Villages north of Great Yarmouth “desperately” need more space for businesses to start up, councillors have warned.
The point was raised by Conservative councillor Paul Hammond at a meeting of the borough authority’s economic development committee.
Mr Hammond asked: “Would it be possible for us to look for land to build starter units for businesses, of about 1000-1500sqft?
He said the units were needed borough-wide, but added: “If we can find any in the northern villages, we’ll stop people commuting so much.”
His party colleague, Leslie Mogford, joined his plea, saying: “The northern parishes desperately need small starter units.
“The cost of travelling from the far end of our borough to work in Great Yarmouth is considerable. If you travel on public transport, it’s very expensive.
“Especially for young people, to come and work in Great Yarmouth, it’s probably half their wages gone in a week, just travelling on a bus.
“We need employment in the northern parishes.
“We’ve got very successful starter units in Martham - there’s about ten of them, they’re always full.”
Council officers pledged to investigate whether further units could be established.
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