Frustration as doubt cast on claims of parking woes in Middleton-in-Teesdale

FRUSTRATED councillors have hit back at officials for “not accepting” their parking concerns in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Answers were demanded from Durham County Council at Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin parish council.

A meeting in July saw no fewer than 14 sites considered for new parking to ease the burden on existing spaces.

But county planning manager Stephen Reed revealed highway teams were “not entirely convinced” that the case for more parking was strong.

He added: “The perception of officers who visit Middleton is that while the main car park is well used and there can be issues on busy days in the centre, this is down to the preference of people who want to find a space in this vicinity.”

Mr Reed said directions to the long stay sports and social club car park off Rose Terrace were not being followed.

“There is some space in front of the GP surgery and in front of shops on the way out of town (north),” he added.

“If there is full business and community support, as implied, then these areas could perhaps be explored further together with the school and especially the auction mart.”

In the meantime, clerk Judith Mashiter said the county council had offered to do a walk of the village.

However, Cllr John Miller was unhappy with the county’s verdicts thus far.

He said: “I still don’t think the council accept what we say. It does happen a lot on certain days – they are still not accepting the fact we cannot get a car space.”

Cllr Lynne Oxby added: “I think they should come on a Tuesday, I could not get a space at 8.30am – if they walk about at night there will be nobody there.

“I’ve had to reverse right back down the hill from the doctors’ which is dangerous.”

A bid for the public to use auction mart car park was put on ice earlier this month due to security concerns from the mart owners. Cllr Christine Gilbert added: “When we asked for parking at the old school they said it was not needed.”

Some blame for the parking impasse was also put at the door of villagers taking their cars to work rather than walking. Cllr Andy Mitchell had an idea to convince county officials of the problem.

He said: “I think we have got to be proactive and get photographic evidence – if we document evidence we can take it to them.”

Members agreed to take photos to prove their point.