WEAR Valley District Council has announced that its staff car parks in Crook are available for public use.

Terry Carlton, facilities manager at Wear Valley District Council, said: "The council car parks located at the back of the Civic Centre are open to the public for free after 6pm until about 8am the next day when the council staff start arriving."

Andrew Hall, chairman of Crook Community Partnership said: "I am sure that residents who live behind the council offices and visitors to Crook will find access to the three car parks of value for use on weekday nights and at weekends.

"With the introduction of parking restrictions, these car parks will alleviate the concerns of other people."

The council is hoping to introduce signs at the car parks to show the information.