains enough support.

Norfolk County Council is sending out questionnaires on car parking after residents said that making the area a permit parking zone would protect their quality of life.

The letters - which are being sent to homes in the area surrounded by: the River Yare and the River Bure to the west; Apollo Walk and Estcourt Road to the north; a combination of Nelson Road North, Alexandra Road and Blackfriars Road to the east and Friars' Lane to the south - will ask residents if they have difficulty parking and that the cost of a permit, if introduced, is expected to be around £40.

Mick Castle, county councillor for Yarmouth North and Central division, said: 'Consulting with residents on parking issues has already brought benefits to other parts of Yarmouth and this move will hopefully allow similar improvements to be made in an area of the town that needs them.'

The county council agreed to a consultation after being approaced by ward councillors and the Middlegate Residents Association.

Rex Parkinson-Hare, county councillor for Yarmouth Nelson and Southtown division, said: 'The parking situation in Yarmouth is something that needs improvement for the benefit of residents and this consultation can only be a good thing if it helps to make their lives easier.

'I know a great many people who struggle every day to park near their homes. This is clearly unsatisfactory so I hope that Yarmouth people use this opportunity to speak up to allow changes to be made.'

People will have until Friday, August 2 to respond by post or email.

If the proposals receive enough local support the permit parking zone is hoped to be in place by spring or summer next year.'