Residents’ concerns led to the construction of a new car park off Victoria Street for shoppers.

However, due to the large number of visitors to the area, particularly those from out of town, parking remains a constant issue for local businesses and residents.

On Friday, the Neighbourhood Policing Team worked alongside Lancashire Constabulary Specials and Local Authority Civil Enforcement Officers to conduct the operation.

A police spokesperson stated, “This was organised because, at a recent community meeting, numerous residents expressed concerns about the parking in this area, as well as the manner of driving that is commonly observed.

“More than 70 tickets were issued for vehicles parked illegally, and 15 tickets issued to drivers for driving whilst on their mobile phone, as well as not wearing seat belts – some of these being children not being fastened in properly.”

Police reported that during the operation, they were confronted with comments such as ‘why don’t you do some proper police work?’ or ‘have you got nothing better to do?’.