BLACKBURN Council has said that a lack of funding may prevent faulty parking machines in the town centre from being fixed.

Residents have already complained to the council about the machines, and traffic wardens are allegedly aware of the problem, but are still issuing tickets regardless.

Blackburn resident Barbara Heywood said: “Several weeks ago I made a visit to a shop on Darwen Street. I was putting my money in the machine when a male traffic warden came and stood next to me, he could see I was having difficulty as my money kept falling through.

“The warden then advised me I was wasting my time if I was inserting new style 10 pence pieces as the machine would not accept them.

“I enquired how was I suppose to know that as there was no notice on the machine to that effect?

“He said he was just waiting to see if I managed to get a ticket as the car next to the meter did not have a ticket on display, and the person might say the machine was not working.

“I commented perhaps he had the same problem as myself and had not sufficient ‘acceptable coins’.

“I was very annoyed at his indifferent attitude. I got my ticket, went to the shop, the staff commented about the warden, and they confirmed it was common knowledge that the machines in Darwen Street do not accept new style 10p coins.

“Now if the traffic wardens know and the shopkeepers in town know. why is it such a big secret to the local authority?”

Blackburn council confirmed that it was aware of the problem, but does not have the funding available to fix the machines.

Executive member for regeneration, Coun Maureen Bateson, said: “We are aware that there is a problem with some of the pay and display machines around Blackburn Town Centre.

“It has been noted that this is partly down to their age and the fact that some may not accept the newer coins in circulation, particularly 10ps, and this is being monitored.

“The council are looking to renew or replace the machines when appropriate funding becomes available, but as residents may realise, funding is limited due to government budget cuts.

“I would encourage anyone who experiences issues with the machines to contact Parking Services on 0845 605 5589 before leaving their vehicle unattended.”