A FIRM has admitted clamping Worcester residents in their own parking spaces - just to make money.

The Worcester News reported last month how stunned residents had to pay more than £300 each to get their cars back after they were clamped and towed away from their own parking spaces from Dolton's Wharf flats, in Spring Lane, Worcester.

Now another angry resident has had to pay £170 to MPC (Midlands Parking Contracts).

Wayne Whorton, road manager for the Birmingham-based clamping company, said: "We have a business to run and people's wages to pay.

"We are contracted to remove cars that are parked where they shouldn't be and if we keep letting people off with free clamp releases then we would soon be out of business."

Tony Glackin, a resident of the flats for eight months, was clamped after accidentally forgetting to place his permit back on display when he left his broken-down car to make a phone call and get help.

On his return to the clamped car the 37-year-old sales manager called MPC and explained the situation.

But when someone came to remove the clamp, so did a tow truck. Mr Glackin said: "I explained the situation and presented them with my permit but they said it was irrelevant - I was told to pay £270.

"I managed to get £100 off but they drove me to a cashpoint. I could understand if I didn't have a permit but they just wanted the money."

While Mr Whorton admitted the incident was unfortunate, he said MPC would not change its policy because he claimed people could easily use resident's permits to get away with not paying.

Gordon Cupper, owner of Broadheath Construction which built Dolton's Wharf and owns a flat there, said: "I completely sympathise with what has happened.

"I've tried speaking to MPC in the past but I have no real influence because I am just a resident like everyone else."

Mr Cupper explained that residents can only change parking rules, such as the company that patrols the area, at the residents' annual meeting.

He added that an emergency meeting can be called.

MPC said complaints or appeals should be made to the company in writing.