IT wasn't so long ago that the traders of Pendle used to enjoy teasing their Craven rivals by underlining the "parking free" policy operating on the other side of the border.

It still is free, but Pendle's advantage has been compromised by the introduction of disc parking in the town and, according to local folk, a set of enforcers whose efficiency at slipping a £60 parking ticket on windscreens without a licence is to be marvelled at.

Now Barnoldswick does have some very good shops selling at highly competitive prices. But anyone from outside the area faces a huge dilemma if they wish to patronise them.

You need a disc, you see. And how do you get one? By parking up and going into the shops and asking for one. And there's the rub. Because by the time you come back, chances are those super efficient wardens will have swooped and gleefully handed out their £60 parking fine (they must be on commission).

Barnoldswick seemed to work perfectly well until Lancashire County Council wandered in with its size 10 boots and imposed a system across the borough. According to the traders it has been an unmitigated disaster in the town. Their case for scrapping the system is strong and it is time for a rethink, in Barnoldswick at least.

One note of caution though. The measures have been brought in to control parking throughout the area but a nice little spin-off is that they have raised £1 million in fines in Lancashire.

It is 25 years since Craven brought in parking charges not to raise funds, we were told but to "control" parking. But the charges rose and rose so that now they are an indispensable part of the council's budget. It is no coincidence that Craven's charges are some of the highest in the land for a small market town.