A FRESH plea has been made by a local MP for car parking to remain free in Northumberland’s most heavily populated area.

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell says imposing charges in towns such as Blyth and Cramlington would be against the wishes of thousands of local people who signed a petition he organised last year. He says he has recently been lobbied by owners of small businesses in his constituency, who see charges as the potential death knell for their firms.

Mr Campbell re-asserted his strong opposition to fees being introduced in south east Northumberland as the county council prepares to debate the thorny issue tomorrow. Traders in Alnwick and other rural market towns – where drivers are already charged to park – have recently stepped up their campaign for a fairer system, with everyone sharing the burden.

Mr Campbell said: “The idea of charging at this time is stupid beyond belief. The council needs to clearly state that it will not be imposed in the south east of the county.”