TRADERS are set to cash in on a new scheme that has freed up car parking spaces in Rossendale in time for the Christmas shopping influx.

The move has been welcomed by the town's Chamber of Trade after spiralling parking problems led to shoppers being driven out of the area.

According to Rossendale Council, retailers in the town centre are reporting that the enforcement of car parking restrictions has prevented motorists from hogging spaces - car park cheats were using Rawtenstall to park up and travel out of town.

Rossendale Council leader Peter Steen said: "Restrictions on all-day on-street parking and the enforcement of car parking time periods, whether by commuters or local businesses, has reduced congestion and frustration in areas close to the shops.

"This is now resulting in improved short-term free parking facilities adjacent to the shops in the centre adding to the convenience of shoppers. We are confident that traders will benefit this Christmas from the new parking system."

The scheme, in Rawtenstall and Waterfoot, generated nearly £3,000 in fines for the council in the first five weeks since it was launched in July with 147 tickets being issued.

Motorists, using town centre car parks, display discs showing the time they arrived and may only stay for the permitted two-hour time slot.

The scheme is designed to stop abuse of the no-charge system by parking all day.

Clive Balchin, president of Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, who has an estate agents on Bank Street, said: "We have always supported the disc parking scheme.

"We have said all along that there is no need for paid parking in Rawtenstall.

"It has worked well so far as there are always enough car parking spaces for shoppers and traders.

"And discs are easy to get hold of from shops throughout Rawtenstall and Waterfoot. We are looking forward to a busy Christmas."

The scheme has cost Rossendale Council £1,250 in collection fees and £250 for printing the tickets - but netted the authority £2,926 in profit in the first weeks of its launch.

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