Great-gran left upset by 'heartless' parking fine

SHINE TAKEN OFF SHOPPING TRIP

- By POPPY KENNEDY

THE family of a loving great-grandmother whose daughter-in-law received a £100 parking fine at Teesside Park has slammed the "heartless" appeal decision.

Maureen Roberts, who is registered disabled and cannot walk or stand without an aid, was picked up by her daughter-in-law, Francesca Roberts, for a trip to spend her vouchers at Marks and Spencer. When they arrived at the Thornaby shopping park, on March 6, all of the disabled parking bays were full.

To ensure they'd have room to accommodate the 89-year-old's walker, they found a spot at the end of a row that included some 'extra space' to the right and parked over the designated lines. Weeks later, a £100 parking fine was posted through the door.

Appealing the fine, Maureen's family thought "common sense" and compassion would prevail when they explained the circumstances but, instead, parking operator Minster Baywatch stood firm.

Her son, Dave Roberts, initially slammed the decision as "heartless" and lacking any compassion.