Ramblers angered by Bridgnorth parking fiasco

The group of 10 ramblers say they will never return to the town because of the upset caused by staff patrolling the Severn Park car park on behalf of the council.

Rambler Mike Ball, from Coseley in the Black Country, representing the ramblers who travelled to Bridgnorth, said they were punished because of a technical fault that was out of their control.

He said: "We parked our 10 cars in the Severn Park car park and bought £2 all-day tickets, but only one of our cars showed we had paid the £2.

"The rest, including my car, showed a payment of £0.00, with a time showing 20 minutes after we had arrived. We all agreed we would write on the ticket that we had all paid and if any warden came we would explain what had happened."

Mr Ball said he received a parking ticket on July 6, 2012, demanding £35 within 28 days.

He said he ignored several follow-up letters because he had paid, but 10 months later a court summons was issued claiming for damages of £270 following a "breach of contract".

After contacting the town council, Mr Ball said Civil Enforcement Ltd, the Liverpool firm that patrols the car park, discontinued proceedings.

In another case Elaine Burns brought her family to Bridgnorth from Leicestershire and claims she was given a £35 ticket despite paying the £2 for a ticket.

Town clerk Anne Wilson said: "There are very few fines issued and those tend to be to people that have overstayed, did not pay to park or entered their registration numbers incorrectly.

"If fine notices are ignored when received by a user then eventually a court summons is issued.

"The council apologises for any inconvenience caused to the ramblers."