Thetford: 'No plan for 20-minute neighbourhood restrictions'

Hundreds packed the ticketed event to quiz county councillors amid rising tensions in the town. Hundreds more tuned in for a live stream.

Controversy has swirled since December, when Norfolk County Council backed a motion proposed by councillor Lana Hempsall to explore the creation of neighbourhoods where people can walk to amenities like shops or parks, without having to drive.

Lana Hempsall addresses the public meeting in Thetford (Image: LSB Film Productions/YouTube)

Areas such as Thetford, Attleborough and Rackheath could be among those considered for the idea, which is intended to cut car use, reduce air pollution and improve public health.

But opponents claim it is part of a wider conspiracy to restrict freedom of movement and impose climate change lockdowns.

Thetford became a flashpoint recently, after 200 protestors attended a town council meeting where the issue was not due to be discussed.

Hundreds attended the ticket-only meeting at the Carnegie in Thetford (Image: LSB Film Productions/YouTube)

On Thursday night, the county council organised a meeting at which councillors and officials faced questions at the Carnegie in the town.

It came after its deputy leader said earlier this week "unfounded and untrue rumours" about the schemes were causing fear and panic.

Mrs Hempsall told the meeting she had proposed the 20-minute neighbourhood motion to the county council to see if it would improve facilities for disabled people and communities across Norfolk.

Mrs Hempsall, who is registered blind, said the current planning system encouraged urban sprawl and use of cars, because new developments were too far from town centres for people to walk to amenities.

Hundreds attended the ticket-only meeting at the Carnegie in Thetford (Image: Norfolk Conservatives)

Returning to 20-minute neighbourhoods, she added: "It's not about restrictions, it's not about restricting civil liberties, it's about helping communities."

Terry Jermy, a county councillor for Thetford and member of the town and Breckland councils, said the motion agreed by the county had not been a green light to proceed with 20-minute neighbourhoods, but said it should find out more about them.

He said if that involved cars being banned, or financial penalties for using them, the idea would be "a non-starter".

Councillor Terry Jermy (Image: Newsquest)

"I'm not in favour of forcing people out of their car and I don't believe this is what is being considered," he added.

Thetford resident Bob Seys asked Mrs Hempsall: "Are you aware of the fact there are towns in the United Kingdom and Europe and across the world which seem to have enacted exactly the same restrictive measures which can result in fines and restrictions on travel?

"You seem to have received the top-down order to place some kind of scheme before the council."

There are no plans to restrict car use or movement in Thetford, a public meeting has heard (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Hempsall said she had not been ordered by anyone. She said the idea had come from a disabled citizens' assembly she had attended.

Fellow resident Mike Bull said: "Our primary concern is are we going to have our vehicles restricted, are we going to be imposed with fines, are we going to have our movements restricted?

"The primary thing we need to know when we leave here tonight is that there is no imposition planned for Thetford.

"Are Norfolk County Council prepared to issue a letter saying there will be no restrictions, no fines or movement orders."

Tom McCabe, head of paid service at Norfolk County Council (Image: Ian Burt)

Tom McCabe, the county council's head of paid service, said: "I can categorically say there is no plan to restrict movement."

When asked by Mr Bull, he said he would be happy to confirm that in writing to the town council.

Mr Bull told the meeting: "I hear that answer and realistically, we're not going to get much better than that."

Towards the end of the three-hour meeting, one woman asked if the government implemented 20-minute zones, did the county council have to do so.

Mr McCabe said authorities would have the power to decide.

Closing the meeting, Ms James said it was the start of a conversation.