SHOPPERS taking up parking spaces at Darwen Leisure Centre are causing “mayhem”, according to town councillors.

Earcroft Councillor Steve Potter said: “Shoppers are parking up at the leisure centre, so genuine users of the building are just going off elsewhere, parking over pedestrian crossings and doing as they please along side streets.

“It’s a right mess, it’s causing all sorts of problems. People start using the nearby Health Centre car park, then that has knock-on effects on where patients can go.

“At the moment there’s no limit on the leisure centre park park, and you can park for however long you want.

“There are suggestions that a barrier and ticket system for leisure centre users is needed.”

Sunnyhurst Councillor Brenda Cronshaw added: “It obviously is a problem and we need to look at whether limited parking or a barrier that can be opened with a leisure centre card can be brought in.

“We also need to make sure that the centre’s staff aren’t taking up spaces all day that could be used by customers. They should be encouraged to get the bus.”

Chris Riding, 31, of nearby Weaver’s Mews, said: “There are a lot of cars during the day that park on the side roads, but this might be to do with people going to the health centre as well.”

Councillor Dave Smith has written to the leisure centre manager about the town council’s concerns, and is awaiting a reply.

Executive member for leisure and culture, Councillor Damian Talbot, said: "The popularity of Darwen Leisure Centre, I'm delighted to say, has continued to grow and grow.

"However, we are aware of the parking issues as a result and we are currently considering options to help reduce the congestion in that area.

"I would like to stress that the car park is for leisure centre users and staff only and shoppers are reminded to please use the parking spaces provided else where."