COUNCIL workers are to be given a dressing down after parking illegally in a loading bay while getting some lunch.

Bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Council have apologised for the incident and promised a full investigation after the incident at a town centre takeaway.

Two members of staff were spotted parking in a clearly-marked loading bay at the front of Pizza Shack in King Street, Blackburn.

Local businessman Imitaz Ali, from nearby Time2Talk mobile phone store, took the pictures of the minibus at 1pm last Wednesday.

They clearly show the vehicle parked in a loading bay, which has road markings and a sign post, signalling that parking is forbidden.

He said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw the council vehicle in the loading bay.

"Everyone around here knows that you can't park there and drivers are always getting tickets if they try to get away with it."

After Mr Ali's photograph, taken on his mobile phone, was passed to council bosses a full investigation was ordered.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said: "We are disappointed at the actions of our staff in this situation.

"Council staff are permitted, in some instances, to park against restrictions while carrying out our statutory duties.

"An investigation into this incident will be carried out and appropriate action taken."

Parking champion Barrie Segal, who founded the www.appealnow.com website, said: "If you or I parked there we would get a ticket."