SIGNS are to be put up alerting drivers to a free car park in Darlington town centre.

The decision to publicise the car park in Chesnut Street, which has about 185 spaces, was made after residents in Lodge Street complained about shoppers and commuters parking on their road.

John Ray, Darlington Borough Council's head of engineering and highways operations, said signs to encourage greater use of Chesnut Street should be in place by Easter.

"The car park is free during the day and I propose to incorporate this on the signs," he said.

"We will be signing the car park from Haughton Road and also from North Road."

Crown Street car park will close for expansion on Saturday, February 12, leaving the town centre with 250 less spaces.

But a council spokesman said there was spare capacity at car parks across the town and people should check the electronic notice boards for up-to-date information on available spaces.

The authority takes over East Street car park from NCP on April 1.

The car park's lower deck has 174 spaces and an upper deck, with 190 spaces, will open in May.

Crown Street will reopen as a multi-storey in December with 160 extra spaces - 410 in total.