An inquiry has been launched into suspicions some churchgoers are abusing a disabled parking scheme.

The investigation by Brighton and Hove City Council has begun after an "inexplicable proliferation" of cars with blue disabled permits parked on yellow lines during services.

The row centres on streets near St Mary and St Abraham Coptic Orthodox Church in Davigdor Road, Hove.

Labour councillor Vince Meegan warned the whole blue badge scheme could be discredited if suspicions of abuse were not resolved.

Coun Meegan said there had been "inconsiderate" parking near the church on Sundays for some time.

He said: "Cars were parked on the pavement, on yellow lines, at bus stops, on the pedestrian crossing and blocking disabled access drop kerbs.

"The area was visited by traffic wardens on Sundays and tickets issued to offending cars.

"Since then I have received a number of complaints there has been an inexplicable proliferation in the number of cars bearing blue badges."

Coun Meegan visited the area on a Sunday and counted 25 blue-badged vehicles, including five taxis and two white vans.

Traffic wardens visiting the area on a Sunday photographed about 17 cars which would have been infringing parking regulations if they had not been displaying blue badges.

Coun Meegan said: "The details of those badges have now been passed to the relevant authorities.

"The enforcement of parking regulations has placed residents under great stress. Many have received parking tickets and there is understandable resentment when there is a suspicion the blue badge scheme is being abused.

"I am anxious disabled people receive every assistance and facility we can reasonably offer, including parking restriction exemptions.

"But local disabled people have expressed fears that, unless the air is cleared, badges will be discredited."

Coun Meegan said the system could be open to abuse because blue badges do not carry vehicle registration numbers.

Parish priest Father Zakaria Botros Henein said many people going to services at the church had disabled people's parking permits.

Asked about Coun Meegan's fears the system was being abused, he said: "I don't know anything about that."

A council spokeswoman said action would be taken if permits were being used falsely because it meant less space for legitimate badge holders.

She said: "The blue badge team are checking whether any badges are stolen or false. If the parking attendants suspect a badge has been borrowed, they can only issue a ticket if the person has contravened parking regulations."