PARKING provision in Stockton town centre will change next month with the introduction of parking meters.

Council officials said the pay and display meters will help local shops and businesses by increasing the turnover of spaces available for customers and visitors.

Thirty-minute short-stay spaces will come into force on September 10 in Yarm Lane, Yarm Street, Norton Road, Park Terrace and Bridge Road.

Charges will be 20p for 30 minutes and £1 for a maximum stay of one hour. Some existing yellow lines will be removed to allow extra street parking.

Formal long-stay parking bays are also proposed in Bath Lane, Bath Place and King Street to improve road safety and control commuter parking.

Parking attendants will also be on patrol in a bid to reduce crime.

Market traders and coach parking has been provided on the former ACC Dairy site, in Bishop Street, Stockton.

Stockton Borough Council has been working with the owners of the site to create up to nine spaces for coaches.

Councillor Bob Cook, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "The changes will lead to a more appropriate use of available spaces in the town."