CONTROVERSIAL plans for residents' parking zones and pay-and-display areas in Saltburn, East Cleveland have been ditched after a storm of public protest.

Redcar and Cleveland Council launched a consultation process after it announced it was considering the move.

However, tonight (Monday, February 25) it said that after considering more than 2,000 responses and holding further talks with business leaders it "would not be taking these proposals forward for the foreseeable future."

A formal announcement is to be made at tomorrow's Cabinet meeting.

Councillor Steve Goldswain, Cabinet Member for Community Protection, said: ""We have had the opportunity over the past week or so to further consider the responses, as well as hold detailed talks with representatives of local businesses who have raised a series of points, including the potential impact of the new Asda superstore opening at Skelton.

"As a result, we have now taken the decision not to progress further with possible changes to the existing parking arrangements.

"This decision takes into account the strength of feeling from both residents and traders, whose views we always wanted to gather and listen to as part of the pre-consultation.

"I am pleased to say that we have listened to the people and made a decision accordingly."