A NEW car park has opened in Cockermouth town centre.

I Park Smart Ltd applied to Allerdale council to demolish Country Pine And Oak on Lorton Street and create a pay and display car park.

Days after being given permission, the car park is up and running. The shop has not yet been demolished.

There was one letter of objection regarding the planning application. A resident told the council: "I could not object more strongly, as a resident of the terrace on Lorton Street with access only to a disc parking strip for residents.

"There are not enough spaces for the residents to park their own cars. They have to compete with disc zone users who are determined to get 'free' parking. There is a pay and display car park at Sainsbury, approximately 100 yards away, which is never full."

An officers' report stated: "The proposals bring the benefits of town centre parking that will contribute to the local economy with no harmful impacts generally. The conservation area opposite the site is not affected."