A SCHEME banning non-residents from parking in streets near Ewood Park on match days is set to be extended.

Twenty six streets around the home of Blackburn Rovers were designated for use of residents only during football matches a year ago and now council bosses have unveiled plans to add a further nine areas.

And it could mean that people looking to park on-street rather than in car parks will have to walk from as far away as Darwen to get to the game.

A new set of restrictions were drawn up last year by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the police, following complaints from local residents.

They claimed supporters make their lives a misery and streets are regularly jam packed around Ewood Park.

Rising attendances during Rovers' successful promotion season and their presence in this season's Premier League have made the problem worse, even though new car parks have helped ease some problems.

Locals had to apply for parking permits and separate permits for any visitors they were expecting on match days.

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "The experimental match day parking arrangements came into force part way through the 2000/2001 football season.

"Since that time, several request have been received from residents in the area to extend the zone.

"Local ward councillors have also made suggestions, along with the Wood Working Group."

Streets which could be added to the list include those on the large Oakdale development, off Bolton Road in Lower Darwen.

Despite signs on the estate asking for football fans not to park there, residents have complained about congestion.

Other areas which could be involved are: View Road area, Beech Grove, Aintree Drive, Bolton Road (between Branch Road and Aqueduct Road), Hamilton Street/ Hollin Bridge area, Moorland Road, Heys Lane, Livesey Branch Road.

The spokesman said the plan would go out to consultation.

Existing roads in the scheme are: Crosby Road, Peel Close, Slater Street, St Helier Close, New Wellington Gardens, New Wellington Close, New Wellington Street, Fernhurst Street, Myrtle Bank Road, Carrington Avenue, Catterall Street, Dawlish Close, Tiverton Drive, Crediton Close, Honiton Avenue, Heys Lane, Arkwright Fold, Ouseburn Road, Heys Court, St Andrew's Court, Scotland Bank Terrace, Dorothy Street, Langho Street, Albion Street, Elim Place and Dale View.

John Newsham, Blackburn Rovers' stadium manager, was not available for comment.