MIFFED residents in Blandford have been told they must wait for a response to their call for parking outside their own homes, because the time is not yet right.

Residents in Whitecliff Mill Street were told this after they submitted copies of their petition to town, district and county officials asking for a neighbourhood permit scheme to replace the existing free-for-all parking on the road.

But the town council says that although it supports the residents' call, it cannot make any representations on behalf of residents until a new parking permit scheme is introduced in nearby streets.

"Residents' parking is the responsibility of the county council but it can really only initiate things if it has the support of the town council, so it's down to us to make the first move," said a spokesman from Blandford Town Council.

"Our members have voted yes but to put it on hold until the present review of residents' parking in the area is carried out.

"The current scheme involves four streets.

"At the moment, people living in Whitecliff Mill Street have no special right to park outside their own homes and have to compete with everyone else."

Plans are in motion over the introduction of phased residents parking in Orchard Street, Dorset Street, North Place and connecting roads.

But a separate highways revamp is also being drawn up by county chiefs to improve the existing footpaths in Whitecliff Mill Street.

The paths are described as narrow and inconsistent which leads, say county bosses, to pedestrians walking in the road.

"Many pedestrians use this road to walk into town or the nearby schools. Access to the doctors' surgeries, in particular, is difficult for residents," said a council spokesman.

It is hoped that the £130,000 works will be started next autumn.