BUS drivers are being asked not to park outside Darlington Civic Theatre after complaints from residents.

Darlington Borough Council was asked to investigate traffic congestion at the Parkgate entrance to the theatre after complaints during last year's pantomime season.

People in the Parkgate and Borough Road areas complained about noise and pollution caused by buses waiting to collect theatregoers.

There were also concerns about the safety of children in the area.

A letter has been drawn up by the council and Darlington police asking bus drivers not to drop off passengers in Parkgate and not to use Borough Road as a waiting area.

The letter gives directions to a nearby coach park.

The letter reads: "Residents in Borough Road experience considerable inconvenience from traffic congestion. Fumes also cause a health hazard if coaches stand with their engines running."

Drivers are asked to ring the theatre to find out when productions finish, so they know when to return, and they are warned they will be asked to move on by police if they simply wait for passengers.