CHRISTMAS shoppers could benefit from a period of free parking in a town centre if new plans are approved.

Darlington Borough Council want to introduce free parking in all off-street short and long stay car parks after 3pm over the festive period.

The offer will run from the town’s Christmas lights switch on, on November 22, until January 2.

But last night, traders warned the move was not enough, and called for a “radical overhaul” in the council’s town centre approach.

A report for Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet members states that although the authority is predicting losing £25,000 in parking revenue as a result of the changes, they have made the decision in response to requests from retailers to support the Christmas shopping period with an "attractive parking offer”.

The offer will run alongside the two hours of free parking in council-owned long-stay car parks which was introduced earlier this year, meaning shoppers will be able to park for free from 1pm every day in some places.

After the two-hour scheme came into operation, the council confirmed car parking visits had increased by 6,000 year-on-year, and more than 5,000 free tickets had been dispensed within the first three weeks.

Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure and local environment, said the move will provide a “great boost” for shopping in the town centre.

“Darlington has a fantastic town centre – it is full of character and variety.

“With Binns, a number of independent traders, as well as a great leisure offering, if you want to shop in a town centre, Darlington is the number one choice.”

But Robin Blair, a market trader who has spent his whole life working in the town, called on the council to think of something “more exciting” to boost trade.

“It needs to be a permanent offering and not just for a few hours – after 3pm is no good for us.

“Christmas is not as good as it should be in Darlington and now we have lost M&S, which was a big draw at Christmas – all the long queues will be at Teesside Park and West Park rather than in the town centre.

“It is time for the council to have a radical overhaul – they need to come up with something more exciting. We've seen this all before.”

Louise Dobson, from Three Squares Cafe in Darlington, said: "I’d like to think it was a nice idea as it could potentially attract family shopping after the school run.

"However, it might just be too little too late. There’s just too many empty shops and big names missing.

"I don’t think the council can do anything to improve the lack of shops. Maybe if the free parking had come in sooner it might have helped but we just don’t know.

"I’m just at a bit of a loss with the town centre now – nothing seems to be helping."

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman described the move as a “good idea” and urged shoppers to visit town centres as they were more “vibrant”.

The report also confirmed Darlington would be lit up with Christmas lights again this year, with the project being funded by money set aside to be spent on the town centre.

The confirmation follows concerns that Christmas would be cancelled last year following the demise of the town’s Distinct Darlington, but the council later found the money available to fund the lights.

The plans will be discussed before the council’s cabinet members on Tuesday.