SEEING the sights of her native Lancashire cost a cousin from Canada £40 in parking fees because of a 'faulty' meter.

Mrs Rita Harrison of Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, decided to treat Blackburn-born cousin Lily Brook to a look around the county when she arrived from her new home in Ontario.

But the pair were left fuming after believing they had paid the right fee for a spot on a Fleetwood car park - returning to find a fixed penalty notice.

Mrs Harrison said: "I took Lily everywhere in Lancashire because she wanted to see the sights before returning home.

"We had a lovely time in Clitheroe and a few other places - but what happened in Fleetwood spoiled everything.

"We put 80p in the machine, which would have meant we still had an hour left on the meter.

"When we found the parking ticket we waited for the traffic warden and he said the machine had only registered 30p - even though there wasn't a 30p parking tariff.

"He said our 50p probably fell through the machine and was picked up by someone else."

The tourists, who had spent several hours touring Fleetwood market, were advised to write to Wyre Borough Council to explain their situation.

However, the council wrote back to say their appeal had been refused and that Mrs Harrison should pay £15 within seven days or face the full fine of £40.

A spokesman for Wyre Borough Council said there was nothing that could be done.

She added: "Mrs Harrison can try writing again if she wants."

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