An under-threat Fakenham car park must be saved to help the town cope with a forthcoming 20pc population growth, councillors will argue.

The future of Fakenham's Highfield Road car park remains unclear.

North Norfolk District Council is looking to cash in on some of its assets as it bids to plug a funding gap of £1.3m over the next three years due to cuts from central government

The Highfield Road car park is one of the sites being considered and it is proposed that 40 to 45 apartments for the over 55s could be built there.

Fakenham Town Council has been encouraging residents to complete questionnaires.

The feedback gathered will be used to inform the town council's consultation response to NNDC.

Strong feelings have been expressed over the proposals and town councillors discussed the feedback received at a meeting on Tuesday night.

With 950 new homes proposed for land in the north of Fakenham, potentially growing the town's population by 20pc, it is felt that keeping the car park is vital.

Fakenham's deputy mayor Gilly Foortse said: 'Essentially is a very well used car park and people in Fakenham don't want to lose it.

'My personal opinion is that nothing should happen to that car park until the situation with the 950 homes becomes clear.

'There are concerns that a separate community will be created in the north of Fakenham and, because of the way it is being set out, people living there will not use the town centre.

'Losing a car park in this location would exasperate that situation.'

Questionnaires have been sent out to homes around Fakenham.

Residents have been questioned in the town centre for four consecutive Thursday market days and Mrs Foortse has also questioned people using the car park.

She said: 'It is really important that people take part in this and let their feelings be known.'

The questionnaire can be completed on the Fakenham Town Council website, http://www.fakenhamtowncouncil.org.uk/highfield-road-car-park-survey-2017.

Anyone can receive a copy by calling the council on 01328 853653.

Do you think the Highfield Road car park should be saved? E mail adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk