After-hours parking at a supermarket is finally available after a long campaign by the community and their MP - though some are worried that improvements do not go far enough. 

Residents of Consett will now be able to park after hours in the Iceland car park on Medomsley Road, for a "small fee". 

Previously, residents have racked up significant fines when using the car park after the store has closed. 

But some members of the community are not pleased with these changes - saying they do not go far enough, and that it is a "tiny victory" for MP Richard Holden and lobbyists.

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Richard Holden said: "The closure of the Iceland car park in central Consett after hours has been unfair and highly disruptive to many constituents.

"The car park is essential to Consett's economy, both in the day and at night. Recently, the management of the car park banned parking after 8 pm altogether, where it was free before. 

"The idea that people cannot park there after hours at all is just not acceptable. So I have been campaigning hard with the landlord and management of the car park to change things.

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"Most recently, I requested a meeting with the landlord and the British Parking Association in Westminster. 

"Following this, they have now agreed to my proposal for a small fee for after-hours parking after my request for a meeting in London.

"The car park plays an important part in the local community, enabling residents to park their cars to attend local theatre, bars and restaurants. I am delighted that this will continue through the evening, without fears of extortionate fines."

When the changes come in, charges will be £2 for two hours and £3 for three hours. 

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However, a number of residents are unhappy with these changes, believing that the car park should return to free operation after hours.

David Jennings said: "Just not good enough. Once they have payment facilities at the site, how long will it be before you have to pay during the day?"

Emma Wood said: "I appreciate the efforts you have made, but Consett is a small town, not a city, and paying to park when you're supporting local facilities/economics isn't right."