CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating a victory after opposing ‘unfair’ parking tickets issued at a retail park.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones and Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson both launched a bid to oppose a reduction in free parking time which they say saw tickets issued to hundreds using Eastgate Retail Park in Accrington.

Mr Jones and Coun Parkinson said they have received a promise from the car park operators to cancel all tickets issued after Saturday June 2 up until yesterday. Owners of the site have also agreed to revert back to the original 'free parking' period of 3 hours, from today, instead of the reduced ninety minute period.

However the owners would also like to stress the car park should only be used by shoppers visiting retailers at Eastgate. Counc Parkinson concluded: "This is a real victory for common sense. The scheme has caused a lot of anxiety and stress for many local people and we are really pleased the owners and car park company have listened to concerns and come to this decision. As always, we welcome visitors to Accrington to enjoy the free parking and wonderful shopping experience in our town centre shops and the market."