NO enforcement action will be taken at a controversial town centre car park.

Northumberland County Council has said "it is not expedient to take enforcement action" at Maiden's Walk car park in Hexham.

New measures were introduced in the car park, which serves the town's B&M and M&S, in February. 

Disabled people must now pay to park, cash payments have been axed and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are in operation.

READ MORE: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/20281992.new-ticket-machine-maidens-walk-car-park-hexham/

In April, the Courant revealed the ANPR cameras and signage at the car park did not have planning permission after a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) was submitted by consumer rights advocate Scott Dixon.

Northumberland County Council confirmed at the time that planning permission and advertising consent was needed.

But the authority has now said: "The planning enforcement service has carried out a full assessment of the case and found that it is not expedient to take enforcement action.

"The case has been closed."

The car park has been blasted by motorists and councillors since the changes were implemented due to concerns for trade after drivers reported being hit with fines. Members of the public also raised concerns for the elderly and disabled when using online, modern systems.

The car park operators have argued that the measures were implemented to improve visitor experience and enhance management of the land.

Adderstone Group is the landowner; the managing agents are Carter Towler LLP. Parking enforcement is monitored by Workflow Dynamics Ltd and Hozah oversee payments. All have been contacted for comment.