ONE of a raft of controversial measures council chiefs hope will alleviate parking problems in Darlington town centre will come into effect tomorrow.

From October 1, motorists can park at Darlington’s East St, Garden St, Archer St and Chesnut St car parks for a reduced fee of 50p an hour.

This is part of new parking measures introduced by Darlington Borough Council to support town centre trade.

The measures were approved following debates on the issue in meetings of the cabinet and full council last week.

Other plans agreed to by councillors include a £5,000 grant for the weekly Sunday People's Market, a three-hours-for-two scheme, starting in mid-November, and a temporary park and ride scheme connecting Darlington College and the town centre.

It is also planned to temporarily reinstate about 100 spaces on the former town hall car park, when building work on the new Department for Education building is complete

Council leader Bill Dixon stressed this would only be a temporary measure, adding that long term plans to create a riverside walk along the banks of the Skerne were still on the agenda.