INDISCRIMINATE parking at Horton-in-Ribblesdale during the recent Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross event led to a fire engine struggling to reach a property, the parish council heard.

Now councillors are to meet with the police and cyclo-cross organisers to stop a repeat of the situation in coming years.

Parish council chairman Coun Sheila Millman said: "We had great difficulty with the fire engine getting to a property on the day. The situation has to be resolved before it takes place next year.

"When an emergency service cannot get through it is unacceptable."

The annual cyclo-cross event involves cyclists riding up and down Ingleborough, Whernside and Penyghent.

It starts and finishes at a field in Helwith Bridge, but the problems arose when the race reached Horton as back-up crews and race followers abandoned their vehicles and parked around the village.

Clerk to the council, Nigel Thomas said: "I have looked back and exactly the same thing happened in 1999."

Parking in Horton when charities hold Three Peaks walks was also questioned, with cars left on pavements around the village.

Parking fines have been issued after the council asked the police to take action.

Coun Millman said: "We have a duty to the disabled and those with prams. We have a lot of children in the village as well and if they can't walk on the pavements, it is a safety issue.

"Footpaths are footpaths, not car parks.

"If organisers get in touch beforehand we can make a field available."