Plans to introduce parking charges at another County Durham seaside town are slammed
A council proposal to introduce parking charges at another County Durham seaside hotspot has been labelled as "economically harmful and short-sighted" by an MP.
Grahame Morris, the MP for Easington, has joined hundreds of residents and visitors in opposing Durham County Council's proposed parking charges for Crimdon Beach Car Park.
If the proposal is approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, September 18, visitors to the popular seaside spot could be charged £1 per hour or £3 for all-day parking.
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Locals have voiced concerns that the introduction of parking charges up the East Durham coast in Seaham has negatively impacted local businesses and harmed the local economy. The Labour MP has urged the council to support coastline businesses instead of penalising them by reviewing existing charges.
Mr Morris stated: "The economic damage caused by these charges was very much avoidable had Durham County Council listened to the thousands of objections from businesses, the public and visits."
"I ask that you do not make the same mistake again and support the economic development and help us attract people to the coastline by rejecting this proposal to extend parking charge to Blackhall and Crimdon."
He further added: "The consequence will be to drive people away from our coastline and local businesses into neighbouring areas which have better services and facilities that Durham County Council does not provide on our coastline."
In response to criticism about coastal parking charges, the local authority remarked that it remains the only council in the North East that does not charge for parking by the sea a measure aimed at reducing congestion during the peak seasons.
Authorities have refuted claims suggesting sliding commerce in Seaham. Councillor Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy, highlighted an upturn saying, "There were nearly 15,000 more visits to Seaham in July this year compared with July 2023 when parking charges were not in place."
The Lib Dem councillor further noted burgeoning local businesses: "Business units in Seaham Marina are now also fully occupied for the first time in its history, and we've also seen new businesses opening along the sea front since the charges were introduced. There's clearly plenty of confidence in Seaham as a choice location for doing business."
Moreover, to counter thoughtless parking, yellow lines will soon stripe the car park to deter "obstructive" drivers.
Expounding on the benefits of proper parking management, Cllr Scott asserted: "By effectively managing available parking spaces through these measures, we can help visitors access the coastline, and make visiting more attractive and encouraging return visits. It would also help us to better maintain the heritage coast and the protected habitats in this area."
Yet, county Councillor Rob Crute insists that a fresh "thorough and meaningful public consultation" is essential to truly gauge community sentiment regarding these regulations.
He commented: "Members of the public, the business sector and visitors were ignored before parking charges were introduced at Seaham, and the result has been catastrophic for the town and several local businesses. The same mistakes must not be repeated."
The ultimate decision on the matter will rest with the council's corporate director, who holds delegated authority to make such calls.