PENNY-pinching commuters have been accused of clogging up roads near Droitwich railway station with their cars because they are too mean to pay parking charges.

People living in neighbouring streets say dozens of cars are left outside their homes while a nearby car park lies half empty.

The annual meeting of Droitwich Town Council was told that the problem had arisen since land near to the station - historically used for free parking by commuters - was resurfaced to create a formal car park and now charges £3 a day.

Alf Banks, of Ombersley Road, said: "Cars are left there all day long from people using the railway station.

"But I counted 39 empty car parking spaces at the station."

Doreen Long, also of Ombersley Road, said: "A car was recently left outside my house for four days.

"I rang the police and they said they said if it's taxed and has an MoT there's nothing they can do but this restricts our movements. They come and park right up to the edge of our drives.

"Anyone visiting us, like the doctor or window cleaner, has to park across my neighbour's drive."

Town council member Gra-ham Gopsill said: "Selfish people who won't pay £3 a day to park in a safe car park are now littering the streets."

The frustrated people have reported the problem to the town council and town clerk Pam Craney said the council had written to Worcestershire County Council, which is responsible for highways issues.

The county council's highways manager Jon Fraser promised to see whether parking restrictions could be introduced.

He said: "Officers will draw up a proposal which will then be consulted upon. The process does take several months."

He warned that yellow lines in one area could merely move the problem to another area.

Inspector Steve Brooker said that police would also talk to the county and district councils to see what could be done.