THEY are among the most hated people in society. But how do the clampers feel?

We spoke to an employee of Midland Parking Contracts (MPC) as he clamped a car on private land just off Hylton Road. He agreed to be interviewed, but refused to give his name.

He said: "What we are doing is protecting people's property. They are having problems with people parking on their land. We're just making sure it stays clear."

How does he feel about the regular attacks on people like him in the media?

He says: "The criticism does go over the top. I do understand their point of view, but if the signs are there... I mean, there's a sign right behind this car."

He gestures to a prominent notice warning drivers they will be clamped if they park without permission.

So what sort of reaction does he get from drivers?

"A lot of the time people understand they've done wrong, and they're willing to take it on the chin. Sometimes you get aggression - that's why there's a conflict management course we have to go through."

And what about the horror stories - women being frog-marched to cashpoints in the dead of night to withdraw hundreds of pounds?

He says: "That's rubbish - it doesn't happen."

He denies he gets paid per job and insists he still sleeps well at night after five years in the business.

"You do feel bad sometimes, but we're providing a service. We're just protecting people's property."