A NEW councillor is celebrating his first success after appealing for improved safety at a town centre car park.

John Hart, the newly elected Durham County Councillor for Tow Law, raised concerns about the car park outside the Co-op in the centre of the town after being approached by nearby resident Janet Mercer.

Ms Mercer said the car park was an accident waiting to happen as the signage directing cars through the one-way system had worn away.

Ms Mercer said: “We had cars coming in where they should only be going out which not only could cause a crash but was also dangerous for pedestrians.”

Ms Mercer contacted Councillor Hart after receiving his election leaflet through the door.

Councillor Hart, who at this point was only a candidate for the seat, tracked down the owners and within days new signs had been painted to direct traffic through the car park.

He said: “When Janet contacted me I was only too happy to help and to be fair, once I had raised the issue with the owner they responded very quickly.

“The role of a councillor is to listen to people’s concerns and try and address the issues affecting them.

“I want the people in the Tow Law ward to know that I am available, approachable and accessible to help them with their ideas to improve their communities.”

Coun Hart has also worked with the owners of the nearby housing estate to clean up the area around the former cattle market in the centre of Tow Law.