Council chiefs have defended their plans for a controversial regeneration project in Hunstanton, just days before a final draft of the proposals is unveiled.
Details of the revised scheme for the Spinney will be revealed by West Norfolk Council on Monday, ahead of a public drop-in session in the resort next Friday.
The authority claims the plans, which would include a hard-standing area for small events to take place, new access only restrictions for traffic in St Edmund’s Terrace and the removal of some on-street parking in Westgate, would make the area more accessible to pedestrians.
Alistair Beales, West Norfolk Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Giving pedestrians priority has enabled us to develop the potential of the green space and will make it a more attractive place for families to enjoy – something which people have told us they feel is important.”
If the final plans are approved, work in the area could start this autumn.
But critics of the project are unhappy at the prospect of some of the trees which currently stand in the area being removed.
Pleas to reprieve the trees, some of which the council claims are diseased, were repeated when Mr Beales addressed Hunstanton town councillors last Friday night.
Members of the town council have previously voted to retain all of the existing trees on the land.
But ward councillor Elizabeth Watson told the meeting: “We are going to end up having more trees around the spinney, not fewer.”
And Mr Beales added: “I’m a land manager. It’s what I do. I’ve won awards for creating lakes and planting trees.
“I’m not somebody who wants to concrete over things for no good reason.”
Opponents have also argued that the money being spent on the Spinney could be better used to regenerate other areas of the town, particularly the High Street.
And a resident even suggested the project was “too ambitious”.
But Mr Beales said the council could not afford the costs of such a project.
Details of the new plans for the Spinney will be available to view online at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/haveyoursay from this Monday, February 25.
Comments on the proposals can also be submitted via that page from Monday until March 4.
A drop-in session will also be held at the town’s community centre in Avenue Road next Friday, March 1, between 2 and 5pm.
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