Parking changes spark anger in Diss

A plan to restrict parking in Diss town centre has come under heavy fire from a barber, who says it will hurt the town a lot more than the council realises.

Gary Cates, who has a shop in Chapel Street, said South Norfolk Council's proposal to make town centre car parks, including the one opposite his shop, short stay only, with a maximum of four hours, was 'madness'.

Mr Cates, who lives in Nelson Road, said that it would place a heavy burden on him and other workers, who would have to park further away. He said: 'We are only trying to get in to serve our customers.

'We'll be forced to park in residential streets and that will just cause more congestion.

'I've been parking across the road for 18 years and I have never had a problem with it.'

Mr Cates called on the council to do more consultation with the people of the town.

Under the council scheme, current all-day car parks at Market Street and Back Lane in Wymondham and Chapel Street Upper and Lower, Weaver's Court and Mount Street in Diss will be converted to short stay shoppers and resident permit holder car parks.

South Norfolk Councillor Lee Hornby, cabinet member for regulation and public safety, said: 'Having reviewed our car parking charges we are now consulting with the relevant town council about making the first changes to tariffs since 2008. The review examined our car park provision, ticket sales, ticket machines, payment methods, the tariffs and town centre footfall.'

What do you think about the plans? Email DMA.letters@archant.co.uk