OVER-ZEALOUS traffic wardens have slapped tickets on two Radcliffe traders outside their own shops, even though they were unloading stock.

Now the heavy-handed approach could scare people away from the town and put their livelihoods in jeopardy, say hairstylist Paul Psaila and florist Jean Owen.

Mr Psaila, who owns Hair 11 on Blackburn Street, said: "I parked my car in the lay-by right outside my shop.There are yellow lines, but there is also a sign saying you can unload and that is what I was doing.

"I have to use that spot as there is no back entrance to the salon."

He spotted the warden and explained the situation but by that time the ticket had already been written and Mr Psaila was told he could appeal if he wanted.

"I am refusing to pay the fine and have written to the authority asking for £40 compensation for all the time I've had to waste over this." he said.

"The warden couldn't even get the name of the street right. He wrote Church Street on the ticket."

Another victim is Jean Owen who co-owns Ebony Florist next door to Mr Psaila's salon.

"I was ticketed last Friday. It's ridiculous," said Mrs Owen.

"The van has the name of the shop on it and the address and I parked right outside the shop while I was unloading. Again, the address on the ticket was Church Street instead of Blackburn Street."

She added: "I've never had a problem like this before in the 20 years I have been here."

Both traders are exasperated at the treatment they have received.

Mr Psaila added: "I thought the council was trying to attract more people and trade into Radcliffe but by doing things like this they are deterring people.

"Customers tell me that they've been ticketed because their car was parked slightly over a white line."

Mrs Owen added: "Let's face it, Radcliffe isn't exactly over-run with shoppers so do we really need traffic wardens? I couldn't believe it on Saturday when I saw two of them. It only serves to put people off stopping in the town centre."

Bury Council's parking services manager John Foudy told the Radcliffe Times that Mr Psaila's fine had now been cancelled and Mrs Owen's fine was on hold.

He added: "I will investigate Mr Psaila's claim for compensation."