WORK on Durham's long-awaited park and ride scheme could start in the New Year.

Durham County Council says development on the three sites could be completed in time for next Christmas.

The scheme is the final phase of a strategy to reduce parking and traffic problems in the city centre with an aim to encourage commuters, shoppers and tourists to leave their vehicles on the outskirts of the city and travel in by bus.

The Government said that funding is provisionally in place for the project and the council said it has approved the purchase of the land needed despite objections to compulsory purchase orders, which led to a public inquiry earlier this year.

The scheme already has planning permission and the council hopes work could start in March.

Almost 1,200 spaces will be created at Belmont, at Howlands Farm, South Road, and at Sniperley.

The council's deputy chief executive of environment, Chris Tunstall, said the unrelenting growth in traffic and increasing demand for parking in the centre had made park and ride essential.

"They will provide shoppers, commuters and visitors with high quality, secure parking for their cars and a reliable and stress-free alternative to driving into the city."