Over two thousand people have signed a petition calling on Darlington Borough Council to keep the two hours free parking offer which was originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2019.
The Labour and Liberal Democrat coalition cancelled the 2 hours free offer after taking control of the Council after the May 2023 local elections.
After the announcement by Darlington Borough Council the town’s MP Peter Gibson had already been contacted by dozens of concerned local businesses and residents.
Peter Gibson then organised a petition which were handed to dozens of local town centre businesses who have been collecting signatures over the past month. Hundreds of petitioners have signed the paper copies of the petition, with more than 800 signing up via the MP’s website.
Darlington’s MP Peter Gibson said “The strength of feeling locally about this decision has been reflected in the hundreds of people adding their name to the petition in a few short weeks.
“I have had lots of conversations with residents and business owners about the impact of withdrawing the 2 hours free parking offer, people are genuinely concerned, and have already begun to see a decline.
“I will be presenting the final petition in the House of Commons to make sure my constituents voices heard loud and clear, that this is a dreadful decision, and a decision which need not have been taken.
“I’m asking Labour and Liberal Democrat coalition to think again and listen to the people and businesses, who are concerned for the future of Darlington’s high street”
