A petition urging the landowners of a Consett retail park to reconsider their recent changes to parking rules has been signed by more than 1,000 people according to its organiser.

The new parking rules at Hermiston Retail Park, imposed in July 2024, were met with considerable disapproval from residents, with many expressing their frustrations on social media.

A 'no return within two hours' rule, maximum three-hour stay during regular hours, and mandatory vehicle registrations for 24/7 gym members for free parking have been put in place in the Consett retail park.

Kathryn Rooney, Liberal Democrat councillor for Consett North launched the petition.

(Image: Kathryn Rooney)

She said: "The car park owners should be supporting the local community, rather than threatening massive fines if someone pops back for something they'd forgotten."

The online petition now boasts more than 1,000 signatures and Cllr Rooney expects an additional 500 to 600 signatures from in-person solicitations.

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Worries were also raised about Consett's taxi firms being unfairly hit by the changes.

Cllr Rooney revealed one firm she had spoken to visits the car park more than 1,000 times and had expressed concerns it would be affected by the 'no return within two hours' rule.

"The locals are angry and several have said they will boycott the shops which is not what I want to happen," Cllr Rooney said.

"We need to protect what shops we have in the town.

"I fear people from out of the area who maybe visit once a month could stop coming at all if they get a fine and local people have said if they do get a fine they definitely wouldn’t use the car park again."

Car park operator Euro Car Parks has not responded to requests for a comment.