SPORTS club leaders in Padiham have won a battle with residents against more double yellow lines near their historic ground.

Neighbours have claimed that no-waiting restrictions are necessary for people living in Arbory Drive, due to parked cars resulting from people attending the nearby Arbories Sports Ground.

People living nearby have complained that they have not been able to get out of their drives because of the parking difficulties.

But the town's football and cricket clubs have protested that more parking restrictions would only strangle' efforts to keep sporting activities alive in Padiham.

Alan Smith, secretary of Padiham Sports Club, said: "In this case we are talking about 30 metres, which is not a big stretch.

"Over a period of time all of the roads surrounding the sports ground have got double yellow lines.

"There have been no complaints to the sports clubs while I have been secretary and this is the first time we have heard of anyone not being able to get out of their drives."

Councillors voted to defer a decision on the double yellow line scheme at a meeting this week so that they could monitor the parking situation over the next 12 months.