WAITING limits may be imposed on Darwen's town centre car parks before Christmas.

The move follows complaints that drivers are leaving their cars there all day, reducing space for shoppers and discouraging visitors from outside the town.

Residents asked ward councillors to act on problems facing shoppers trying to use the Foundry Street car park, behind Bridge Street, and the market rooftop car park.

A decision form was signed by the executive member for regeneration in November 2003 which recommended proposals to introduce a two-hour parking limit and no return for three hours, on the top two floors of the rooftop car park and the entire Foundry Street parking area.

At the time, enforcement of the restrictions was the responsibility of the police but since October 1 parking offences fell under the control of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The proposals will now be formally advertised and people will be given a chance to object to them.

It is hoped they will be put in place before the busy Christmas period if there are no objections to the scheme.