A COUNCILLOR has clashed with an antiques dealer about alleged parking problems in the street that they share.

Coun Simon Danczuk claims a 'traffic nightmare' is being created close to his home in Percival Street, Darwen, by visitors to the neighbouring Darwen Antiques Centre in Hollins Grove Mill.

He says the problems have escalated since a spare piece of land was withdrawn from general use by its owner.

But the accusations have been strongly denied by the owner of the business, John Ward. He says the councillor refuses to talk to him about the issue and, instead, seems to be waging a vendetta.

Mr Danczuk, who serves on Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: "The traffic situation is really quite bad. On some days vehicles are double parked and drivers can't get up the street - causing a potential problem for the emergency services and a serious inconvenience for residents." He says he has followed residents' concerns with the council's planning department and, as a result, Mr Ward has been forced to apply for planning permission.

"Although the antiques centre has been established for some years, they have not actually applied for planning approval.

"Once an application has been made it will give residents an opportunity to state the problems they have been experiencing. Perhaps, on reflection this is not an ideal site for such an outlet," explained Mr Danczuk.

Mr Ward says he has been attempting to speak to the councillor for weeks but none of his calls have been returned.

He added: "I would love to be able to use the land for customers but, unfortunately, the owner is not interested in renting spaces.

"I would invite anybody to come and see for themselves if they think car parking is a problem around here. If this councillor carries on I won't have any customers left anyway."

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