CHANGES to parking arrangements in a North-East town have been approved – but may be "too little, too late" to help traders, according to a senior councillor.

A raft of improvements to parking in Darlington – including a temporary park and ride scheme and three hours for the price of two in some car parks –were given the go-ahead at a full meeting of Darlington Borough Council this evening.

That was not before a lengthy debate in the council chamber.

The changes were proposed by the ruling Labour group in response to criticism from traders and fears for the future of the town centre, in the face of competition from online retailers and out-of-town shopping centres.

Council leader Bill Dixon said the changes were designed to support planned developments in the town centre, including the multi-million pound Feethams Leisure scheme, which got under way earlier this week.

Parking was also discussed in a cabinet meeting, which preceded the full council meeting.

Councillor Heather Scott, leader of the opposing Conservative group, told cabinet members: “While I welcome what is happening here, it’s a pity you did not come to this decision much earlier.

“There is a problem with shoppers coming in to the town centre and I think that the damage has probably already been done for some traders.

“I hope it’s not too little, too late.”

Cllr Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure, accused the Tories of a "one-eyed response" to the proposals.

He said: “The challenges Darlington faces are no different from many others – online, rents, business rates.

“What we have done, as a group, is try to make Darlington as attractive a place to come as possible.”

Despite the debate, the measures received cross-party support at the full council meeting.

Cllr Alan Coultas, Conservative, said: “We have to support the town centre and try to get back those people we have lost to other places.

“But we have got to face up to the fact that there are people who live in this town who do not chose Darlington as their shopping destination.”

Cllr Dixon admitted that a park and ride service may not be viable in a town of Darlington’s size.

He said the six-week trial agreed to, which will see shuttle buses running between Darlington College and the town centre, on Saturdays, for six weeks in October and November, was an innovative solution to parking problems in the town.