A NEW car park is to open in Durham next week to make way for the closure of another near the city centre, but with a net loss of 83 spaces.

The 190-space Framwelgate Peth car park, in the shadow of the city railway station, will close on Sunday, at 6pm, to make way for work on a new development.

But it will be replaced by a new parking area, for up to 107 vehicles, just a few hundred yards away near the junction of Framwelgate Waterside and Sidegate, alongside the River Wear.

Neil Smith, the city council's director of environmental services, advised motorists to use either the new car park or the existing Millburngate multi-storey car park. "If you used Framwelgate Peth for short stay parking it will now be best to use the Millburngate multi-storey instead.

"Long-stay parking is more appropriate at the new Fram-welgate Waterside car park."

Charges at the new car park will be £1.30 per visit, from Monday to Saturday, with opening from 8am to 6pm, and £1 at all other times.

Millburngate costs are £1 for up to two hours and £1.50 for up to four hours.

The Saturday park and ride service operating from County Hall means a car load of passengers can park and travel into the city by high frequency low-floor buses for a total charge of £1.