BLACKBURN'S new council-run parking attendants will also have a crime fighting role, it has been revealed.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is set to take control of parking enforcement on October 1 when a band of town hall attendants will take to the streets.

Councils across England have been told they will now be responsible for handing out tickets to drivers who park illegally.

The move is part of a government drive to ease pressure on police resources.

Unlike many local authorities Blackburn has opted to control its own parking enforcement, rather than contracting a private firm to carry out the work.

Andy Kay, the council's executive member for regeneration, said the new wardens will be the "eyes and ears of the council. That means if any of the attendants spot a problem out on the streets they will radio information back to the council so that something can be done about it."