NEW parking bans look set to come into force on beleaguered estates near to Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park ground.

Neighbours living off Jack Walker Way have long complained about matchday motorists abandoning their cars on the Fernhurst and Oakdale estates.

And last December the Lancashire Telegraph featured their troubles, with residents saying they were sometimes unable to leave the estate in their cars during home games due to inconsiderate parking.

There were also concerns expressed over access for emergency services vehicles.

Now borough council chiefs have rubberstamped a proposed traffic order which will prohibit waiting and loading and unloading at key points across the estates.

An executive decision approved by Cllr Quesir Mahmood, executive member for growth and development last Friday, has authorised the move.

An accompanying report says the parking restrictions are designed to "assist in maintaining access and visibility along the route during match days" at Ewood Park.

The report adds: "Parking issues in the Jack Walker Way area when there are football matches at Ewood Park have been a long-standing issue.

"These have come to a head in early 2024 with residents contacting us with concerns that the estate becomes obstructed for residents (and) emergency service vehicles are unable to access the area.

"It has also been noted that a number of drivers were deliberately parking in contravention of the parking restrictions that are currently in place on Jack Walker Way.

"Parking by disabled blue badge holders is also an issue as they are legitimately parking on the existing double yellow lines, using the three-hour exemption they are permitted under the national scheme as there are very limited loading restrictions in place."

Town hall officials say meetings have taken place between Rovers, councillors, council representatives and the police in a bid to resolve the problem.

The report adds: "Some residents requested a residents parking scheme be introduced in the area, however as the households within the estate have off-street parking facilities the area does not meet the required criteria for such as scheme to be introduced.

"Following the meetings increased enforcement by the council's civil enforcement officers has taken place which has had a positive impact on the situation, however residents and those at the meeting felt additional restrictions in the area would be beneficial."

Under the now-approved scheme, parking prohibitions will be rolled out at various locations along Jack Walker Way.

And to tackle the blue badge issue, loading prohibitions are being introduced along double-yellow line stretches in nearby locations.

The traffic regulation orders required will now be advertised and will come into force subject to the consideration of any objections.