In March 2014, residents have reacted with anger over an extension to the existing arrangements in Shear Brow, Blackburn.

The scheme limited households in several streets, including Bicknell Street, Charlotte Street, and Oswald Street, to buy one resident’s permit and a visitor’s for £30 per year each.

Residents admit that parking in the area is a problem, with town centre workers, students and shoppers parking in the area but complained that the 2014 measures were ineffective and that consultation had been inadequate.

In December last year, Blackburn with Darwen highways boss, Cllr Phil Riley, introduced new rules for ballots to set up ‘residents only’ parking permit scheme requiring at least 70 per cent of all households to vote for restrictions instead of just 70 per cent of those who respond.

He also ordered a review of the Shear Brow scheme, which led to some streets and parts of streets including Altom Street, Kendal Street and Blackburn Street having their restrictions altered.

Blackburn Street has also been one way towards the town centre from London Road to Randal Street at the residents’ request.

Cllr Riley said: “We have consulted widely and come up with a compromise scheme which we think is an improvement and believe most residents will.

“It has taken some time because there was a wide variety of different views which we have tried to accommodate.”

Cllr Suliman Khonat, who represents Shear Brow ward, said: “I think this is a better scheme.

“It has been widely consulted on and I believe most residents will be much happier with the new arrangements.

“A lot of people wanted Blackburn Street making one-way towards the town centre which I am pleased to see has happened.”

Other streets affected by the changes include Balaclava Street, Bicknell Street, Bold Street, Charlotte Street, Inkerman Street, Lime Street, Oswald Street, and Limbrick.

The scheme also covers Randal Street, Victoria Street. Shear Brow, Willoughby Street, Strawberry Bank and Wellington Street St John.