The views of a Norfolk town's residents are being sought on an extended conservation area.

South Norfolk Council launched the consultation in Diss on Friday to find out what people thought about the existing conservation area, which covers most of the town centre from Sunnyside to Park Road.

The council plans to expand the zone to include a section of Roydon Road up to Croft Lane, a section of Denmark Street from Park Road to Denmark Rise and part of Stanley Road.

Steven Beckett, a senior conservation officer at the council, manned a stall at the Mere's Mouth to find out what residents would most like to improve within the existing conservation area.

He said some residents wanted steps to be taken to tidy up Mere Street and particularly some of the buildings in the area by giving them an extra lick of paint.

Another proposal was for more to be done to promote the St Nicholas Street end of the conservation area and the historic buildings within, including the Corn Hall and St Mary's Church.

The appraisal aims to define the special character and distinctiveness of the area, including the history, landscape, setting, views, architecture, open spaces and street scene.

English Heritage grants conserv-ation area status to places that contain buildings of architectural or historic significance.

The first conservation areas were bestowed in 1967 and the designation places restrictions on alterations to buildings in the area.

Mr Beckett said: 'It is designed to get people to give their views of what they think of their town and what we can do about it.'

He added the council may be able to contact someone who can help solve the problem or form a group to carry out the improvements.

The consultation process runs until January 9 and people can give their views via the council's website at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk

dominic.bareham@archant.co.uk