CONTROVERSIAL proposals to charge for parking in the centre of Barnard Castle could be halted after councillors called for the decision to be investigated.

Six members of Teesdale District Council believe there was not enough consultation prior to last week's decision to impose charges and fear it could threaten trade in the town.

The councillors have requested that the authority's scrutiny committee examine the decision.

One of the signatories to the request, Councillor Richard Bell, said: "The traffic management committee has not been consulted. If this goes through and there is a public inquiry, it could be a lengthy and costly process.

"Also, in my personal view, it could affect the viability of the town centre, as many other market towns, which in effect we are in competition with, don't charge or have disc parking schemes."

Barnard Castle ward councillor David Blackie said: "My concern is that there is a conflict with a policy approved by the traffic management steering group along with other factors. I feel this should be scrutinised."

Last week, only one member of the social and environmental policy committee voted against introducing pay and display parking on the town centre cobbles.

Council's chief executive Charles Anderson said: "If a majority of the scrutiny committee agree, they can refer the matter back to the social and environmental policy committee."

Teesdale District Council has recently taken over the management of the cobbles from Raby Estates and argues that charges are needed to cover maintenance and health and safety liability. It expects to raise £45,000 a year from the 75 spaces.

The committee will meet next Wednesday, in Teesdale House, Galgate, Barnard Castle, at 10am.