Scores of residents in South Norfolk took part in a protest against proposed boundary changes of their village.

Eastern Daily Press: More than 50 people gathered outside Roydon village hall to protest against propsed boundary changes with neighbouring Diss. Picture: Charlie KnightMore than 50 people gathered outside Roydon village hall to protest against propsed boundary changes with neighbouring Diss. Picture: Charlie Knight (Image: Charlie Knight)

More than 50 Roydon villagers gathered outside the village hall armed with placards calling on the public to speak up against the changes.

In South Norfolk's parish boundary review, which began in March this year, recommendations have been made for some areas of Roydon to fall under the Diss parish boundary.

This will mean nearly half of the houses in Roydon will be classified as Diss, which will mainly affect those living in Appletree Lane, Tottington Lane, Factory Lane and the immediate surrounding areas.

In a report of the review committee meeting held on August 15, it said the changes would affect around 300 people.

Eastern Daily Press: A plaque which was removed from the Aldrich Brothers Brushmakers factory in Factory Lane, Roydon, and placed on Roydon village hall. Proposed boundary changes could lead to Factory Lane being placed in Diss. Picture: Charlie KnightA plaque which was removed from the Aldrich Brothers Brushmakers factory in Factory Lane, Roydon, and placed on Roydon village hall. Proposed boundary changes could lead to Factory Lane being placed in Diss. Picture: Charlie Knight (Image: Charlie Knight)

Roydon residents voiced their concerns of the move in a protest on Sunday, October 8.

Mark Emsden, 44, has been living in Roydon for 22 years in Crick's Walk, but despite not being affected by the possible boundary change he took part in the demonstration.

Mr Emsden said: 'I know this will have a huge impact on us all, the village will be halved in size.

'This will affect our council tax, the catchment areas for schools and doctors and surgeries.

Mr Emsden said residents have been encouraged to complete a survey online to voice their objections over the changes whilst the second round of consultations are taking place.

Final recommendations will be made by South Norfolk council on November 29 and if plans go ahead they could be implemented as early as May 2019.

Mr Emsden added: 'I do not know how it would benefit anybody.

'There is a big historical aspect to this - I met a lady who was born here 79 years ago and five generations of her family were born in Tottington Lane.

'She felt cheated and thought the village will lose its identity.

'A carving from the Aldrich Brothers Brushmakers factory, that was on Factory Lane, is on our village hall.

'That plaque will have no meaning to our village if Factory Lane is not in Roydon, it will be a mockery of our town.'

Residents are encouraged to have their say by completing an online survey before Friday, October 27. You can find the survey here.