‘It’s really upset everybody’ - plant tubs spark parking row in Norfolk Broads village

Newsagent Ralph Morris with his petition against the planters on Horning staithe. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Elderly motorists had traditionally driven to Horning staithe to park for a leisurely coffee while enjoying postcard-perfect views of the boats and wildlife of the River Bure.

But at a meeting last month, parish councillors voted to line the staithe with wooden flower tubs – narrowing the route so emergency vehicles could get through but nobody could park there.

It was a move designed to create an unspoilt view of the river from the village green, and address safety concerns.

But when residents learnt of the move, some reacted with dismay.

Cars parked on Horning staithe, before the planters were put in place. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2014)

Ralph Morris, who has owned Ralph Newsagents in Lower Street for 26 years, said: 'We're not happy as this piece here is the only place in Horning where you can sit in your car and see the river.

'During the day it could mean 40 to 50 lost customers as the planters are there.'

He started a petition after learning of the decision at a Horning Parish Council meeting on February 2, and has gathered more than 250 signatures from locals and visitors so far.

There is a free car park at the village hall, which is around four minutes walk away, but Mr Morris said this was not suitable for elderly or disabled people.

There is also a privately-operated car park near to the Swan Inn at the riverside, but there is a charge of £1 per hour up to 10 hours.

Mr Morris conceded that plans had been mentioned in the parish magazine and on the notice board by the village green, but he did not see the mentions and said that more effort should have been given to consultation.

His daughter Kim Smith said she had seen photos from the 1960s of cars parked at the popular spot, and that it had been a destination for generations.

'It's really upset everybody,' she said.

She added that since the planters were installed last week she had seen scores of elderly people drive along the staithe hoping to park, slowing down, then driving off when they realised what had happened.

But Andrew Seddon, sub-postmaster of Horning Post Office, said he welcomed the move.

'If there are rows of tradesman's vans there and they're parked there for the day it can impede the view,' he said. 'I think the planters make it attractive and a focal point in the village, which is what the situation in any Broads village is supposed to be.

'I think people are going to come into the village if they're going to come in, and there are other parking options available.'

Parish council minutes state the planters cost £50 to £100 each, and that the route was a restricted by-way.

Neil Grant, proprietor of The Moorhen bed and breakfast in Lower Street, said: 'Anything that reduces parking in the village is not good for businesses, and this is a time when rural communities are trying to encourage visitors and increase parking.'

Claire Tidy, owner of The Galley delicatessen in Lower Street, said: 'I understand why they've done it, for the view, as it's so much nicer looking out there at the water.'

But she said that since the planters were put in, several people had asked to be served and gone within 30 minutes as they were in a short stay parking spot – and she feared losing their trade.