The boss of a Shropshire estate agents has threatened legal action against a parking enforcement agency after they accused his firm of committing fraud by photocopying permits.

David Whittle, who runs Homesbury Estate Agents in Shoplatch, Shrewsbury, said he would be speaking to a solicitor about the row with ParkRight.

Mr Whittle said his business partner Christine Jones was given a parking ticket in the town’s Tannery car park on August 28 despite claiming the vehicle was parked legitimately and displaying a valid permit.

But ParkRight maintains the firm has breached the rules as the permit was a photocopy.

Mr Whittle said: “We have had a ticket, even though we have got a valid season ticket on display. They think we have committed fraud by using these permits.”

He said the estate agents were given a permit which allowed two car registrations, although only one car can be parked there at any one time.

The estate agent rang Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council to ask if he could have two copies of the permit – one for each of the cars – but said he was told to just photocopy it.

Mr Whittle said: “They said it wasn’t a problem, photocopying it.

“We are meticulous about the rules and make sure only one of the cars is in the car park at any one time.” he added.

“They have sent photographs of the permit in the window and said it is fraud. We think this is absolutely ridiculous.”

A letter sent to Ms Jones by ParkRight, following a written challenge, says the ticket will not be cancelled, but bosses will accept a discounted payment of £25 to resolve the matter.

ParkRight said: “It is fraudulent to photocopy a parking permit. However, Mr Whittle can make a formal appeal if he wishes and this will be considered by a different appeals officer.”

Mr Whittle said: “We shouldn’t have had the ticket in the first place. Surely they could have the decency to call the council because they would have the details.”

By Russell Roberts