DW Sports members hit with £100 charges before the retention of Parking Eye's system was approved by planning chiefs will still be made to pay up.

On January 4 an application for the retention of the existing signage and cameras in place at the gym's town centre site, on Bank Street, was approved.

The application came after the automatic number plate recognition cameras had been installed without permission following an 'oversight'.

Anybody who fails to comply with the regulations of Parking Eye's system faces a £100 charge.

But the company and DW Sports believe the move will 'reduce' car park 'abuse' and free up spots for members, who can park at the site for four hours.

Despite the recent planning decision, concerns have been raised about charges dished out before permission was granted on January 4.

One DW Sports member, who wishes to remain anonymous, received a ticket from Parking Eye.

The member said: "I am refusing to pay.

"How can they be charging people £100 when they were using an illegal system. I am furious with them.

"I want to get a parking space and I am all for helping members get spaces.

"But they have been punishing members with a system which is illegal."

Parking Eye has responded to the comments.

A spokesman said: "Parking Eye is a member of the British Parking Association and follows its code of practice.

"We support landowners in obtaining the necessary planning consent they require, if needed.

"A retrospective application for planning in no way affects whether parking charges can be enforced."