A County Durham seafront business owner has been left fearing for her future as she claims the number of customers at her shop has declined by 70% following the introduction of parking charges.

Seaham Marina is now a “ghost town” according to Sharon Clark, 50, who runs dessert spot Nicey Icey which has seen a slump in business since parking charges were introduced.

The charges, introduced by Durham County Council have seen motorists pay £1 per hour or £3 per day to park in spots up and down the coast since April 15.

This was to bring the town “in line” with others along the coast but multiple businesses have spoken out claiming it has had an adverse effect on their takings.

Sharon told the Echo: “Business has just been absolutely horrendous. You stand there some days and there are no customers in the shop, no cars in the car park.

“The sun is blaring, and we have empty tables and chairs. There are just no customers around. It’s like a ghost town.

“Before the parking charges came in, you would have people sitting on the steps outside waiting for you to open so they could come in. But now, you are standing around waiting for customers to come.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking. The council have taken Seaham back 20 or 30 years.”

A petition was recently launched by one business owner in an effort to get the parking charges scrapped.

Debbie Turner, who owns nearby Mr Jacob's Sweet Emporium started the petition after she made her eighth consecutive weekly loss.

As of today (June 25) the online petition has nearly 2,000 signatures.

Debbie told the Echo that businesses are “desperate” as they look for a solution but lots of people are planning on closing their doors for good.

A petition was recently launched by one business owner in an effort to get the parking charges scrapped.

“We aren't staying afloat now, and this is the summer months. You do get a few busy hours but then there is nobody around.

“How long do you give it before you say enough is enough? Someone needs to listen before it is too late. The council has taken everything away from the Marina.”

As the summer holidays loom, Debbie is still concerned that business won’t improve

“I’m very concerned because even if we get a good couple of weeks the weather may be against us. With that and the parking charges, it’s a double whammy.

“People are just not coming down whether it’s rain or shine.”

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A Durham County Council spokesperson said: “It is always disappointing to hear of any business having difficulties but it would be inappropriate for us to comment on an individual company.

“The charges bring us into line with many other councils nationally and regionally that charge for coastal parking and are limited to seven locations in Seaham. Free parking is still available at many other sites around the town centre - all of which are a short distance from the seafront and marina.

“We’ve also tried to keep our charges affordable, at £1 for an hour and £3 for a full day.”