CHILDREN are being put in danger because of insufficient parking facilities around a popular sports area, according to a councillor.

Up to 70 cars regularly park on the roads surrounding Blacksnape playing fields in Darwen, causing particular concern at weekends when Sunday league football is played.

The car park only has space for about 60 cars.

Members of Blacksnape Residents’ Group said they would speak to the police and local councillors over ‘poor road courtesy and reduced pedestrian access’ in Blacksnape Road and Pole Lane.

But they are also worried that traffic control might have to be funded by event organisers, or that the council could even pull the plug on events all together.

Marsh House councillor Simon Huggill said: “People park half on the pavement and half on the road, and it can be a struggle to get past.

“There isn’t enough space for a wagon and a car to get down at the same time, and it’s a real worry with the amount of young children attracted to the facilities, that they will nip out from between cars and there will be an accident.”

Coun Huggill and fellow Marsh House councillor Chris Thayne have asked Blackburn with Darwen Council to consider turning a vacant piece of land by the playing field’s carpark into an additional off-road parking area.

Coun Huggill said: “The land would hold about 50 more cars, and that would significantly improve the situation.

“We are waiting to hear back on the proposal.”

Adam Scott, director of regeneration and environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The responsibility for any large event and subsequent increase in traffic lies with the event organisers.

“However, we can assist in helping with traffic issues and would be happy to discuss the matter further if the group wants to contact us."