A COUNCIL has collected over £100,000 in fees since it brought in parking charges across part of Hambleton three months ago.

Hambleton District Council brought in car park charges in Thirsk, Northallerton and Stokesley last October.

It was hoped the fees would help fill a £450,000 budget black-hole despite criticism of them from locals.

Sowerby Parish Council last week decided to ask the district authority how much money it had so far raised from the charges.

It suggested that if the machines were not generating funds then perhaps they should be removed.

The amount so far collected via the charges is £101,301.50 but the district says the figure could change due to VAT.

There are also the day to day running costs such as cash collecting to deduct from the amount.