AMATEUR football club organisers who tackled Lancashire Police over a parking ticket blitz outside their ground have achieved their goal.

The motorists who received the parking tickets have had letters from Lancashire Police saying all the penalties incurred on the day will be waived.

About 40 players and spectators were booked for parking on residential roads surrounding Turton FC in Edgworth following a popular derby cup clash last month.

Even the referee and linesmen were booked.

Police were acting on complaints by local residents during the pre-season cup clash with Eagley FC - one of the oldest and most popular fixtures in local amateur football.

The Goldline Trophy - partly sponsored by Bolton Wanderers - is the biggest amateur football trophy in the area.

Steward

And officials were furious that people who gave their time free to help raise money for amateur soccer had found themselves £20 out of pocket.

Mr Keiran Tilley, chairman of the Goldline Trophy, told the BEN at the time: "I was the steward in charge of the proceedings that particular night. No one asked me or my assistant or anyone else as far as I am aware to move his or her cars on the night. When I parked my car, it was just after six o'clock in the evening and no one was parked opposite me so there certainly was no obstruction at that time.

"People who attend these charity games are reasonable citizens and I feel sure that had they been asked on the night, they would have moved any vehicles causing a problem."

An initial request to have the tickets overturned from Mr Tilley and the Turton club was turned down.

But Mr Tilley said: "I have now had a letter from Lancashire police saying they will be waiving all the penalties given out on the night.

"They apparently changed their minds because of the outcry."

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