A member of a Carlisle congregation is calling on parking restrictions around a church to be relaxed – so that she can attend services in full.

One of the regulars at St Cuthbert’s Church, on Blackfriars Street, was surprised to find they had been issued with a parking ticket after leaving a service recently.

Motorists are allowed to park outside the church for a short time on Sundays but there are restrictions in place.

A consultation had taken place about altering parking restrictions in parts of the city centre – known as Zone C – but a final decision is yet to be made.

“It used to be that we were allowed to park outside,” said churchgoer Irene Scott.

“However that changed when parking control switched from Carlisle City Council to Cumbria County Council.

“Sometimes we have services that last longer than others, which means that we’re parked there for a longer period of time.

“But the change means that we’re now at risk of getting a ticket. A lot of people park near Tesco or on West Walls but disabled members of the congregation park close to the church.

“I don’t think it’s right that they have to keep an eye on the time to move their car when they’re attending a church service.”

The Reverend Keith Teasdale explained that under the city council, church-goers had been allowed to park there beyond restrictions on a Sunday. It was part of an agreement which dated back many years, to when the church gifted some of its land to the council to widen Blackfriars.

The only exception was in the weeks leading up to Christmas, all of which was set out in letters each year.

"Obviously when Cumbria County Council took over, we haven't had those letters," continued Rev Teasdale.

"Our church members are conscious of the fact they have to be away by 12.30pm on a Sunday - and if the church car park is full, many park in Tesco where it only costs £1.

"We would perhaps ask the council to appreciate that it is elderly and disabled people who they are giving tickets to."

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: “The council carries out the enforcement of parking restrictions with the aim of reducing the number of illegally parked vehicles on our streets.

“This helps to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, support the local economy and improve accessibility for all road users.

“In this particular case, if the motorist wishes to challenge the Penalty Charge Notice they can do so through the council’s normal appeals process.

“On Sundays the majority of on-street parking in Carlisle city centre is not time limited, however it is the motorist’s responsibility to check the parking restrictions before leaving their vehicle.

“The council’s parking services team are able to assist with on-street parking queries and may be contacted via 0300 303 2992.”