A BUSINESS owner has voiced fears over the impact of parking charges in Darlington town centre.

The borough council installed parking meters in 24 streets in Darlington last November.

Motorists are being charged 80p an hour, to the anger of some independent traders who are concerned about a potential loss of trade.

Earlier this week, The Northern Echo revealed that the council had made more than £112,000 since the introduction of the charges.

Kate Saint, who runs a ladies' fashion shop in Grange Road, said the one-hour limit was not enough for the majority of shoppers.

"When people are coming into town to spend any amount of money, one hour is simply not enough," she said.

"I would think every shop in Grange Road would disagree that these charges are good for trade.

"One hour is not enough to park up, go down to the market, get your shopping and go."

Council leader John Williams said Grange Road was full every day of shoppers parking short-term, rather than long-stay commuters.