Toy donating Nuneaton mum gets 'appalling' fine

[dutchman]

A Nuneaton mum was fined as she tried to donate toys to a charity appeal.

Gemma McKeown, who is from Abbey Green, was caught by a parking warden as she was trying to give a number of toys to the Salvation Army's toy appeal.

The mum-of-three had parked outside the Nuneaton United Reformed Church in Chapel Street in order to knock on the church's door and donate the goods.

Unfortunately the church was closed and the 29-year-old returned to her car which she had left running with her son inside.

A week later the former nursery nurse received a letter telling her she needed to pay a £60 fine.

Miss McKeown said: "I was a bit upset for being fined for three minutes. But I thought that when I had explained, I really, really thought they would let it go.

"The car was running and my son was in it."

It is the first time that Miss KcKeown has been able to support the worthy cause, after saving up vouchers to spend in preparation for the festive season.

The generous mum had spent more than £25 on small gifts such as dolls, small handbags and a Peppa Pig toy to donate to the cause, which she later gave in directly to the Salvation Army.

"I had got a Peppa Pig, a baby doll, superhero body wash, a miniature skateboard, a small handbag and some baby things," said Miss McKeown.

"I had brought some previously too. I wanted to get a range of things for all ages."

The keen charity supporter has also helped the Nuneaton Foodbank and has taken a number of food essentials to the foodbank centre in Abbey Green.

"This year I had been saving vouchers to use at Christmas," she addded.

"I saw the article in the paper and thought how I would feel waking up on Christmas Day if I couldn't afford to buy my children a present or buy food.

"It would be awful. I felt like I should do something."

Miss McKeown tried to appeal the £60 fine by contacting the company Park Watch who issued the letter, but her appeal was refused.

"When they came back saying no to my appeal I was gutted," explained Miss McKeown.

"I am going to try and appeal it with an independent organisation. But if I appeal it again and it gets rejected I have to pay £100. January is a really expensive month, I have to pay for my son's school trip which is £170 and my car needs work doing to it."

Family and friends are supporting Miss McKeown's decision to appeal and have said they will help should it be refused again.

She added: "My sister said she would help me if I had to pay the £100.

"All the family think it is shocking that they won't change their minds, especially as I was taking toys to charity. My dad said to me that he thought it was appalling."

In response to the appeal for the parking fine a spokesperson for Park Watch Limited said: "After reviewing this case I confirm that the parking charge notice was issued for parking in a no parking/no waiting area on private land where warning notices are clearly displayed.

"The appeal was rejected from the appellant as parking her vehicle at this location was not permitted and although we took into consideration the appellants mitigation it was decided by our appeals department that the parking charge notice was correctly issued and therefore the appeal should be rejected."

[rebbonk]

My understanding is that unless the "fine" is issued by the police or council she can likely tell them to take a hike. However, going public like she has is unlikely to help her should they take her to court.

[dutchman]

My understanding is that unless the "fine" is issued by the police or council she can likely tell them to take a hike.

I thought that too?

Mind you leaving a car unattended with the engine still running is a criminal offence and with a kid inside, the height of irresponsibility.