FRESH concerns for the future of small businesses in Darlington were raised yesterday.

Traders in Grange Road are worried about the impact of on-street parking charges imposed by Darlington Borough Council.

Charges on more than 20 streets, including Grange Road, are now 80p an hour, with a maximum stay of one or two hours.

But Grange Road Trade Association has hit out at the development, warning that there would be casualties if shops continued to suffer a loss of trade.

Yesterday, the Kate Saint ladies' fashion shop became the latest to voice concerns.

Ian Bolton, whose partner Kate runs the business, said: "We're all small traders and we depend a lot on people parking here, but it's like a ghost street.

"Everyone's trade has been down dramatically. The council hasn't thought this through - there's 'to let' signs up already."

A council spokesman said: "Already, the new scheme has prevented commuters from parking long-stay outside shops that rely on passing trade. Indications are that the parking spaces are being well used around the town, particularly in Grange Road."