Jeanette Hart gives refunded parking ticket money to Petrus

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk with Jeanette Hart

Jeanette Hart, 42, of Milnrow was outraged when she was given a £50 ticket outside the Dunelm store in Whitworth Road despite being told by an enforcement officer it was free to park.

“He was stood in front of the machine and told me it was free to park, but didn’t mention that I still needed to get a ticket,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when I came out and he was giving me a fine, it was so unfair.”

After an unsuccessful appeal Mrs Hart took her case to Simon Danczuk who wrote to Rochdale Borough Council to demand the charge be overturned.

With the cash now returned, Mrs Hart has decided to donate the money to Rochdale based homelessness charity Petrus Community.

She said: “It’s not about the money, it’s the principle of the matter. I’m just so glad it has been sorted.

“I chose Petrus because it is one of Simon’s charities and I just wanted to thank him for listening to me and helping when I was really upset and really disgruntled by the whole thing.”

Mr Danczuk said: “Parking regulations are in place for a reason but in cases like this I think common sense needs to prevail.

“I’m pleased that Rochdale Council has agreed to refund the fine and I’m particularly delighted that the money will now be going to such a worthy local cause.”