A COUNCIL has apologised after three council contract vans were left on disabled spaces outside Blackburn police station.

The incident was brought to light by disabled Michael Firth, 56, of Scholes Street, Darwen, who went to the police station on Northgate, Blackburn but was told that there were no traffic wardens available to move the vans on.

Mr Firth, who lost a leg six years ago said three vans belonging to council contractors each displayed signs saying they were working in the library.

The 56-year-old was on a shopping trip in Blackburn when he came across the two blue Ford Transits and the white Peugeot.

He said: "It's supreme laziness on behalf of the contractors. All they had to do was park across the street in a bay at the library.

"But instead they took up three disabled spaces that are needed by other people.

"It's not about me, I at least have one leg, it's the other disabled people I'm bothered about."

Richard Day, Chairman of Accrington Shop-Mobility and Access Group, said: "There's a shortage of decent disabled parking spaces in the area, what we don't need is other people using what little there is.

"What I like to say to people who take them is you've got my parking space, would you take my disability too?"

Chief Inspector Tracey O'Gara said they were looking into the matter.

Susan Law, Head of Library and Information Services for the Council, said: "We are sorry about the parking but this is a matter that has been negotiated between the contractor and the police.

"The principal aim of the refurbishment work is to make the building more accessible and attractive to people."