POLICE have warned motorists they will be fined if they continue to ignore parking restrictions in a former East Durham pit village.

The crackdown follows an accident last week in which an elderly pedestrian was injured in Blackhall's main shopping street.

Double yellow lines were introduced on both sides of the seaside town's Middle Street to ease bottlenecks on the busy coast road, but drivers have continued to ignore them.

Offenders include residents and visitors, and the worsening situation has frequently reduced traffic flow to single file.

The illegal parking has also created problems for pedestrians trying to cross the road between cars.

Members of Monk Hesleden Parish Council, which includes the former mining community of Blackhall, have lobbied for action to be taken, warning that if something is not done a serious accident will occur.

Village members on Easington District Council have also warned of the dangerous conditions being created by motorists.

An initial softly, softly approach, in which drivers were warned not to park in the restricted zones, has failed.

Yesterday, Sergeant Kevin Langan warned that the time for relying on gentle persuasion was over.

"The gloves are now off and anyone found offending will be fined. It is as simple as that," he said.

He said that an elderly woman had been injured last week in an accident at the blackspot.

"We have tried several solutions and all have failed," he said.

"Motorists are still parking on the double yellow lines and are causing not only difficult congestion but a very real hazard."

Extra police patrols would be sent to the village and drivers caught offending would be issued with a £20 fixed penalty.

Easington district councillor Mark Curry said: "We have supported the parish council all along in its cry for action, and this is the news we have all been waiting for.'