LOCALS are celebrating after a council backed down over plans to reduce the time cars could park in its bays.

North Yorkshire County Council sought to half the length of time motorists could leave vehicles in Kirkgate and Millgate, Thirsk, to one hour.

The authority has several bays near to the World of James Herriot but critics were angry at the plan which was out to consultation.

Thirsk Town and Sowerby Parish councils were against a change as was Thirsk’s county councillor Gareth Dadd.

They felt one hour was not enough time to do anything such as attend a service at the nearby St Mary’s Church.

The county has now decided to still cut the time in Millgate but they are not to change the Kirkgate parking law.

Coun Dadd said: "My response is one of delight that after more or less unanimous opposition to this, common sense has prevailed.

"The church, dentist and Herriot Centre users can all now relax in the knowledge that their visits will be unfettered."

He praised Thirsk Town and Sowerby Parish council for its aid in the matter.

A county council spokesman said: "The Kirkgate disc parking time is going to remain at two hours.

"This is because we consulted on reducing the limit to one hour and due to the level of objection decided to make no change."