'Do the council not want a business to operate from these premises?'

BUSINESSMAN Simon Duckmanton is furious with a council as his vans keep getting parking tickets.

- Jon Bamber

The 43-year-old, who runs Cottage Catering from Christchurch Street, Fenton, says he has to park the vans close to the business as the food has to go in the fridges straight away.

The deliveries can take about 20 minutes as the food has to be temperature tested and the paperwork completed.

But he says one particular traffic warden is handing out the tickets and 'not using common sense'.

He said he got a ticket while unloading his van at the back of his building and the vehicle was hanging over on to the pavement. He has complained to the council but says nothing gets done.

Now he says if the matter cannot be resolved he will have to consider moving premises or even closing the business.

Simon said: "I got a parking ticket for unloading my van at the back of my business. We have had others in the past which we have paid.

"We have to park at the back of our business and get the food inside quickly. I have about nine deliveries a week.