SPLASHES of new yellow paint appeared in Saltburn town centre this week when new parking restrictions came into effect.

Shopkeepers and staff reacted with horror at the reduction in parking spaces and drawing of 100 pairs of "double flashes" on kerbs denoting parking bans, even for disabled motorists.

Parking wardens were out in force to impose the new regulations. They moved on several motorists parked in "loading only" spaces and issued some tickets.

Eric Cresswell, of South Shields, who was delivering furniture to Watson's store opposite the station, was ordered to move his van from a corner spot with the double flashes newly painted.

"I'd never heard of these yellow flashes on the kerb and I've been delivering here for 20 years," he said.

Shop owner Andrew Watson said he had been promised a loading spot opposite his shop, but the only place available was round the corner in Station Street.

"It's ludicrous for us to have to walk round the corner with heavy items. I'm not against restrictions, but I didn't realise the town was going to lose as many parking spots and only have two loading areas."

Anne Yoxall, of the post office in Station Street, had a discussion with parking wardens and said: "I've rung Redcar and Cleveland Council about this because the restrictions are awful for business people from a security point of view. There's also no consideration for people living in flats above shops."

Another motorist said: "It will kill Saltburn. One of the staff in the chemists parked at 8.30am, but had to move to Albion Terrace by 9am."

The flash lines will cut double parking near King's newsagents and the Queen Hotel and any parking near the clock where buses have a problem turning.

A council spokesman said yellow marks on kerbs meant loading and unloading was banned, but it was allowed on roads where there were single or double yellow lines.

"The kerb lines are common in town centres and are in place in Redcar and Guisborough." They had been designed with the help of the Saltburn community.