BUSINESS owners fed up with new parking charges confirmed yesterday that they would be withdrawing sponsorship for council projects in Darlington.

Gallerina proprietors Richard Hindle and Gwen Brown threatened to pull out of borough council schemes in December, in protest at the charges introduced in Duke Street.

The authority imposed the charges in the street and other parts of town, to the fury of many independent traders.

Gallerina's owners were livid when a customer called into the shop for a few minutes to collect a piece of artwork.

When he returned to his car he discovered he had been given a £60 parking ticket.

Mr Hindle said yesterday that they were withdrawing funding from some council projects.

"As far as we're concerned, we have decided to withdraw some, if not all, of our sponsorship and we're currently redeveloping the rear of the property to provide free parking for our customers," he said.

"We're also opening on Sundays when these stupid parking regulations, the council's own 'welcome to Darlington' initiative, aren't in force."

Gallerina sponsors two council roundabouts and has also supported events at the Civic Theatre.

But Mr Hindle said: "We now feel that money could be better spent elsewhere."

The council insists that the charges scheme has been well-publicised and advise that visitors who are not familiar with the town centre should check about parking costs before they stop.