COUNCIL planners have been accused of creating a 'parking nightmare' in Penketh with one business claiming traffic problems have led to a £97,000 drop in petrol sales.

Dave Spruce, who has been running West End Motors since 1987 on Farnworth Road, says the development of affordable housing for over 55s on Penketh Court over the last 18 months has had a 'dire' effect on his business.

He added: "There has been work on the site for the last 18 months and now we find out there isn't enough parking spaces for all the flats.

"People are just totally avoiding the area as there's car parked on both sides right down the road and the flats aren't even full yet.

"It's becoming impossible to get down the road with one vehicle having to pass at a time and there's been a number of businesses affected.

"We're really having to think carefully about stopping the petrol side of things as we can't sustain what's going on."

The Warrington Guardian reported in January 2014 concerns had been raised over traffic and parking when the plans, which included at the time 24 parking spaces for 54 flats, were approved.

Many residents have taken to social media to complain about the problem with many warning the road was now a 'danger'.

Another comment read: "It seems the council feel that when a person is older they should not be driving.

"Who thinks up these hair-brained schemes and why have they put in a garden when it is obvious that more parking spaces are needed?"

A council spokesman said they 'appreciate residents’ concerns'.

He added: "The parking provision for Penketh Court was carefully considered as part of the planning process and the level of parking provided is above that provided in other similar developments.

“In response to concerns raised we will be increasing civil enforcement patrols in the area and will enforce current parking restrictions.

"Where parking is taking place which causes an obstruction on a footpath we would encourage this to be reported to the police who are responsible for enforcement of this.”