16/12/2024: Breckland Council Thanks Everyone for Engagement in Car Park Consultation

Breckland Council is extending its thanks to the thousands of residents, businesses, elected representatives and community groups who have participated in the public consultation on the future of town centre car parking across the district. The Council greatly values the insight shared during the engagement sessions and through the consultation responses, which are helping to shape the future of this vital service. 

The consultation, launched in response to the need for a sustainable approach to maintaining the district's 30 car parks, opened on 4 November and ended on 15 December. The consultation included a dedicated webpage including the consultation form, information on the district's car parks, frequently asked questions, and features to improve accessibility. Consultees could also complete the form at their local library, or if requiring additional support, over the phone with the help of a Breckland Customer Service Representative. 

Central to the consultation, however, were the face-to-face sessions held in each market town where residents, businesses and stakeholders had the opportunity to speak with councillors and senior staff, asking questions and seeking clarity on their concerns. 

This extensive engagement was promoted through the latest resident's magazine, reaching every address in the district, alongside several articles in the local press, signage in each Breckland car park, and an extensive social media campaign that reached tens of thousands, encouraging many to visit the consultation website and have their say. 

Councillor Paul Hewett, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Property and Procurement, said: 

"We are extremely grateful for the valuable feedback we've received. Hearing from residents, businesses, elected representatives and communities is essential to ensuring we design a parking system that works for everyone. Your contributions are helping us find a balance that addresses budgetary pressures while delivering a solution that supports our market towns. 

"As our consultation experts analyse the feedback we have received, I want to thank everyone who contributed to this discussion. Change can be challenging, but our aim is to ensure a fairer, more sustainable future for Breckland's car parks, supporting our market towns and wider community."