An MP says a council proposal to introduce parking charges at another County Durham seaside hotspot is “economically harmful and short-sighted”. 

Grahame Morris, MP for Easington, joined hundreds of residents and visitors in opposing Durham County Council’s proposal for Crimdon Beach Car Park. 

Visitors to the seaside site could pay £1 per hour or £3 all day if the proposal is approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, September 18. 

Locals say the introduction of parking charges up the East Durham coast in Seaham has affected local business trade and damaged the local economy. The Labour MP urged the council to support coastline businesses instead of penalising them by reviewing existing charges. 

Mr Morris said: “The economic damage caused by these charges was very much avoidable had Durham County Council listened to the thousands of objections from businesses, the public and visits. 

“I ask that you do not make the same mistake again and support the economic development and help us attract people to the coastline by rejecting this proposal to extend parking charge to Blackhall and Crimdon.”

He added: “The consequence will be to drive people away from our coastline and local businesses into neighbouring areas which have better services and facilities that Durham County Council does not provide on our coastline.”

However, the local authority said it is the only North East council offering free parking at coastal sites - and the charges would reduce congestion during busy periods.

And it played down suggestions that local trade in Seaham has been impacted. 

“There were nearly 15,000 more visits to Seaham in July this year compared with July 2023 when parking charges were not in place,” said Councillor Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy. 

The Lib Dem councillor added: “Business units in Seaham Marina are now also fully occupied for the first time in its history, and we’ve also seen new businesses opening along the sea front since the charges were introduced. There’s clearly plenty of confidence in Seaham as a choice location for doing business.”

Double yellow lines are also set to be painted at the car park to prevent “obstructive” parking. 

Cllr Scott said: “By effectively managing available parking spaces through these measures, we can help visitors access the coastline, and make visiting more attractive and encouraging return visits. It would also help us to better maintain the heritage coast and the protected habitats in this area.”

Recommended reading: 

Subscribe to The Northern Echo now.

Yet county Councillor Rob Crute urged the council to conduct another “thorough and meaningful public consultation” to understand the local opinions on the proposal. 

He said: “Members of the public, the business sector and visitors were ignored before parking charges were introduced at Seaham, and the result has been catastrophic for the town and several local businesses. The same mistakes must not be repeated.”

The final decision will be made by the council’s corporate director under delegated powers.