RESIDENTS came out in force to protest at plans to build a multi-storey car park in Darlington, yesterday.

About 30 people from The Friends of North Lodge Park and residents from the area gathered at Kendrew Street car park to protest at plans to build a ten-level multi-storey car park there as part of the Queen Street shopping centre expansion.

The Kendrew Street car park, opposite the historic North Lodge Park, on Gladstone Street, is on the edge of the conservation area.

Residents feel it is not a suitable place for a multi-storey car park, which would look out of place.

Yvonne Richardson, chairman of The Friends of North Lodge Park, said the group was not against the new shopping centre, but fear extra cars using the 800-space car park would result in a rise in pollution.

She said the area was one of the most deprived in the town, and the park provides a safe place for children to play, something the Government has outlined as essential for neighbourhood renewal.

The entrance to the multi-storey will be from St Augustine's Way, which planners said would reduce traffic on Gladstone Street, making the area safer.

But Mrs Richardson felt Gladstone Street would become a rat run for drivers avoiding the ring road, which would be even more congested by cars using the multi-storey.

She said: "Congestion in the town centre is bad enough without creating more problems with a bigger car park. Why can't they have a park and ride scheme, somewhere out near the new football stadium?

"That way it would be more environmentally friendly, congestion in the town wouldn't be as bad and the problem of parking for football fans at the ground would be solved."

Outline plans for the shopping centre, leisure complex and multi-storey car park were passed last week, and planners said a study into pollution showed the multi-storey would have a negligible affect.

A council spokesman said that the park and ride idea was not suitable for the development.

"The scheme is designed to accommodate all motor transport and clearly there has to be sufficient car parking within walking distance of the shopping centre."