People in Dereham disagree with Breckland's car park fees

On Monday, Breckland Council's cabinet gave the thumbs up to the proposed introduction of car parking fees across five towns where parking to date has been free. 

The charges are expected to be in place across Attleborough, Watton, Swaffham, Thetford and Dereham by the autumn of 2025. 

However, many in Dereham have expressed their concerns about the impact the decision will have on a town centre that is already struggling.

David Bunning, a partner for the Dereham fishmonger cart, described the charges as "just another nail in the coffin" for town centres.

READ MORE: Car parking charges 'could be the end of business'

Mr Bunning said that the charges would be another nail in the coffin. (Image: Newsquest)
"I've seen the market and the town centre change so much over the last few years - for the worst - and free car parking is crucial for the businesses here. 

"I hope they change their minds," he said. 

Other businesses in the area feel the same way, with a few on Church Street concerned about the already limited parking for customers or employees on the street. 

Derick Norman, who has managed Myhills Pet and Garden for four years, drives into Dereham every day for work, and currently parks in Guildhall Car Park for free.

He said: "That'll be another cost, and it seems small but it adds up.

"I think the town is going to struggle; it's another cost we really don't need. 

"There isn't a lot in Dereham to attract visitors here in any case, so with these charges, what's stopping our customers from going to Norwich instead?"

Employees at Myhills Pet and Garden are concerned about where they can park while at work. (Image: Newsquest)
READ MORE: What will happen to the revenue made from Breckland's parking charges?

Mr Norman hopes that the fees are also used effectively.

He added: "It would be fine if we knew the money will be put to good use. But no one can guarantee that."

Another business concerned about the lack of available parking spaces is Bright and Beautiful Flowers. 

According to the owner, who asked not to be named, the company's delivery van is often parked in Guildhall Car Park.

She worries that car charges will impact where she can keep her car without adding an extra cost to her expenses.

"I'm going to write a letter to Breckland about this. I actually relocated the business from Wellington Road because I thought it would be a better position for customers and parking," she said. 

Others in the town share similar sentiments.

Keith Douglass, 78, said it would be a "great shame", especially for Cherry Tree car park, which is the largest car park in the market town. 

Mr and Mrs Douglass, who were on their way to King's Lynn, disagree with the tariff implementations. (Image: Newsquest)
Valerie Douglass, 76, said: "When my sister visits, she often parks in Cherry Tree and doesn't have to worry about her car."

Sheila Goodwin, 75, lives on Theatre Street where there are no double yellow parking lines. For Ms Goodwin, as her street directly runs from Cherry Tree car park, she could see an influx of cars on her street.

Ms Goodwin will keep an eye on her street in anticipation of the potential increase in traffic. (Image: Newsquest)
She said: "Sometimes we get people park here and leave, but it doesn't bother me so much. I just don't know if that will worsen when those charges are introduced.

"Personally, I don't think the charges are too bad. I think it will be important for us to see the money being used well, but you just don't know."

Mark Chrisford, 47, said the council needs to "leave it alone".

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, said Mr Chrisford. (Image: Newsquest)
He added: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You don't need to change something that has been working for this town. Cherry Tree is the gatekeeper for visitors here, and this could change that." 

A consultation for the public and businesses in the towns will take place in the autumn.