RESIDENTS fined for parking outside their homes will have the charges revoked follow-ing a council U-turn.

People living in Blackburn Road, Darwen, between Hollins Road and Hollins Grove Street got together to sign a petition after they suddenly started receiving £30 parking tickets.

Restricted parking signs because of lorry loading were put in place about seven years ago but only began to be enforced three months ago.

Several residents were given £30 fines, rising to £60 if they were not paid during the specified time.

Resident Bridget Bowkett, 65, said she had lived at her current address for four years and had always parked in front of her home with no previous problems.

She said: "It all started in April when the traffic wardens came along and I saw one stop and look at my car and he was already writing a ticket when I got outside. I said I had a disabled badge for my car and he said it was too late, but I've never needed to use it outside my house before.

"There's no shops or businesses and we were not causing any obstructions, so we couldn't understand why they started putting tickets on us, so we got the petition up and everyone along here signed it."

Bridget was issued with a fine for £30 if she paid within 14 days or £60 if paid after that period.

"I had a letter back to say because it was my first offence they would be letting me off with it but I haven't committed any offence," she said.

Sean Clark, a candidate for Darwen Conservatives, arranged a neighbourhood group meeting and 24 residents signed a petition against the restrictions which was sent to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration for the council, said the action of residents had shown the council that the parking restrictions were not needed.

He said: "After residents had contacted us with their concerns our traffic section carried out a review of the area.

"Following this review I am pleased to say the existing restrictions are no longer necessary and any penalty charge notices will be revoked.

"However, I hope that the new limited waiting in some parts of the bay will deter the use of the highway for car sales.

"The sale of cars on the highway is both illegal and a growing problem in the borough. It is also unsightly and distracting to road users and wastes valuable public parking."