The number of 'inconsiderate' motorists leaving their cars outside a centre for the disabled has dropped off following a gift from a mystery donor.
Up until last year, Dereham Meeting Point was beset by problems caused by people parking in front of their centre in Saint Withburga Lane in the town.
The service leased three spaces from Breckland Council for service users - many of whom have poor mobility - and 'no parking' signs were in place, but were often ignored.
After this newspaper drew attention to the issue last May, a mystery donor stepped in to fund improvements and make the parking spots more visible with freshly painted lines, better signage, and a CCTV system.
Shonette Mooney, the centre's manager, said: “It's now a non-issue, thanks to this lovely donation.
“There is still a little bit of it happening, but having the spaces painted, better signage and the camera has made people think twice before parking there.
"We used to have arguments with people about the spaces.
“We’d put notes on the car asking them not to park there, they’d come into the building and rip them up in front of us.
“One time I had someone there for three days, another time, there were two cars in the spots for almost a week.
"I had to post on social media they were 24 hours away from being towed because no one could do anything about them - they were gone the next day.”
Breckland Council helped the contractors to complete the work.
Meeting Point offers people over 55 and/or with a physical disability a place to socialise and access services.
It provides a two-course, home-cooked lunch is provided daily for £5.
Activities and entertainment such as painting, bingo and singing are offer, and regular outings and events are organised.
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