A BLUE badge holder has hit out at council bosses over a 'confusing' parking bay sign and markings after she was hit with a fine.

Saira Harrison, from Accrington, received a fixed penalty notice from Lancashire County Council for parking in a 'loading only bay' in St James Street in the town last month.

She had her blue badge on display and appealed the decision as she thought it was unfair, but was not successful and now must pay the £70 fine, which will be reduced to £35 if she pays by Sunday.

Ms Harrison said she had also noted that in the last week a 'loading only' message had been added in front of the parking bay, which was not there when she got the ticket.

She said she was very upset as the bay was not clearly marked, with several similar bays around 15 feet away which she would be eligible to park in with her blue badge.

She is now 'really struggling' to find the money to pay her fine.

The 49-year-old said: "That bay was not marked clearly at all.

"It just had a warning about it in writing at the top of the street sign at the time.

"I genuinely did not see the small writing right at the top of the sign without my glasses.

"This was a totally honest mistake on my part due to the confusing parking times displayed.

"It's a mistake made not just by myself, but quite a few unfortunate drivers who are not disabled.

"It was very misleading, not just for a blue badge holder.

"I've been driving for just over 30 years and I've never had any problems in the past.

"I was absolutely devastated.

"I couldn't help it, I just burst into tears.

"It's extremely confusing.

"I strongly feel all it's about is the county council looking to get more money to help their budget.

"I'm struggling to find the money for it all as well.

"Accrington town centre is already struggling for businesses and with very limited disabled parking in the town I believe this issue to be another added for disabled people visiting the town."

Ms Harrison is cared for by her 17-year-old daughter and suffers with severe mobility issues after battling with ovarian cancer, arthritis in her back after surgery and severe sciatica pain.

She had parked outside Acklam Bond Solicitors before walking over for a meeting at Barclays bank, only to return two hours later to find she had been given a ticket.

She also said she has spoke to other people who have made the same mistake in the spot.

The issue has also been reported to Hyndburn council deputy leader Cllr Paul Cox and former Burnley mayor Cllr Jeff Sumner, who have supported Ms Harrison.

Cllr Cox said: "I'm very disappointed with them.

"I think it's a money making scheme.

"The writing on the road has only been placed recently since after she got the ticket.

"It's a genuine mistake and I think a bit of common sense needed to be used, blue badges are important."

County council bosses said a sign is in place describing the restrictions and everyone must adhere to the restrictions.

A spokesman said: "There is a prominent sign near the kerb next to this space indicating that it is for use by goods vehicles loading only.

"All parking bays have a sign to inform people of the restrictions for that bay, and it is the responsibility of drivers to check before leaving their vehicle."