Yellow lines which were painted to stop cars blocking the roadwere left with a gap for days... as a parked car was in the way. 

The lines were painted in Dale Drive, just off Carden Avenue in Brighton on May 26 but were left with a gap because a car was parked in the way. 

Residents took to social media to share their alarm and many also made jokes about the work.

Shaun Keeley, who lives in Patcham, said: "This is an absolute joke, these yellow lines are everywhere in Patcham now.

"The council should sort out all the abandoned camper vans and dumped caravans everywhere that are taking up parking spaces for those who pay car tax and insurance."

Others joked that the space left meant there was still a "free parking" spot on the corner of the road. 

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The Argus: The gap was left on the corner of Dale Drive for daysThe gap was left on the corner of Dale Drive for days (Image: Submitted)

Alistair McNair, councillor for Patcham and Hollingbury, said that he was "really pleased" to see the yellow lines that he had requested were being painted.

"Residents often request them, especially on corners, to help improve exits and entrances - in this case partly so residents' rubbish could get collected more regularly as parked cars often blocked access for large vehicles," Cllr McNair said. 

"Imagine our surprise, and the irony, when residents told us they had painted the lines - but left a large gap because of a parked car."

Cllr McNair said that the job, which should have required just one visit, ending up having "at least two more" and the lines were completed.  

He questioned whether residents were given warning about the impending line-painting so they could move their cars, but added that he was "pleased" that the council and contractors responded to the request to complete the work.

Brighton and Hove City Coucil was contacted for comment.