RESIDENTS have asked the council to get rid of grass verges outside their homes to make room for parking.

Twenty-seven residents in Chatburn Avenue, Burnley, have signed a petition complaining that the problem outside their flats is getting worse.

They have told the development control and highways sub-committee that there are increasing difficulties because more disabled people live there.

There are four flats on either side with parking allowed on only one side of the narrow road.

The petition reads: "We feel the solution would be to get rid of the grass verges rather than people parking their vehicles on the grass and dogs fouling on the grass.

"If this was done residents could then park by their own flats on either side of the avenue. There would also be more space for ambulances and large vehicles to pass or park."

They have called for an early survey to be carried and say they have been patient for long enough.

The committee which meets on Thursday is being asked to "note" the petition.

In a report to the committee, Gordon Leighton of engineering services, says the Brunshaw estate is well known for its narrow carriageways and grass verges between the footpath and road.

Vehicles tend to park on the grass to allow other vehicles to pass.

He adds: "There is no identifiable budget to carry out works to remove the grass verges and replace with a hard surface suitable for car parking. The petition refers to letters written on the same topic in 1989 and unfortunately the situation still remains the same."