ACCRINGTON'S controversial disc parking scheme is under review after claims it was unpopular with shoppers.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe has ordered a review into the current parking arrangements in the town following complaints that it was deterring visitors.

The system was introduced four years ago in a bid to curb the number of people who were using Accrington's car parks for long-term parking but were not using the town centre to go shopping.

People collect the free discs from shops and display them in their cars.

The other alternative, at the time, was the introduction of pay-and-display car parks.

But Coun Britcliffe claims that many people do not know where to get the discs from and often end up getting a parking ticket while looking for a shop that has the discs in stock.

He said: "I am worried that people coming in from elsewhere have no idea where to get a disc from.

"If there is pay and display, people automatically know what to do but this system confuses people.

"The discs don't seem to be readily available either. We need clearer signposts explaining the system, that is for sure.

"I know of people who have wandered round looking for discs and eventually found one but had got a ticket when they got back.

"If we are to prosper as a town we need to get people coming in knowing there is an easy system available for parking."

One alternative on the table is the installation of a machine which issues free tickets but ensure parking wardens know how long someone had been parked in the area.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Council added: "We have agreed to carry out a study into the cost of such a dispenser.

"It is possible that firms could advertise on the back of the tickets to help reduce the cost of the scheme."