ON Saturday I parked my car on Waves car park in Blackburn town centre and purchased a ticket, which permitted me to park for three hours.

I placed the ticket on the dashboard of my car. After two hours I returned to my car to see a penalty notice for £30 stuck to my windscreen. I presumed this was a mistake as I knew I had plenty of time left on my ticket.

On opening my car door I realised that the ticket had fallen off the dashboard and was by the gear stick. I spoke to the attendant who had issued the ticket and explained what had happened, expecting that the situation would be resolved there and then but was told my only line of redress was to write and appeal against the penalty.

I wrote to the council's parking services department and enclosed my ticket. I agreed that my ticket wasn't displayed but this was largely due to the poor quality of the ticket.

Originally the tickets on Waves car park were sticky, the machines were then changed and the flimsy non-sticky tickets were produced. One small gust of wind, shutting the car door or even someone knocking against the car can cause the ticket to move and maybe fall.

What I want to know is why is it the penalty notices can be produced so they can be stuck to the windscreen yet the tickets can't have the same safeguard. I have just received the standard reply from the parking services manager refusing to cancel the penalty and threatening an increase to £60 after 14 days.

I am absolutely disgusted with our 'celebrated' council and how it is treating decent honest people. I work for Blackburn with Darwen, I support activities in Blackburn with Darwen and regularly shop in Blackburn, because I believe in supporting my local community.

Like lost of people I believe in taking responsibility and paying my way but on this occasion I believe a real injustice is taking place and so will not be paying the fine. I know I am not alone -- genuine, honest people are being penalised due to something as ridiculous as poor quality parking tickets -- how can this be fair?

JANE CLARK (Mrs), Blackburn.