SEATON Co-op has relaxed parking restrictions after a number of drivers complained about fines.

SEATON Co-op has relaxed parking restrictions after a number of drivers complained about fines.

The store has extended free parking from 90 minutes to two hours and is allowing parking free of charge when the store is closed.

The move comes after residents complained about the �90 fines given out by ParkingEye, which operates the car park on behalf of the store.

Seaton and District Chamber of Commerce had been negotiating for some months with Denis Hilton, customer care manager at the Co-op's head office.

Secretary of the chamber Gaynor Sedgwick said: "The Co-op head office has been very understanding of the views of local people and businesses, and was keen to compromise."

Several residents had complained they had been unfairly fined, including a disabled visitor who argued they had stayed for less than three hours allowed for badge holders.

And this month Gillian Dean, of Dalwood, had CCTV evidence to dispute a parking fine.

A spokesman for The Cooperative said: "We can confirm the parking restrictions at our Seaton store have been relaxed."

The Co-op said the move followed a request from the chamber and that the signage was in the process of being changed.