FRESH demands have been made for changes to an on-street parking scheme in Darlington town centre.

Darlington Borough Council installed parking meters in several streets in and around the centre last November - to the fury of many traders.

The council faced criticism from independent business owners, who feared that they could be hit by a slump in trade.

And this week, Conservative councillors have stepped up their efforts for the situation to be relaxed.

Councillor Jim Ruck is writing to the council's development and environment director, John Buxton, to ask for further information.

He has backed calls from Grange Road traders for the parking limit to be extended from one hour to two hours.

He said: "We don't think the town hall is in receipt of the current trading information.

"I will ask for the current trading figures and any relevant information with regards to monitoring."

A council spokesman said yesterday that Mr Buxton had agreed to look into extending the waiting period.