A BIKER whose machine was badly damaged in a car park is appealing for a witness to come forward.

Nissan worker Kevin Nicholson, 38, of Pelton, needs the man to get in touch because he has evidence for his compensation claim.

Mr Nicholson said his £3,500 Honda CBR 600 suffered £1,200 damage, while it was parked in the Chester-le-Street Council-run car park, behind the Woolworth store, in Front Street.

He said he chained it to poles that were awaiting a ticket machine being fitted to them, but when he returned ten minutes later the machine was lying on one side.

"The stand had sunk into the tarmac. It was freshly laid but it wasn't coned off," said Mr Nicholson.

"This bloke was sitting in his car and was looking at the bike. He saw it go over and was going to pick it up but thought I would think he had knocked it over.

"I need to get this witness as he is the key to my compensation claim."

He said that the council's insurers were disputing that the damage could have been caused in the way.

The incident happened on the morning of Wednesday, May 2. The witness was in a white Vauxhall Cavalier.

Mr Nicholson can be contacted on 0191-3700530 or (07855) 589681.