A ROW over parking in Padiham has divided a street and got neighbours arguing over plans to paint double yellow lines.

Some residents of Waterside Mews complained to the council that parked cars were blocking access and damaging a block paved footpath. Concerns over access for emergency vehicles were also expressed.

So, after consulting with some of the occupants of the close, council officers decided the best way forward was to paint double yellow lines and ban traffic from parking in the top half of the street.

But during the consultation process, objections to the yellow lines from other residents in the bottom half of Waterside Mews were sent to the town hall.

Among those opposed to the yellow lines is Ian Kippax. His protesting letter to the council said: "While I sympathise with the residents at the top end, who are mostly affected by 'casual' parkers, I feel the installation of double yellow lines will not deter them, but merely encourage them to park further into Waterside Mews, where the roadway narrows considerably, and where the majority of neighbourhood children play."

Echoing those sentiments is Ian's neighbour, Gerry Hogg. His letter to the council stated: "Although I know people park at the top end of Waterside Mews, and this must be a nuisance for the people who live there, painting yellow lines will only make people park further down Waterside Mews.

"There are several small children on the estate, and it is further down the street where these children tend to play."

'Top half' resident Gerald Thompson is in favour of the yellow lines. He said: "It is the age-old story. If people are adversely affected by something they are immediately interested.

"But if they are not affected then they obviously want to keep the status quo. Those living at the other end are not affected by bad parking at the moment, but if they painted yellow lines they would be -- that is why they have suddenly chirped up."

The retired local government officer added: "Does there have to be an accident or a child killed before something is done?

"The council are saying they don't mind if it becomes a free car park. I don't think that is reasonable."

Arthur Duckworth, 69, lives at the top end of the street, close to Green Lane. He claims that parked cars outside his home are breaking the law. He said: "I want the yellow lines, to stop irresponsible parking. Parking on the pavement is against the law -- it's always causing a problem."

The issue is due to be resolved at a meeting of the traffic order regulation sub-committee at Padiham Town Hall next week. A report to councillors states that although the number of residents in favour of yellow lines out-number those against, "the arguments put forward by the objectors are valid and outweigh the benefits that yellow lines would give."

Waterside Mews is not known as an accident blackspot and no reports of accidents involving personal injuries have been reported.

Councillor Charles Bullas will be at the meeting on Wednesday. He said: "We shall just listen to the evidence. We can't make a decision before the meeting, but either way it will be resolved."