AS I pulled into the car park at Winnington Lodge pub in Northwich the other night I was instructed to buy a parking ticket by a member of staff, who was acting as make-shift parking attendant.

I thought at first this may have been some form of joke, but I got out and read a sign saying I could face a fine of £85 on the spot.

I really wasn’t happy at this, I was going to be there for 30 minutes or so as I was only picking some friends up and had to pay £2 for the privilege of not drinking.

I went inside to speak to the staff, expecting some form of helpful customer service, the staff casually replied ‘Yes it’s right, too many people from the infirmary park on our car park. Anyway as soon as you buy an alcoholic drink you get your money back’.

As if this was some form of compensation for me, I honestly couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Firstly people may have to park on there if the infirmary car park is full and in absolute desperation to seek medical advice as quickly as possible. Making an income from this is surely wrong?

Furthermore what if I don’t want an alcoholic drink?

In recent years Winnington Lodge has really picked itself up and become a popular place, however this move is 10 steps back.

JAMES GILBERT Northwich