WIMBORNE residents are refusing to back down over their right to park outside their own homes.

Drivers in West Row say they have been leaving their cars on a strip of brickwork by their cottages for 27 years.

Over the last month, parking inspectors have started doling out fines, angering Robert Fanning and his neighbours.

West Row resident Mr Fanning, a businessman, said: “The brickwork in front of the properties was laid in 1984, at the owner’s expense.

“It was a very strong position of possession by the residents and showed their intent to use the land. We have exercised that right for at least 27 years.

“Now we’ve had eight tickets within weeks. It’s not in the public interest to pursue this matter and I want the council to change its mind.”

Mr Fanning says the matter is outlined in the property deeds.

A Dorset County Council spokesman said the fines had been issued following complaints about parking in West Row’s pedestrian zone in April.

He said: “There is a mixture of tarmac and paving bricks in West Row. Some residents thought they owned the land and parked outside their properties.

“The Land Registry has confirmed that the properties concerned do not own the strip in front of their cottages.

“Any vehicle encroaching is parked illegally and liable to receive a penalty charge notice.”

The council has cancelled the first two fines and is advising residents to buy a £50 parking permit for any nearby East Dorset District council car park.