A public meeting will take place in Attleborough later this month to discuss a request by town leaders to introduce a car park charging system.

A public meeting will take place in Attleborough later this month to discuss a request by town leaders to introduce a car park charging system.

Attleborough Town Council made a plea to Breckland Council earlier this year to bring in a pay and display scheme.

Local members claim that the free parking at three off-street sites is being abused by commuters, which is having a negative impact on traders.

Breckland Council has now agreed to a public meeting to discuss parking in the town following the request from the town council.

The district council's Breckland parking task and finish group will meet on Tuesday October 13 at 2pm in Connaught Hall, Attleborough.

Further 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.

'It 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.'

'Any change to this policy, in response to a request such as that from Attleborough, would only take place following consultation with residents, businesses and groups from the town and the surrounding villages. This meeting is an important first step to gain the views of everybody concerned,' he said.

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