THE biggest park and ride scheme in the region was given the go-ahead yesterday with the long-awaited announcement of almost £9m of Government financial help.

As expected, Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins announced the Government will finance the project that will see Durham City ringed by three park and ride sites, with travellers ferried into the historic city centre by bus.

Work started in January at the first of the three sites - at Belmont, near the A1(M) interchange - in anticipation of yesterday's formal announcement of Government funding for the county's Local Transport Plan.

Construction is expected to start later this year at two further park and ride sites - at Sniperley and the Cock of the North - creating a total of about 1,200 parking spaces.

The work, which is due to be completed by Christmas, is designed to ease peak-time congestion in the city centre and alleviate Durham's parking problems.

Ms Atkins said: "The scheme fully meets the Government's aims for transport. It will improve access to and promote the vitality of Durham City centre as a major employment, shopping and tourist centre as well as protecting its unique historic environment."

Durham County Council, which is developing the scheme, welcomed the news.

Deputy chief executive Chris Tunstall said: "We are very pleased that the money for this scheme has been confirmed and are now making arrangements for the main work to start in the week beginning April 4."