A LOCAL authority hoping to introduce parking charges to raise £450,000 has employed 19 more members of staff in the past year, it has emerged.

The appointments were highlighted yesterday at a meeting of Hambleton District Council.

The authority is facing fierce criticism over its plans to charge for parking in Northallerton, Stokesley, Thirsk and Bedale.

At a meeting of the council's prosperity, environment and housing overview and scrutiny committee, Councillor Derek Adamson said the authority had recruited 19 staff in the past year.

He said: "I don't think this is sending the right message out.

"We are trying to save money and we are employing more and more staff."

During the meeting, councillors raised concerns about the impact of the charges on the four towns.

Fears were expressed that motorists who were unable to park for free in the town centres would park in residential areas.

The concerns led councillors to ask consultants to carry out a further study on predicted displacement problems caused by the proposal.

Councillor John Prest said: "All the streets (in Northallerton) are clogged up now, so what's going to happen when the charges come in?

"It's only going to get worse - the town will come to a standstill."

David McGloin, head of regeneration at the council, admitted displacement was a problem.

However, he urged members not to overplay its importance, saying: "I'm not understating the issue - it's a problem, but let us try to keep it in context."

Mr McGloin stressed that not all parking in the towns would become pay-and-display.

Members asked the council's cabinet to look at concessions for workers and residents.

Concerns were also raised about the differing levels of proposed fees across the four towns.

Coun Prest said there seemed to be an attitude of "sticking it to Northallerton" because the town was vibrant, but charging less in other towns which were not as busy.

"It's inherently unfair," he said.

Councillors were told a failure to bring in parking charges could mean higher fees at leisure centres in the district - or even the closure of one facility.