A DISABLED pensioner who spent three months battling a £155 parking fine has finally had it rescinded, after a call from the Bury Times.

Joan Heffernan, aged 76, parked at Matalan, in Foundry Street, Bury, on October 24, where she received a fine for £50, despite a sign saying she did not have to pay.

Mrs Heffernan spent three months battling the fine which ultimately was increased to £155 after numerous attempts to appeal the charge were turned down.

After contacting the Bury Times, a call was made to Matalan HQ to ask for clarification of the pensioner’s punishment and at that point the fine was refunded.

The initial notice of the fine was received on November 2, and Mrs Heffernan, of Hambleton Close, Bury, appealed against the ticket the following day. On December 11 she received a letter refusing her appeal.

Mrs Heffernan, who suffers from severe arthritis believes her condition has become worse due to the stress of the fine, she said: “When I parked in the car park it was in the evening and pitch black outside and I was only nipping in to get a cardigan.

“I couldn’t see anything around the car park and there was only one or two cars parked there when I pulled up.

“I actually wondered whether it was safe to get out and walk into the shop, but I only had that time to get the cardigan which I needed.

“When I received the fine I couldn’t believe it. It’s been horrendous since, I’ve been threatened with legal action and debt collectors.

“I went back to the store where I pulled up in the same space and could not see a sign at all from my car and charging car parks must have reflective signs which can be seen from vehicles parked in bays.

“I went into the store and was told that blue badge holders only have to hand in their registration plate number which means they will be given free parking. I wasn’t aware of this at all.”

Mrs Heffernan then appealed to POPLA an official body which deals with parking on private land appeals. Her appeal was again turned down and she was faced with an increased fine of £155.

“My friends were telling me I should just pay, but I knew I shouldn’t have been fined in the first place because I had not parked wrongly,” added Mrs Heffernan.

“It became so stressful, scary and worrying that I had to pay the money.

“I cannot thank the Bury Times enough for stepping in and ensuring common sense prevailed.”

A spokesman for Matalan confirmed that the fine had been refunded on Monday, saying: "Customers who are blue badge holders just need to register their car's number plate with our customer service team and they will not be charged for parking for a year.

"There is signage, but the lady said she was elderly and didn't see the signs. After she explained this to the customer service team, we cancelled the fine."