A review of car parking across Breckland was launched yesterday after a charging system was requested by town leaders in Attleborough.

A review of car parking across Breckland was launched yesterday after a charging system was requested by town leaders in Attleborough.

A public meeting is set to take place in the town later this month to discuss a plea by Attleborough Town Council to introduce a pay and display scheme.

Leaders at Breckland Council yesterday said they would be holding further meetings at its other market towns to discuss parking issues.

Town councillors in Attleborough claim that the free parking at three off-street sites is being abused by shoppers and workers who commute to Norwich by bus or train, which is having a negative impact on traders.

The district council's Breckland parking task and finish group is set to meet on Tuesday October 13 at 2pm in Connaught Hall, Attleborough. Further public meetings in the other Breckland towns of Thetford, Dereham, Swaffham, and Watton will follow the pilot.

Bill Smith, deputy leader of Breckland Council, said the review will investigate the specific parking patterns and needs of each town.

β€œIt is clear that car parking is an important and emotive issue for many people. Breckland's policy is to provide free car parking, which is much valued by residents and businesses. There has however been a request from Attleborough Town Council for the introduction of car parking charges to assist in the management of local parking issues, which we will of course consider,” he said.

Residents who cannot attend the meeting can contact the council at www.breckland.gov.uk/contact-us.