A BASINGSTOKE pensioner has been threatened with having her possessions seized after someone she has never met received a parking fine at St Michael’s Retail Park.

The woman, who wished not to be named, has never even driven to the retail park before, which has seen several unwitting residents receive parking fines in recent months.

So she was shocked when a county court judgement landed on her doorstep earlier this month, claiming that a man living at that address had failed to pay his parking fine.

The letter claims that unless the fine - which has since more than quadrupled to in excess of £250 - is paid promptly, a warrant could be issued that would see bailiffs take control of possessions.

The woman, who does not drive, told The Gazette: “It has made me feel dreadful. Not only that but I am on edge all the time.

“[They have handled it] very shabbily. It is very high handed.”

She added that the public have no access to address forms, meaning that “things are building up that people can’t correct and they are damaging many with menaces”.

“They must quash this fine and all costs. They must call off all the agents.

“I haven’t asked for an apology or compensation but if it carries on I will have to ask for that.

“I know how to stand up for myself and I may look timid but when push comes to shove I shall fight back.”

The Black Skoda was pictured entering the section of the St Michael’s Retail Park car park that has a 30-minute time limit, just outside Nando’s and Costa, on September 19, 2020.

In the claim form presented to Northampton County Court, which The Gazette has seen a copy of, Gladstones Solicitors claim that the Penalty Charge Notice, issued to the unknown man at the woman’s address, was not paid within 28 days.

A CCJ ordered the man, listed at the woman’s address, to repay £262.21, more than four times the original sum.

If a CCJ is not paid, it could lead to bailiffs being ordered to recover possessions to make the account right, and show up on credit reports for several years.

Gladstones, who acted on behalf of Slough-based Parking Control Management UK Ltd, who manage the car park, has been contacted for comment but did not respond before The Gazette went to print.

The DVLA also did not provide a comment, saying the woman would have to get in touch with PCM to resolve the issue.

The woman claims she informed DVLA, PCM and the police back in October, when she first received the PCN, that no one with that name lived there.

Have you had a similar experience? Get in touch at ryan.evans@basingstokegazette.co.uk or 01256 337406.