TRADERS in central Darwen say they are struggling to cope with parking tickets for loading and unloading outside their shops.

Tickets have been issued in Duckworth Street to van drivers who are using spaces restricted to 30 minutes and no return within one hour.

Businesses say council land behind Duckworth Street which used to be available for vans was decomissioned after being earmarked for landscaping, and now they want it brought back.

Council bosses are looking into the use of the land.

Paul Shaw, of Home Furnishers, in Duckworth Street, said: “It’s a nightmare for all of us along here.

“We’re trying hard to make businesses work but there’s no consideration from the traffic wardens.

“We have to be in and out all day and we’re not taking up spaces for longer than necessary, because we know our customers need somewhere to park.

“We’re having to pay out of our own pockets for fines all the time because we often return within an hour.

"The council have no problem taking our rates, but don’t seem prepared to help us run our businesses.”

Sudell town councillor Martin McCaughran supports the traders.

He said: “It’s hard enough for traders without traffic wardens targeting them.

“All these shops need to make a living, but the wardens are not giving them any leeway.

“For health and safety reasons when loading and unloading, workers need to be as close as possible to the premises.”

Borough councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration, said: “The purpose of limited waiting is to ensure that shoppers are able to access the businesses.

“If traders plan around the permitted times there should be adequate parking areas to load from.

"These kinds of parking restrictions operate right across the borough.

"Using the land at the back is an option we will look into.”