Protests against plans to turn part of a recreation area into a car park are gathering pace.

Durham City Council is proposing to turn 40 per cent of The Sands common land into a car park for up to two years, while the Walkergate development is built on a temporary car park nearby.

Fearing trade in the city will be affected if 380 parking spaces are lost, the council has applied for permission to create a car park on the green.

But they have met with resistance from residents, who said The Sands was one of the city centre's green lungs.

In just over a week, people living at The Sands have collected £2,000 for a campaign fund and have organised an action group. Chairman Will Johnson, from Ferens Park, said the action group plans to mount a legal challenge if the plans are approved.

He said: "It's absolutely amazing the strength of feeling against it."

However, there is also support for the car park. Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets Company and chairman of Durham City Forum, said the loss of nearly 400 car parking spaces would spell disaster for traders.

Ken Mackie, temporary city centre manager, said: "There has to be somewhere to park these cars that are currently on Walkergate."

Durham City Council has said it will carry out a full consultation with residents.