CHURCH bosses have slammed drivers for repeatedly using its car park without permission.

St Mary's Church in Ambleside claimed that they had to outline the acceptable use of their premises after recent problems.

People wanting to get to the church or use its facilities have been struggling to park due to visitors to the town wanting free parking.

The churchwarden said: "The situation has sometimes made it impossible for elderly or disabled people to gain access to the church or parish centre at all.

"The church reserves the right to lock the car park at any time and people parking without authority could find their cars locked in on such occasions."

A statement went on to say that parents could still use it when dropping off and picking up their children from the nearby primary school.