The area around Breck Road, Beech Avenue and Elletson Road in Poulton had long been earmarked for Wyre's first residents' parking scheme – with more than 60 signatures gained on a petition last year.

But the town's hopes appear to have been dashed after the scheme failed to meet Lancashire County Council's criteria.

Residents say they suffer blocked driveways and poor visibility and are demanding a residents' parking scheme to prevent shoppers and rail passengers leaving cars on their street.

Michael Brown, of Beech Avenue, said: "It's annoying that we're not going to be getting this scheme.

"People park on these roads to get to the station – some cars have been parked here for two weeks while people go on holiday.

"Drivers park across driveways and some people park on the pavement and I've seen elderly people forced to walk up the middle of the road."

But the news has pleased people in Fleetwood, who have long called for a residents' parking scheme of their own.

Problem

The busy area around Fleetwood Market has been identified as a possible place for a pilot scheme which could eventually be a template for other problem areas in the borough.

Among the streets affected is Albert Street where news of the possible pilot was received with joy.

Pensioner Tom Anderton said: "I would be absolutely delighted if we got it down here.

"It's been getting worse.

"It's just ridiculous. We have people parking who go to the market and people from the bank on the corner park here all day."

Albert Street residents have become so frustrated by the situation that they put cones out to try and save spaces for themselves.

A Wyre Council spokesman said: "We plan to carry out a survey of streets in Fleetwood where there is known to be a parking problem.

"This is likely to be in the area around Fleetwood Market.

"We will look at the outcome of this survey with Lancashire County Council later this year."

The precise reasons why the Poulton scheme failed have not yet been released to the council.

Coun Clive Grunshaw, who has been campaigning for a parking scheme, said: "It's excellent.

"Hopefully it will be places like Albert Street, Custom House Lane and Kent Street in the area surrounding the market."