TRADERS and disabled drivers are urging county councillors to change a town centre's controversial parking restrictions.
Traffic orders made by Durham County Council limit visits to Bishop Auckland's main shopping area, Newgate Street, to before 11.30am and after 4.30pm.Orange badge holders have branded the restrictions ridiculous and traders say they are discouraging them from visiting the town centre.
As part of The Northern Echo's Shopping for a Future campaign, which aims to champion the cause of small shopping centres, readers were asked their opinions of Bishop Auckland.
Angina and arthritis sufferer Ann Prince, of Newton Aycliffe, said: "There are disabled parking bays but hardly any time to use them.
"I need to get as close to the shops as I can but won't bother visiting Bishop Auckland again because of the difficult parking."
Action groups, retailers and disabled people have written to Durham County Council asking for an extension to the time parking bays outside shops can be used
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