A COUNCIL has been criticised by householders over the cost of a controversial new residents’ parking scheme.

Some householders in and around Southend Avenue have criticised the Darlington Borough Council scheme, which came into force this week, as expensive and restrictive.

They have also complained about having to pay £50 for their permits in the first year, and £25 in subsequent years, while people in the parking scheme around the new Darlington College in Haughton Road get theirs free.

But other residents have welcomed the scheme as a solution to problems caused by town centre shoppers and workers using the area for free parking.

John Atherton, who lives in Oakdene Avenue, accused the council of using the scheme to make money.

“The fact that it costs £50 to park outside your own house is a disgrace, especially when we pay road tax and rates,” said the 41-year-old. “It seems like a money-making scheme to me.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, complained the scheme made no provision for visitors.

She said this meant her mother, who did not live with her but looked after her children every day while she was at work, would have problems parking.

She also said the £50 charge was unfair as not all residents in the town’s parking schemes had to pay.

“I think that is very, very unfair,”

she said. “But it is more the inconvenience than anything else. I don’t know why they can’t issue visitors’ permits.”

A Southend Avenue resident also had issues with the cost. He and his wife have two cars and think the council should allow cars registered at the same address to share a permit.

“We pay enough council tax as it is,” he said.

However, some welcomed the scheme.

Retired resident Norman Brown, 77, said: “Before the scheme, people were parking here and going off to the station to York or into town and not coming back until 6pm. I think it is working well.”

Full-time father Jim Eason, of Oakdene Avenue, agreed: “Before, you just couldn’t park here at all. It was very frustrating when you went to the shops and couldn’t park when you got back.”

A council spokesman said: “Residents were consulted about the scheme, and advised about the charges, and the consensus was that it should go ahead.

“Each car must have its own permit but drivers are not obliged to buy a permit as they can still park in areas not marked as part of the scheme.

“These unmarked spaces can also be used by visitors, as we do not operate a visitor permit scheme.

“There is no charge for the residents’ parking scheme around the college as the council’s cabinet decided that parking issues in this area were mainly caused by the relocation of the college, rather than existing traffic problems.”