A council proposal to charge for car parking spaces has raised concerns a railway line will face an "abuse" of its system.

Broadland Council has proposed bringing in fees for the first time at its sites in Reedham, Reepham, Brundall, Blofield, Aylsham, Acle and Coltishall.

The plans also explore the possibility of implementing charges at Bure Valley Railway sites in Belaugh Green, Coltishall, Aylsham, Buxton and Little Hautbois. 

Andrew Barnes, managing director of the Bure Valley Railway, said: "It's just going to deter people and will be detrimental to market towns in Broadland. 

"The car park at Alysham's station is not owned by the council; they have about 40 spaces within it, but to get to them you have to go through ours.

"We do not want to charge for parking, people are already coming here for the railway, we want to encourage tourism. 

"If they do charge for the spaces it will be hard for us because people will abuse our free spaces and we will then have to charge and have it refundable through rail travel. 

READ MORE: North Norfolk parking fee hike tourism concerns raised

Andrew Barnes, managing director at Bure Valley Railway (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016) "We actually offered to buy the freehold we occupy from the council, including the spaces before the pandemic.

"However this took a year to get parliamentary legislation and £50,000 in legal fees.

"The council then changed their mind."

He added on the proposals: "It's pressure being put on us due to an ill-thought-out concept."

In a report the council said: "The introduction of paid for parking is intended to address the longstanding issue of parking space management, particularly in high-demand areas, by encouraging better turnover and availability." 

Elliot Dransfield, owner of the Porters Arms in Aylsham,  said: "Imposing parking fees in a town that benefits from tourists and local visitors would likely have a negative impact.

"Parking in the town is limited and can be difficult to find space.

"Parking charges on top of this would only put people off from choosing Aylsham as a town to visit and shop in.

READ MORE: Aylsham market traders say "use it or lose it"

Elliot DransfieldElliot Dransfield (Image: Newsquest) "The council should prioritise making the area easy to visit and remove barriers that would potentially deter people from coming and spending money in local businesses."