Traders have their say on possible car parking changes (From The Northern Echo)

Darlington traders have their say on possible car parking changes

5:56pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News

BUSINESS owners in Darlington have been sharing their views on parking as part of town centre regeneration plans.

Traders and residents in Skinnergate and Duke Street have been taking part in public consultation meetings along with representatives from Darlington Borough Council to discuss possible changes to parking in the streets.

As part of the meetings, the traders were asked to generate ideas on how to improve parking opportunities, which included possible disk zones, cheaper pay and display parking and more on-street parking.

These ideas will then be developed by the council and the chosen option will be reported to Cabinet in May.

It is hoped more attractive parking will attract more shoppers to the area and increase footfall in the shops. 

A council spokeswoman said: "We were very pleased with both the turnout and the variety of views expressed at the event. The debate was lively and we are looking at all the ideas that were expressed.

"A number of views were expressed primarily around the quality of the public space, the need for more and consistent footfall in the area and an emerging sense of a distinctive quarter within the town with an emphasis on independent retail and leisure.

"The debate raised a number of issues around parking and once we have considered all the options we will be discussing possible ways forward with traders in the area."

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