THE owner of a DIY store claims business has dropped by 30 per cent after a council crackdown on people parking in a loading bay outside his shop.

Jim Parkin, from Homeplan, in Newton Aycliffe, accused Durham County Council’s traffic enforcement officers of harassing his staff and customers after they started issuing warning notices to those parked in a loading bay – without checking if they were loading or not.

Dr Parkin is incensed after several vehicles, including his own van, received warning letters while they were being used for loading or unloading at the store.

He has now launched a petition against the parking enforcement which he claims is deterring people from visiting his shop on Greenwell Road.

Dr Parkin said: “When the police were in charge of enforcement they would come into the shop to ask about vehicles outside and check whether they were complying with the loading restrictions.

“But over the last four weeks since the new enforcement officers started people who have been using the bay legitimately have been targeted, it feels like my and customers and I are being harassed.

“My business takings have slumped by 30 per cent since the inception of the enforcement action.”

Dr Parkin also called for clarity on what loading actually means.

More than 750 people have signed his petition and Dr Parkin has also written to Durham County Council to express his frustration.

Dave Wafer, traffic manager for the council, said the new wardens are enforcing existing restrictions and warning letters are being issued where a parking contravention may have occurred.

He said: “The letter highlights that loading is permitted for as long as is necessary and as long as it is clear loading is taking place and the vehicle is not left unattended.

“We would like to remind drivers that loading bays exist to assist businesses with both deliveries and collections of bulky goods and should not be used for general parking.

“If, however, businesses feel that they would be better served by changing any current restrictions then we are more than happy to consider such requests.”