NORTON Town Council has opposed proposals to increase the number of car parking spaces in St Nicholas Street car park over fears it could lead to charges.

Councillor Luke Ives, a member of Ryedale District Council, told members that funds from the authority's Section 106 money could be used to increase the vehicle capacity.

Section 106 agreements are negotiated between a developer and council to help make new home schemes more attractive to communities. The money is intended to be used for social and community projects.

Cllr Ives said: "I propose some of the funding allocated for public open spaces is used to repaint St Nicholas Street car park to increase its capacity.

"Everyone knows there are issues with people using the car park all day leaving residents struggling to find somewhere to park.

"I am constantly receiving complaints from people who are unable to park there and also over the number of white vans and camper vans, which appear to be there on a permanent basis.

"There is plenty of room to increase the number of places by adding another row of spaces.

"There is also the possibility at looking at moving the recycling units in the middle of the car park to create more spaces."

However, councillors were concerned that any alterations carried out by the district council, which owns the site, could lead to charging.

Councillor Sharon Cawte said: "My concern would be that if they increase the capacity will people be charged to use the car park.

"Plus many people round here have larger cars and while more vehicles will be able to park there it will be more difficult to get into a space for some people - much like some of the car parks in York."

Councillor David Lloyd-Williams said he shared her views.

"A few years ago there was talk of introducing charges at St Nicholas Street car park and that went down like a very heavy lead balloon."

Councillor Di Keal said: "I think describing the car park as a public open space is stretching the description and I think over the next two or three years all parking in Malton and Norton will be reviewed and looked at.

"Availability in the car park is so varied and there are people who take advantage of it but I would be very concerned at another move to obtain income from the car park which would force vehicles to park elsewhere."