PARKING restrictions slapped on a bay paid for by the traders of Bacup have been withdrawn after locals kicked up a stink.

Last week traders were shocked to discover that council chiefs had turned the parking bay in Market Street into a 'no parking' zone.

The furious traders called the decision into question after the 'No Parking at Any Time' sign was put up at the bay outside Barclays Bank.

Thet Lancashire County Council chiefs realised a mistake may have been made.

Kay Helliwell, owner of A&M Jewellers, Market Street, said: "The signs disappeared the day after the story appeared in the paper.

"We were told that when the grass verge outside the bank was made into a parking bay in the late 1990s a Road Traffic Act was not passed for it to become a parking bay, which is why the council was able to do this.

"The bay was funded by Barclays and other shops at the time for customers to be able to use the cash machines without having to park too far away.

"It's caused real problems for us as the reps carrying jewellery were having to park at the other side of town and with it getting dark quite early it was dangerous."

She added: "It now seems it was a mistake and we are just relieved to have our parking facility back in time for Christmas."

Councillor Christine Lamb called for the sign to be taken down and said: "I'm glad this was looked at and sorted out quickly. It shows the council is listening to its customers."