A RENOVATED bus station, reduced car park prices, and an environmentally-friendly park-and-ride scheme are part of the Liberal Democrats' transport plan for Darlington.

Their plans attempt to "discourage unnecessary car use", while encouraging town centre shopping.

Transport and parking are likely to be key issues in next May's borough elections.

Earlier this week, Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for highways and transport, called the Conservatives "grossly irresponsible" for proposing free disc parking in the town.

A Lib Dem spokesman said: "It is important that, while we must support town centre businesses, we must at the same time do what we can to discourage unnecessary car use.

"We need new thinking about ways of getting people into the town centre, without cluttering up the streets.

"We need to encourage shoppers to return to Darlington town centre - and to stay there longer.

"The Liberal Democrats want to see the introduction of park-and-ride schemes. We want to see the introduction of low-emission, environmentally-friendly shuttle buses taking shoppers from park- and-ride schemes and from a renovated bus station to points around the town."

The Lib Dems also criticised the Conservatives' proposed free disc parking scheme.

"A disc-based scheme typically allows free parking for one or two hours. Traders would prefer a scheme where shoppers are encouraged to stay longer," the spokesman said. "What is needed is a system of reduced charges per hour, combined with pay-on-exit, so shoppers are not forced to rush back.

"The Conservatives' plans will also lead to further chaos on main roads into town, extended journey times, more pollution, and more drivers taking short-cuts through residential areas."