The head of a local authority has called for a new town council to be created to give local people more say over its future.

Terry Parish, leader of West Norfolk Council believes the creation of a town council in King's Lynn should be considered in order to provide more localised powers.

It would mean the ruling body would have a greater say over neighbourhood planning while also taking control of street lighting, recreation areas and even have the power to fine people for littering.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor Terry Parish, leader of West Norfolk CouncilCouncillor Terry Parish, leader of West Norfolk Council (Image: West Norfolk Council)

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He believes an opportunity is "unlikely to present itself again" and has called for the idea to be explored.

"It is a significant town that is growing," said Mr Parish.

"It is recognised as a centre with lots of heritage. Yet it hasn't got a council that decides what direction future plans should take.

"I think it is odd that it doesn't have one. It is a question that should be asked."

Eastern Daily Press: King'sLynn is the second biggest metropolitan area in NorfolkKing'sLynn is the second biggest metropolitan area in Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

Town councils, like parish councils, are the most local form of government.

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Currently, King's Lynn falls under the responsibility of West Norfolk Council - the district council -  which carries out all of the services and has all the decision-making powers for the town. 

This means the town is without a dedicated local authority.

But elsewhere in the district, there are 101 parishes, with major towns like Hunstanton and Downham Market having their own councils and therefore more of a say on things like planning applications.

With a huge pot of money to be spent as part of the Town Deal Fund (£24m) the stakes are high.

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Mr Parish believes having a town council would have meant members could have had a far greater say in determining the advantages and disadvantages of the projects put forward.

It may be several years down the line but support is growing with members of the King's Lynn Area Consultative Committee voting unanimously earlier this year to start taking steps towards exploring the idea.