STOCKTON Borough Council is encouraging staff to take part in car-sharing as part of a two-year pilot scheme.

It has entered into a two-year agreement with English Partnerships, the owner of the former Co-op dairy site, near Municipal Buildings, Church Road, to use the vacant land for parking.

The site will be used by council staff who make the commitment to come to work together.

Limited car parking at Municipal Buildings results in staff using the town's public car parks.

It is hoped the car-sharing car park - which is not of suitable quality for public pay and display parking - will lead to fewer staff using public car parks.

Councillor Bob Cook, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "This project sees the council play a part in reducing the number of cars on the road and in improving the environment.

"We're not going to solve traffic and pollution problems overnight with a single scheme - it's about all of us doing our bit. But it all adds up in the end, and I hope this pilot proves a success so we can look at similar schemes at other council bases."

Council staff who need to use their car frequently during the day, surveillance centre staff, market traders and coaches will also be able to use the car park.

If successful, the council will look for an alternative venue for the car-sharing car park, as English Partnerships may redevelop the site for a different use in the future.