West Norfolk Council said it planned to offer locals a free hour's stay at Heacham North and South beaches.

It followed plans to extend charging from eight to 12 months of the year to bring the car parks in line with other sites where all-year-round tariffs are in force.

But now the council's deputy leader says the company which operates its parking machines is unable to adapt them to allow the discount.

Residents will instead be offered an annual parking permit for £65, which councillor Simon Ring described as "highly favourable in comparison to elsewhere in the borough and available only to residents of Heacham".

Heacham South Beach, where villagers were hoping for free parking (Image: Chris Bishop)

But Nicky Bailey, who lives in the village and led the campaign to give locals the free hour said the council had gone back on its........

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