A PROPOSAL to introduce residents’ parking permits in Baldock in a bid to stop commuters parking all day in roads close to the train station has received a mixed response.

A public consultation on plans to bring in permit parking on a number of roads - including Norton Road, Icknield Way, Church Street and Orchard Road - has been conducted by North Herts District Council (NHDC).

More than 70 residents and retailers responded to the consultation, with people expressing “a variety of views, suggestions and queries”, according to the council.

Norton Road resident Chris Gomm said: “I would welcome any parking restrictions because Norton Road is completely jammed every morning and evening and it’s extremely difficult to get on and off our drive. It makes it very dangerous.

“I think it will give a lot of the businesses a problem though because there will be nowhere left to park that isn’t time-controlled.”

A Baldock worker, who did not wish to be identified, said: “Workers having to move their cars constantly will create a problem. It will be a nightmare.”

Baldock resident Jennifer Gosling added: “I understand that quite significantly fewer than half responded to say yes, they would like residents’ parking permits. There doesn’t seem to be a huge amount of support for it.”

If residents’ parking permits are introduced, Murray Fastier, Baldock’s town centre manager, has suggested that an arrangement should be put in place to provide parking somewhere for people working in the town.

“Car parking is always an issue,” he added.

Cllr Tom Brindley, NHDC’s portfolio holder for planning, transport and enterprise, said: “We’ve had a very good response to the consultation on parking proposals in Baldock.

“All these comments will now be reviewed and discussed with Baldock councillors before a decision is made that best suits the needs of people who live and work in the town. We aim to make that decision by the end of the year.”