Shoppers face parking charges

The move means that shoppers will have to pay to park in the centre of Bishop Auckland for the first time.

And there could be new charges for short term spaces in Crook Market Place, where parking has always been free.

Wear Valley District Council claims that its new car parking strategy will boost business by freeing up spaces now occupied all day by workers.

Officers have identified nearly 600 suitable spaces in Kingsway, Victoria Avenue, Tenters Street, North Bondgate and the Newgate Centre.

Long stay places for workers will be at South Terrace, Kingsway, the top floor of the Newgate Centre and at the new Asda store.

Pay and display charges were set at the council's budget meeting earlier this year. They are 30p for the first hour, 80p to two hours and £1 60p for three hours. Long stay tickets in designated areas will cost £3 per day or £7 a week.

A traffic order is being drafted for public consultation and charges will be introduced in stages from the autumn.

In addition, the council is in talks with Durham County Council over charging for on-street parking in the central area.

Although Bishop Auckland traders have campaigned for seven years for short term parking, some feel that the council has ignored their views that there should be a free initial period.

Shoppers questioned as part of The Advertiser and Northern Echo's Shopping for a Future campaign, which champions the cause of small shopping centres, also called for free parking periods.

In Crook, there are fears that charges could spell disaster for some businesses. One trader said: "I can't see how charging people for parking will help my business.

"We want the market place freeing up for shoppers, but people just wouldn't come to Crook if they had to pay."

The council also plans a programme of physical improvements to the car parks, including better signs, security measures and display and information boards to help visitors find their way around.