BLACKBURN residents who paid for a parking scheme that has not been enforced properly for two years will get a "holiday period" when it is eventually administered.

Last week the Evening Telegraph revealed how residents in the Infirmary area had paid £10 for a residents-only parking project that has not been run properly for up to two years.

Police claimed they did not have the resources to hand out tickets to drivers who leave their cars in bays reserved for permit holding residents.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said the scheme, introduced four years ago, had not been properly run for the past two years, but said it would be when it takes over control of parking enforcement from the police in October.

Opposition councillors and residents blasted the scheme and labelled it a rip off after a refund was ruled out.

Now council leader Sir Bill Taylor has made a promise of a "holiday period" to those in the Infirmary area who paid for permits.

"It's daft to charge people if they are not getting anything like a decent service," he said.

"We will see people right and that's a promise.

"When we can properly apply the system we will honour the people who have paid for it.

"We need a discussion between the police and our people to find out exactly how long it has not been monitored so that we can come back with a deal."

Coun Maureen Bateson, who represents the area, said: "The police have done some enforcement with their limited resources but it is certainly nowhere near the standard we would expect."

Paul Browne, Liberal Democrat leader at the council, said: "Giving people a holiday period proves they got it wrong. I still think people should get a refund."

Colin Rigby, Conservative leader, added: "It's amazing how an election engenders a response."