POLICE have vowed to clamp down on road rage motorists after a traffic warden was threatened with violence just days into a new parking blitz.

The move comes after a furious row over a ticket in Whalley Range, Blackburn. Officers have launched an investigation into the incident after it was reported by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

But, despite the threat of violence, council bosses have vowed that the attendants will continue patrolling the street.

Today, Det Insp Pete Broome said: "We cannot have people who are going about their lawful business being fearful of going into certain areas because they are being threatened, simply because people do not like what they are doing.

"Any reports of threats will be investigated thoroughly and dealt with accordingly.

"If any traffic wardens feel threatened in the area they are patrolling the matter will be referred to the local community beat manager and we would obviously consider moving extra officers into an area to investigate and address any fears the wardens may have.

"This obviously may also entail increasing patrols in that area."

Twenty wardens hit the streets of Blackburn and Darwen earlier this month after the de-criminalisation of parking. Wardens employed by Lancashire County Council, which is running a similar scheme, have been given self-defence lessons following violent incidents elsewhere in the country.

The incident is due to be discussed by the council at a meeting next week.

Coun Hussain Akhtar, who runs a shop in Whalley Range, said feelings were running high over parking in the area because town centre shoppers were leaving their cars in residential areas to avoid new parking charges.

Coun Akhtar, of the Shear Brow ward, said: "We don't want anybody to be threatened, we want to work together with the borough to solve the problems.

"People are glad the wardens are there but they should sort out the parking in the residential areas."

Peter Hunt, director of direct services at the council, said: "It is regrettable that an incident occurred. However, this has now been dealt with and patrols are going to continue to operate as normal."