A MAN who was handed a £50 fine for parking on the car park behind Witton Chimes is arguing that the lines that were supposedly 'blacked out', were still clearly visible.

Matthew Whittaker, 32, nipped to the bank in Northwich after parking his car in the council-owned car park, the Waterman’s car park, behind the Witton Chimes pub, and came back to discover he had been handed a parking ticket.

He was in the process of delivering a new car to a customer on behalf of a St Helens car dealer, when he was landed with the fine.

The ticket, which was issued by Cheshire West and Chester Council, said he had failed to park correctly within the markings of the bay yesterday afternoon.

He said: “I was in town to order a new bank card and it didn’t cross my mind that the lines had been covered up. It looked to me like the white lines to the bay were had black marking on them from car tyres.

“After I got the ticket I called up the council to appeal the ticket but they said I would need to wait until today (Thursday). I went on Facebook and other people said they had been caught out similarly and let’s face it, if they catch four people every day it could result in the local authority making up to £200 in fines.

“I am fuming about it and plan to appeal this ticket because I thought I was parking legally.”

The council has defended the ticket, saying that markings 'are not required to be in perfect condition'.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for the environment said: "A legal process allows a recipient of a penalty charge notice to appeal if they feel it has been issued incorrectly or if they believe they have good reason why the vehicle was parked in contravention.

"Details of how to appeal are included on the notice. We haven't received an appeal for this charge so it would be inappropriate to comment.

"Providing markings are clear enough to indicate the restriction they are not required to be in perfect condition at all times as they will be subject to wear and tear.

"Road and car park markings are inspected regularly and where re-lining is identified this will be carried out."