Residents in Dalton have spoken out about the repeated issues they are having with abandoned vehicles in the town. 

A member of Dalton Community Action group has told The Mail that at least three vehicles have been left at Dalton Leisure Centre in recent weeks - along with more left in Tudor Square car park.

The community group urged anyone with a vehicle left at the leisure centre on Chapel Street to remove it.

Residents say that one BMW has been in the car park for at least three weeks.

Speaking to the Mail, a committee member of Dalton Community Action group said: "We have abandoned cars in Tudor Square car park as well and it is causing residents more parking problems.

"We have tried having them removed by the authorities and police say they are unable to move them.

"No Tax, No MOT. We are tired of trying to get them shifted."

Cumbria police confirmed it is not a police issue and that they have no involvement unless there is an obstruction of the highway.

Regarding MOT/ Tax offences, if the vehicles are driven on the road, then police would be able to issue a fine but as they are ‘abandoned’ and stationary they cannot not enforce it.

Regarding tax, they can be reported to the DVLA.

Local authorities have a duty to deal with abandoned vehicles on the public highway, car parks or council land.

Westmorland and Furness Council has confirmed it has dealt with the vehicles reported to it at Tudor Square car park.

The local authority has clarified however that the cars at Dalton Leisure Centre are not the responsibility of the council.

Each case is taken on its merit by an investigating officer as there may be cases where a vehicle is not on the highway or council land but it would take action if they were unlocked, badly damaged and could cause injury or lead to anti-social behaviour.

The council has added that anybody can report an untaxed vehicle online to the DVLA via the following link.

The Mail has contacted Dalton Leisure Centre for comment.