A TOWN'S traffic wardens have ticketed a lorry delivering equipment for a blood transfusion session at the leisure centre.

While the National Blood Service (NBS) has apologised for parking incorrectly, some people in Tenterden feel that it is a harsh penalty for those trying to provide a life-saving service.

It is not the first time Ashford council’s parking attendants have hit the headlines in Tenterden.

In December a rotary club van, raising cash for charity, was ticketed.

Suzy Prior was picking up her children up from school when she saw the ticket stuck to the window. She said: “I suppose it was sticking out a bit, but the people were there to help.

“The wardens knew exactly where they were - in the leisure centre. What’s the harm in just going in and asking them to move?

“They’re mean. People couldn’t believe it, everyone was furious.”

Miranda Lacaze, for the NBS, said: “Every time we hold blood donor sessions at Tenterden Leisure Centre the council kindly allocates us two free parking bays at the rear.

“We are grateful to be given this free space and regret that on this occasion we weren’t compliant with the parking regulations.”

Caroline Owen, spokesman for Ashford Borough Council, said: “ABC and the National Blood Service have a very good working relationship and the council has always been happy to provide them with free parking in a couple of bays at the back of the leisure centre.

“We don’t know why, but on this occasion the blood service parked at the side of the front entrance and left the truck overhanging the pavement by more than six feet, parking across double yellow lines and partially obstructing access to the centre’s car parks.”