A County Durham MP has welcomed the council's decision to review parking restrictions after shoppers and traders were unable to access the high street.
Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, raised concerns with Durham County Council about the 'excessive' parking measures and traffic issues in Consett, Crook and Willington after shops had reopened.
Parking restrictions had been put in place due to the Covid-19 social distancing guidelines for the reopening of non-essential shops this week.
However, shoppers complained they could not access the town centres or shop premises, with some receiving parking tickets.
Traders and store owners also complained staff had nowhere to park - and the lack of facilities were putting off shoppers.
The Durham MP raised these complaints over the "excessive" measures to the council and also his concerns with disabled and elderly residents who find it "impossible" to access the town centre.
But now, Richard welcomes the news from the council to monitor the parking restrictions. He said: “It’s great that the council have u-turned on their blanket approach and are now following Government guidance.
“Traffic issues in Willington should be cleared up tomorrow, and there is progress in other towns and villages too. My team have been relaying constituents concerns throughout.
“It’s vital that we get our High Streets back up and running as quickly and safely as possible now.”
Dave Wafer, Head of transport and contract services at Durham County Council, said: “These temporary measures are to ensure that people can maintain safe social distance as non-essential retail starts to re-open this week.
"We have evaluated the conditions in town centres across the county to try and widen footpaths where possible which has necessitated the loss of some parking spaces.
“These short-term measures are being put in place to safeguard the general public and they will be continually monitored and adjusted as necessary as people begin to return to our town centres.
"We are trying to accommodate traders, visitors and shoppers where possible and we have officers on the ground in all locations, making any necessary changes as the situation is being monitored.”
