Macclesfield Express

Complaints ‘made against bowling alley parking firm’

- ALEX SCAPENS

SCORES of people have complained about the company that manage the parking at Superbowl Macclesfie­ld.

In last week’s Express we told how mum Amanda Whittaker, 37, had been fined after visiting the centre at Lyme Green Business

Park. But she vowed not to pay on principle, saying it has been a mistake on the part of car park management firm UK Parking Control and not by her.

And after her story went online it attracted more than 180 comments - the vast majority of which were in support.

Mark Wynne said: “I’m in a similar situation drove in to pick my son up who was there with Cubs.

“Was there 10 mins getting him in car and got a fine.

“It was dark and I saw no signs to say it was parking controlled.”

Chris Morgan said: “Took a netball team to bowling for the Christmas party. Spent lots of money in the bowling and all had a great evening.

“Parents came to pick up their kids didn’t even stay and got huge fines. Many are still fighting the fines now.”

Graham Brinkhurst said: “It’s quite understand­able that Superbowl has wanted to do something to protect spaces for its customers by asking them to log their car regs in on a screen.

”Neverthele­ss, there does often seem to be suggestion­s that these devices don’t always accept/store details entered.”

Andy Shepherd said: “I had the same issue with my disabled son and his friend just before Christmas. However I paid on card as was able to prove that I had legitimate­ly been there at the said time.”

Parking is free at Superbowl but customers must register their number plate to prove they used facilities there. Amanda, from Macclesfie­ld, and others say they did but were still fined.

She recommends people now take pictures and video as evidence in case of a fine being issued. The system was brought in because people were parking there for free but not using the facilities and going elsewhere.

Philip Gregson said: “Businesses who say it’s not our problem, will soon change their mind when people boycott the place.

“Of course, if the parking is being abused, they have a right to recover the costs of people parking there, but, it has to be fair.”

Sue Rhodes said: “The way it’s enforced simply puts you off going there. “You would think the bad publicity might make them review the parking arrangemen­ts with its zero tolerance approach as unnecessar­y. Good taking them to task.”

Emma Hillyer said: “This situation is disgracefu­l I know so many people who have had a fine for visiting here.” Val Pownall said: “The bowling alley were really helpful when we spoke to them. We ended up having to pay £15 admin fee rather than the fine.”

Superbowl Macclesfie­ld declined to comment, saying it was a matter for UK Parking Control.

UK Parking Control did respond to a request for comment.

SEE Letters p10

it’s luck

 ??  ?? The complaint of Amanda Whittaker, pictured with daughters Sienna (left) and Liberty, has gained support
The complaint of Amanda Whittaker, pictured with daughters Sienna (left) and Liberty, has gained support
 ??  ?? Superbowl. Macclesfie­ld
Superbowl. Macclesfie­ld

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