TRAFFIC wardens were back in action in Accrington this week, bringing order and fixed penalty notices to the streets.

The three-strong team have already developed a high profile, patrolling the town centre streets - an area that inspired dozens of angry letters to the Observer in the year the eagle-eyed wardens were away.

And it is believed that in just three days the wardens could have issued around 400 tickets county-wide, to drivers parking illegally.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council, which is running the new scheme in conjunction with Hyndburn Council, said: "If no-one has complained to you then it seems to be going well.

"The only calls we've had were about an issue in Pendle, but that has been about it."

The wardens, who walk the streets in their uniform of shiny black boots and green peak caps, could be increased in number if drivers in Hyndburn refuse to behave.

Employed under the county-wide Parkwise scheme, the wardens are provided by parking firm NCP (National Car Parks).

Police, who previously supervised the wardens, now have no involvement.