GOING to buy screws at B&Q cost a lot more than one shopper expected.

After parking in the parent and child bay while he dashed into the Milner Street store, Mark Parry was stung by a £60 fixed penalty notice. He is now warning other shoppers to be careful when parking at B&Q.

Mr Parry, aged 34, of Helsby Street, Howley, said: "I've always got the children with me so parked in the parent and child bay out of habit, without thinking.

It happened at noon on September 16, after Mr Parry had dropped his partner and their son at the nearby chemist. He then went into B&Q for the screws that would cost about £1.30 and was to meet his family back at the car.

He said: "The signs talk about illegal parking. I thought it referred to people parking and going to other shops."

Jason Key, a spokesman for Central Tickets, responisble for the car park, said: "If his appeal comes to us through the normal channels we'll look at it."

A B&Q spokesman said: "It is unfortunate that Mr Parry received a parking fine when visiting our store but there are clear signs in place to show which parking bays are reserved for parent & child use only. As Mr Parry used the bay without a child being with him, he received a fine.

"In the past, our store in Milner Street has experienced real problems with people using the car park to park their car and then go elsewhere.

"This was stopping genuine B&Q customers from being able to park at the store. We are now using a private car parking company to control the problem and there is a parking attendant permanently on site to make sure that the car park and bays are used correctly.

"There is an appeals procedure in place and we have offered the details to Mr Parry should he want to query his fine."