Residents who staged a protest against permit parking in Hunstanton have been told that no changes will be made against the wishes of the majority of the town.

Eastern Daily Press: Mark Harriman is one of many residents protesting against plans to charge for parking in Hunstanton. Picture: Ian BurtMark Harriman is one of many residents protesting against plans to charge for parking in Hunstanton. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2013)

Sandy Duff-Dick, owner of the town's Rosamaly Guest House, was one of those leading a charge against the suggestion that people might have to pay £40 per year parking in areas like York Avenue, Church Street and Seagate Road. She said the proposals, which also include pay-and-display parking in areas where it is currently free, would 'kill' the town, adding: 'There's a lot of public anger about it. It is just taking money out of people's pockets.'

But as she and others waved placards and posters outside Hunstanton Town Hall yesterday, where a consultation about the proposals was taking place, Richard Bird, county councillor for the North Coast division, told them: 'If residents don't want residents' parking, as long as I am a Norfolk county councillor, I will not support or sign it off.'

Mr Bird handed the protesters an A4 sheet to remind them about the parking consultation process, saying that he wanted to make clear that if fewer than 50pc of those who vote in a Hunstanton-wide poll reject the idea, it will be abandoned.

Even if it gets past that stage, each road will need a 74pc approval rating. If not enough streets back the bid, the whole plan could be ditched.

'I have been saddened by some of the responses,' Mr Bird said. 'I would have liked to have had some more constructive responses. We are a long way off before anything happens. I think a lot of people are jumping before they are bitten.'

On his A4 sheet, he added: 'I will make it my personal business for this process to be completely transparent, the most democratic it can be.'

He also pointed out that a survey earlier in the year showed strong support for action on parking, which can be a particular problem during the summer holiday season.

However, Bob Duff-Dick, Sandy's husband, said: 'Hunstanton residents are against resident parking.

'From the town's point of view, we're going to drive people away. People that just want to drop in for half an hour are just going to move on somewhere else.'