A FUNDRAISER who took part in a boat race for two young girls with cancer is annoyed at receiving a £50 parking ticket as his colleagues prepared to load up two kayaks at the end of the event.
However, Cheshire West and Chester Council says Gary Shute’s Ford Transit was ‘not parked correctly within the markings of the bay or space’ at The Groves, Chester, on Sunday.
And the council has released a picture of the van clearly straddling the two spaces.
However, roofer Gary, who was finishing the race when the warden took action, is now saying the council officials should show more flexibility and is appealing the ticket.
The event he was taking part in was in aid of Cancer Research and two-year-olds Anya Bentham from Chester and Amelia-Mae Davies, from Garden City, who may need treatment abroad.
Gary, who raised about £140 together with fellow rower Chris Brown, said: “I will foot the bill myself but I just think it’s a bit harsh.”
Gary, 43, from Connah’s Quay, said participants were given certificates by Cllr Jill Houlbrook, Lord Mayor of Chester.
He said the situation was explained to the warden and that the van was not parked there for long.
He added other parking spaces were available on the day, and said: “This is not about parking. This is about money.”
Council spokeswoman Laura Johnson said: “Parking across two bays is not only in contravention of our city’s parking laws but it is shows complete disregard for other motorists.
“The Groves is an extremely popular area of the city for residents and visitors alike, especially at weekends, and this stretch of parking provides instant access to the riverside, in particular for disabled or elderly people.
“Flouting clear road markings will always warrant a parking ticket. However the owner’s version of events will be taken into consideration alongside his appeal.”
