THE number of long-stay parking spaces in Hexham has been boosted thanks to 18 new spaces in the Wentworth Car Park.

The new white bays became available to use from Monday and are located in the area where HGVs used to park, as a means to meet the demand for long stay parking in the town.

A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council said: “This change to parking to provide more spaces at Wentworth is part of the council’s work with town councils throughout Northumberland to improve parking provision.

“We have produced detailed parking studies and action plans for each market towns, with the Hexham plan including this change at Wentworth.”

In addition to the 18 extra white bays, there are also three coach bays, but HGVs are no longer permitted to park in the area.

The council said it wrote to companies which parked their HGV vehicles at Wentworth in April and May last year to advise them of these changes.

“We are aware that the North East Freight Partnership is considering additional HGV facilities in the region and have suggested that any HGV companies with queries should contact them for advice should they have difficulty in finding alternative HGV parking facilities,” the spokeswoman added.