COUNCIL chiefs have warned that motorists who hog car parking spaces in town centres are damaging trade.

Rossendale Council has now vowed to issue car park cheats with fines and start enforcement action at its main off street car parks.

The car parks at Waterfoot and a number in Rawtenstall centre are 'disc parking' where a driver has to set a disc to the time of their arrival and then are allowed two hours of free parking.

Abuse of the system has led the council to appoint attendants who will patrol the car parks from July 5.

Craig Fairbrother, the council licensing manager, said: "The town centre economy relies on people being able to get to the commercial area.

"Our car parks provide two hours free parking compared to most other local towns where 'pay and display' is the norm.

"Unfortunately, the two hour limit is being constantly abused by some drivers, resulting in other people being deterred from shopping as they cannot park."

Mr Fairbrother added: "The council want to play fair, that is why we are giving the public warning. It is inappropriate for people taking advantage of short-stay free parking. We don't want shoppers who can't park leaving the Valley to go to neighbouring towns.

The standard charge for car park offences has been raised to £60, or £30 if paid within five days.

Clive Balchin, secretary of Rossendale Chamber of Trade, and a Bank Street trader, said: "Our view is that there is no need for car parking charges in Rossendale providing disc parking is strictly enforced, which in recent months has not been.

"At the moment it's being abused left, right and centre which isn't good for people wanting to shop in the area."