PARKING restrictions come into force in Saltburn town centre in June.

"They will be a boon for small shops," forecast Coun John Robinson.

A Redcar and Cleveland Council spokesman said the restrictions would ban parking for more than two hours, freeing-up parking space for shoppers.

He said the scheme followed the recommendations of a steering group made up of councillors, residents and council officers three years ago.

He claimed many motorists parking in the town centre all day while they went to work in shops or in Teesside.

The restrictions will be monitored by the council's wardens.

"The notices (displayed on lamp-posts in the town centre) have been revised from last year. There is still time for people to comment. The scheme should start in June."

The spokesman said people living near the Queen Hotel would be able to park in their own streets, but there would be no waiting on the junctions of the "jewel" streets with Marine Parade.

There will also be no waiting at the Glenside bandstand, apart from places for bandsmen unloading their gear and for disabled motorists.

Coun Robinson said: "People are welcoming the scheme because it will mean they will be able to park outside shops."

He said the money for a traffic management scheme had come from a Government grant following building the Skelton and Brotton bypass, which had meant the diversion of the A173 from going through Saltburn.

"There was wide consultation about the whole scheme, which has included pedestrian crossings on the main road through the town," said Coun Robinson.

Shopkeepers, too, welcomed the scheme, although one pointed out that a lowered pavement for wheelchairs and mothers with prams was now obscured by a new bus stop in Station Street.