A petition has been launched by a concerned business owner to scrap newly introduced parking charges along the County Durham seafront following a significant drop in trade.

Debbie Turner, who owns Mr Jacob's Sweet Emporium at Seaham Marina, says she has entered her eighth week of making a loss after the charges were put into enforcement by Durham County Council on April 15.

Under the scheme, motorists who visit six car parks along the seafront must pay £1 per hour or £3 all day to park to bring the area "in line" with others across the region. 

In an effort to save her business, Debbie has launched a petition on change.org and has nearly reached 1,000 signatures, writing that people are "desperate".

Debbie said: "The businesses at Seaham Harbour and the Marina have been suffering since the introduction of parking charges by Durham County Council.

"Footfall has dropped and takings have decreased by at least 40% some are as much as 70% down.  All the businesses in Seaham understand that people are fed up with hearing about these parking charges, but the people of Seaham do not understand the impact this is having on the businesses in Seaham, that employ many people of Seaham."

She added: "Businesses are now desperate, we need your support more than ever. Lots of people have lost their jobs already and this is only the start, once summer is over many more people will lose their jobs and lots of businesses are planning on closing their doors for good. 

"Business owners are already sacrificing their salaries to keep some staff employed and businesses open, but this won't be possible when Autumn and Winter hits. 

"You now have a chance of saving your local community and the businesses that are the life and soul of a vibrant Seaham Community, we hope the people in power will listen before it's too late."

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £3 for 3 months for a limited time only here.

Durham County Council have confirmed they are aware of the petition.

Mark Jackson, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “The new charges are limited to seven locations and people can still park for free in numerous other sites around Seaham town centre, all of which are a short distance from the sea front.

“Our teams have been working in Seaham since the charges came in, looking out for any parking and traffic issues which may arise, and will continue to make regular visits.”