A blitz on people parking illegally outside Belmont Tower in Falkirk took place on Saturday evening when traffic wardens dished out £30 tickets.

But car owners said they have waited six month on Falkirk Council providing extra spaces while their own garages and car park are fenced off during year-long refurbishment work on their tower block.

Widow Betty Steel (75) was shocked to get a parking ticket after she said lack of proper bays had forced her to park her car with the front on the pavement.

She said: "I am registered disabled and have problems walking.
''Normally I have a garage to put my car in but these are all fenced off at the moment.

"The council promised us extra spaces at the rear of Eastburn Tower but that was months ago and so far nothing has happened.

''I don't like leaving my car like this but there was nothing else I could do."

Mrs Steel, who has lived in Belmont Tower for the last 30 years, left her car before teatime on Saturday and discovered the ticket at 7.45 p.m.

Several of her neighbours had also received parking fines.

She added: "I knew it was wrong but there was nothing else I could do.

"I can't walk any distance carrying shopping bags and like many of my neighbours, don't want to be walking from car parks in the dark.

''It's ridiculous that elderly people are being treated in this way – we're being harassed."

Chief Inspector Bryan Higgins of Falkirk Police said: "The residents of the high flats in the main are elderly.

''Parking on the pavement is only going to restrict their access to and from their homes.

''Although it might suit one motorist to park like this, it is an offence and it impinges on the other residents."

Housing official Colin Gray admitted additional spaces had still to be provided, but said they were about to be made available.

He said: "Prior to any work starting at Belmont Tower discussions took place with residents regarding temporary restrictions required during the refurbishment programme.

"The closure of access to the garages next to Belmont Tower was advised at a public meeting well before the work started.

"This is due to the need to provide a safe working zone for the contractor.

"However, parking to the rear of Eastburn Tower (19 additional spaces) has been instructed and will be installed soon.

"And additional car parking was also made available in the car park next to the entrance to Callendar Park."

Contractors Lovell are carrying out the £2.4 million refurbishment of the 15-storey block.

Work includes installing over-cladding and insulation, a pitched roof, laundry/utility area and two special needs flats.