Picture postcards of Harleston are being sent to Conservative leader David Cameron to highlight fears for the future of local shops if controversial car parking charges are approved.

Picture postcards of Harleston are being sent to Conservative leader David Cameron to highlight fears for the future of local shops if controversial car parking charges are approved.

The cards feature a series of photographs of the town centre together with a giant egg timer to illustrate claims that people would have to 'beat the clock' to avoid potential parking fines, instead of enjoying the current benefits of free parking.

They are being handed out to customers by shops and businesses for people to sign and send to Mr Cameron at the House of Commons, asking him to encourage South Norfolk Council's Tory-led administration to undertake a detailed study before

introducing measures which could be “highly detrimental”.

Supporters of the Harleston campaign against parking charges are also being encouraged to sign individual copies of a letter to South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon, urging him to put pressure on the council to drop “ludicrous” plans to impose “yet another tax” on the people of Harleston, and its surrounding villages.

Under the proposals, existing car parking fees at Diss and Wymondham will increase and be extended to Harleston and Loddon for the first time. However, the council intends offering one hour free parking at all short stay “shoppers” car parks with the opportunity for the towns to negotiate an additional free hour, subject to agreement with the authority.