TRADERS fear a parking catastrophe if city centre redevelopment begins without alternative spaces being created.

The latest start date for the much-delayed, multi-million pound Walkergate scheme, in Durham City, is November - when shops are enjoying their busiest period of the year in the build-up to Christmas.

The site, behind the Millennium City complex, has been a car park for many years.

The city council hopes to use part of The Sands - common land owned by the Freemen of Durham, and a nearby former post office site for parking - while construction takes place.

But a decision has yet to be announced on the outcome of the public inquiry held earlier this year on the use of The Sands, which was prompted by residents' objections.

Walkergate was originally due to have been finished this year, but the shape of the scheme has changed.

The plans by developer Amec are now for a hotel, multi-storey car park, apartments and bars and restaurants.

Colin Wilkes, of the Durham Markets Company and the Durham City Forum, which promotes trade in the city, said it would be "catastrophic" if work started without alternative parking space being available.

"We desperately hope that by the time they go on site we will have the post office site up and running and that by the end of the month we will have the decision from the inquiry and hopefully a portion of The Sands will be allocated for temporary parking.

"Hopefully, by starting in November they will still keep part of the site open for parking until January.''

He said there was already a perception that it was difficult to park in Durham that could put shoppers off visiting the city.

Amec has said there have been delays over the signing of tenancy agreements for the bars and restaurants.