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An MP says a council proposal to introduce parking charges at a seaside is "economically harmful".

Easington MP Grahame Morris joined residents and visitors in opposing Durham County Council's plans for Crimdon Beach car park.

Locals said the introduction of parking charges along the East Durham coast in Seaham had damaged the local economy.

But the local authority said it was the only North East council offering free parking at coastal sites, and the charges would reduce congestion during busy periods.

Morris told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "The economic damage caused by these charges was very much avoidable had Durham County Council listened to the thousands of objections from businesses, the public and visits."

Visitors to the seaside site could pay £1 per hour or £3 all day if the proposal is approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

"The consequence will be to drive people away from our coastline and local businesses into neighbouring areas which have better services and facilities that Durham County Council does not provide our coastline," added the MP.

The council denied local trade in Seaham had been impacted by the introduction of charges, claiming there were "nearly 15,000 more visits to Seaham in July this year compared with July 2023 when parking charges were not in place".

Lib Dem Councillor Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy, said: "Business units in Seaham Marina are now also fully occupied for the first time in its history, and we've also seen new businesses opening along the sea front since the charges were introduced."

Meanwhile, councillor Rob Crute urged the council to conduct another "thorough and meaningful public consultation" to understand the local opinions on the proposal.

"Members of the public, the business sector and visitors were ignored before parking charges were introduced at Seaham, and the result has been catastrophic for the town and several local businesses," said Crute.

"The same mistakes must not be repeated."

The final decision will be made by the council's corporate director under delegated powers.

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