Trader calls for better support after getting parking ticket outside Rushden shop

Tammy Grigg runs Pure Crafters in Rushden High Street after moving the business from Finedon.

But she says the shop’s future is in jeopardy after getting a parking ticket while using the loading bay outside, which she’s failed to overturn on appeal.

Tammy said: “We moved to Rushden about a year ago and we chose Rushden because it had quite a good High Street and rent was quite favourable to Kettering.

“We have a loading bay outside our shop and quite often when I have tried to park there to drop things into the shop I can’t because members of the public have parked there.

“I have said something to members of the public about it, but I have had people telling me that ‘everyone does it.’

“I speak to the parking people and they are absolutely brilliant, but because we share them with Wellingborough, they can’t always be down Rushden High Street.

“On October 25 I got a parking ticket for being in that loading bay, I was transferring Christmas stock at the time.”

But with the shop being quite tight, Tammy knocked over a vase while carrying stock inside and it smashed.

While she would normally have returned to the vehicle straight away, she stopped to clear up the glass as her pet puppy was there and other staff were dealing with customers.

She said: “I am just really cross because they’ve said they are trying to help us small traders with Rushden Lakes coming along and I can’t even use the parking bay that’s for loading while there’s members of the public who are parking there 90 per cent of the time.”

The ticket resulted in a £35 if paid within 14 days, but Tammy must now pay £70.

After losing her appeal, she said: “I’m going to take a stand against it because it’s so unfair.

“I am a single mum with four kids trying to make this business work.

“I support two working mums, I gave them a job, I have work experience people and I try to give them a good start in the world of work.

“30 crafters now rent space from us.

“I don’t do this for the money, I do it because I love it.”

And Tammy now fears for her business, adding: “I simply cannot operate without the use of the loading bay so this puts the future of Pure in jeopardy.”

A spokesman for the county council, which is responsible for parking enforcement in East Northants, said: “Anyone who has received a parking ticket is entitled to appeal and this is considered by an experienced parking investigation officer who is employed by the council.

“If this appeal is rejected, drivers have the right to appeal to a parking adjudicator - however this means that the full fine amount is payable.

“Parking restrictions in place must apply to all motorists and officers must always take a consistent approach when carrying out enforcement.”