Residents and businesses in Bishop Auckland are being handed a major boost with the creation of hundreds of new car parking spaces.

Durham County Council is set to invest around £800,000 in more than doubling the size of the Bondgate car park, near the Market Place.

The major investment will increase the car park’s current 170 spaces to around 400 spaces and it is hoped that work will commence next year.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration for Durham County Council, said: “We have listened to concerns raised by small businesses and the public about car parking in Bishop Auckland.

“As a result this investment is a long term one into the town centre of Bishop Auckland. This will ensure that the needs of people visiting Bishop Auckland’s businesses and retailers in the town centre are firmly met.

“In addition, this investment will support Auckland Castle Trust in their exciting plans in the town centre by ensuring those visiting Auckland Castle can park their cars nearby.

“We hope that this major investment will ensure that visitors, whether local or from much further afield, will be able to park in good quality facilities and make the most of all the town has to offer.”

There is free parking after 3pm in Durham County Council-run car parks across County Durham throughout December.

It is aimed at supporting small businesses and making Christmas shopping cheaper.

Parking will also be free from 10am on Saturday under the Small Business Saturday initiative.

For more information, visit durham.gov.uk/parking