The owners of a Norwich Post Office have launched a crowdfunding campaign to protect their livelihoods from controversial new parking regulations.

Norwich Evening News: Post Office owner Martin Baker. Picture by SIMON FINLAY.Post Office owner Martin Baker. Picture by SIMON FINLAY.

Martin and Beverley Baker are seeking funding for legal advice following proposals to bring in new charges for customers visiting Earlham House Shopping Centre.

National Parking Enforcement (NPE) erected signs around the complex on Earlham Road earlier this year warning shoppers they will be charged for parking as of June 1.

While they are still yet to come into force, Mr Baker fears the new regulations will 'decimate' trade in the area when they are introduced.

He is now attempting to raise £2,500 to seek a legal opinion over what he claims are long-standing parking rights held by shopkeepers.

Norwich Evening News: Martin Baker, owner of Earlham House Post Office and Shop is campaigning against car parking charges at the shopping centre. Pictured with Denise Carlo, city councillor who is helping with the campaign. Picture : ANTONY KELLYMartin Baker, owner of Earlham House Post Office and Shop is campaigning against car parking charges at the shopping centre. Pictured with Denise Carlo, city councillor who is helping with the campaign. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Mr Baker said: 'We are told the [shop] leases allow for free parking and so that is what we are having to ascertain. But it is not straight forward at all.

'We also want to know if the right for free parking [for the landlord] applies to everyone.'

The parking dispute at Earlham House has been rumbling away for a number of years, with traders and customers complaining about the strict enforcement.

Both of the centre's car parks are monitored by CCTV cameras.

Norwich Evening News: Martin Baker, owner of Earlham House Post Office and Shop is campaigning against car parking charges at the shopping centre. Picture : ANTONY KELLYMartin Baker, owner of Earlham House Post Office and Shop is campaigning against car parking charges at the shopping centre. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

The latest controversy over paid parking followed Bellgold Properties' sale of the Earlham House's free hold in April this year.

Despite selling the building to Castelnau Acquisitions, it retained ownership of the car park and is responsible for the proposed charges.

Denise Carlo, a Norwich City Councillor representing the Nelson Ward, said: 'Bellgold should sell the car park to the new Earlham House freehold owners as it is in no-one's interest for this zero sum game to continue'.

Back in June, traders said NPE had been unable to start the £1-per-hour parking charges as they were not able to go into the Earlham House building.

Norwich Evening News: Martin Baker, owner of Earlham House Post Office and Shop is campaigning against car parking charges at the shopping centre. Picture : ANTONY KELLYMartin Baker, owner of Earlham House Post Office and Shop is campaigning against car parking charges at the shopping centre. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Mr Baker added: 'We want to send out a clear message that Earlham House is very much open for business.'

Attempts were made to contact Bellgold Properties Ltd, but there was no response.

To donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/martin-baker-1