West Sussex County Council has given refunds to more than 750 Crawley residents after a shortage of wardens left it unable to police a new Parking scheme.

The new on-street Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), launched on December 2, was designed to deter all-day commuter parking and make it easier for residents and their visitors to park.

However, when the scheme was introduced there were not enough wardens available to control it effectively. The council said Sussex Police had not provided the four additional traffic wardens they had agreed.

Residents were upset that despite paying £30 for their permits the roads were not being properly policed.

As a result, West Sussex County Council decided to refund the cost of one month of the permit.

A council spokesman said: "Due to inconvenience and disappointment at the initial level of enforcement, the council have given residents credit worth one month's cost, which they can use when renewing their permits."

The scheme covers West Green, Northgate and Southgate - the neighbourhoods closest to the town centre, hospital and railway station.

Permits cost £60 for a year, though the first year is at a reduced cost of £30.

More than 750 residents' parking permits have already been sold and anyone who bought one in December is entitled to a month's refund.

County councillor Tex Pemberton, in charge of strategic environmental services, said: "With any major new scheme like this there are always going to be a few initial teething problems.

"However, the feedback we are now receiving is very positive. Many residents have noticed a marked improvement in terms of traffic flow and congestion."

He added that contrary to rumour, there were no plans for an on-street clamping operation in Crawley.

The council has set up a monitoring group to consider issues related to the parking scheme, chaired by Councillor David Dewdney.

Feedback forms which can be used to bring concerns to the group's attention are available from the Parking Shop at Crawley Town Hall.

Three wardens are now at work and will be joined by a fourth before the end of the month.

No one from Sussex Police was available for comment.