Durham County Council has proposed parking charges at Crimdon Dene's sea-front which could see visitors paying £1 per hour or £3 for a full day.

The new plans have provoked a mixed response from readers of The Northern Echo.

Faye McGowan voiced her complaints about destroying tourism, saying: "Enough is enough!! Honestly, they are ruining the tourism side taking away the free parking.

"That cafe will suffer in time."

John Bayles voiced frustration at the constant inflow of new charges, saying: "Everything you do these days it’s just charge, charge, charge.

"Is there going to be anything we can do without a charge on it?"

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However, some residents have said cheaper parking alternatives exist. Philip Connor said: "Just go to Black Hall or Hawthorn further up the coast."

Meanwhile, Richard Kevern Randall voiced his reluctance towards the changes saying: "Going to put off lots of dog walkers. I'd not pay to park there."

In addition, Joanne Benford said: "I wouldn't mind if they used the money to clean up the litter and dog muck, it's filthy!"

James Stothard criticised the council, saying: "Durham County Council just don't care."

While Christine Moses made a point about public transport saying: "It’s not on a bus route for those with no cars.

"The amount of good people who litter pick for free try their hardest so let’s hope they pay for all the dog dirt to be cleaned up, it’s a lovely beach."

Rachel Carhart said: "How on Earth does paying £1 an hour encourage more people to visit? East Durham deprived area, high crime, short life expectancy, pretty much ignored by the council."