A disabled driver says motorists are clamouring to join his boycott of Basildon town centre in a continuing row over parking.

Leonard Banks and other disabled drivers want an apology from the Town Centre Management Company after having to pay £95 to have their cars released by clampers from the service roads around the town centre.

Protest - June Shaw is among those boycotting Basildon's town centre Picture: ROB BROWNE

A woman with lung cancer is among those to join the boycott of shops after being clamped when parked for just ten minutes in one of the service roads.

June Shaw, 58, of Bromford Drive, Wickford, who also has emphysema, was so outraged that she had to pay the fine in early May that she has not spent a penny in any Basildon shops since.

Mrs Shaw said: "It is a disgrace as I had no idea you could not park in the streets round the town centre.

"There were some signs but they were so high that even my son who is 6ft 4ins could not easily see them.

"Now I want my money back and an apology before I ever go back again."

Several clamped motorists have now received their money back from the clamping firm, but others remain out of pocket.

Mr Banks, of Branksome Avenue, Stanford-Le-Hope, said: "Lots of people have contacted me after they heard about my boycott in the Evening Echo to say they are doing the same."

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003

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