A LARGE number of local residents have expressed their concerns about plans to introduce a hi-tech camera system into the North Petherton Community Centre car park.

A number of residents made their feelings known at North Petherton Town Council on Monday, January 7.

North Petherton Community Centre's trustees say the move to a new management and charging system will prevent some motorists abusing the current rules and clamp down on anti-social behaviour in the car park.

But at the meeting a wide range of points were made by members of public about how the new proposals would cause problems, not only in operational terms, but also for the town and community in general.

Although the trustees had published a paper explaining how the new system would work and why it was being introduced, many felt that there should have been a proper consultation process.

North Petherton mayor Cllr Alan Bradford made it clear that the community centre and the car park did not fall within the purview of the Council, but he did recognise people’s concerns and frustrations.

Members were particularly concerned that the issue should not lead to friction with the local community, nor jeopardise the high regard in which the Centre and its Management Committee were held.

With this in mind it was agreed to ask for a meeting between the Committee and a group of councillors and residents, so that the various issues and opinions could be aired and a common understanding reached.