Difficulties arising from the lack of car spaces have prompted calls for a parking restriction zone to be extended.

In a questionnaire conducted by East Worthing MP Tim Loughton and borough councillors, 70 per cent of residents who responded supported Dawes Avenue, Dawes Close and Colebrooke Close, near Worthing Hospital, being included in the town's parking zone.

Several residents said they relied on regular visits from care staff and family members but their carers were unable to park in the three roads because of non-residents taking up spaces. Car dumping in the area was also a problem.

Mr Loughton said: "Following my walkabout in the area and subsequent meeting with the chief executive of Worthing Homes and residents in the summer and as a result of the findings of the questionnaire, I am determined to raise the important issues and suggestions with West Sussex County Council.

"I will be asking for urgent talks with the local hospital and businesses whose staff park in the streets.

"I will keep residents fully informed about my progress on this issue and will organise a further meeting involving local councillors and residents if necessary."

East Worthing borough councillor James Doyle said county councillor Irene Richards was liaising with the county council's highways department to get the zone extended.

He said: "We have found people residing in the town's parking scheme are very happy with it.

"Extending the parking scheme can have a knock-on effect for people outside of it. We need to leave it for a while to see what effect it has on areas beyond it.

"We are trying to provide a good service for residents and encourage people to park in the areas they are supposed to park in.

"There is also an environmental aspect because parking restrictions make people think a little more about how to get to work, whether as pedestrians, using public transport, or using bicycles."

"I would like to see the parking zone extended to as many people as possible who want it."