Chef Paul Heathcote complains as bank holiday parking fines issued in Winckley Square

People enjoying the sun in Winckley Square Gardens Pic: Tony Worrall — Parking fines were issued to cars parked in Winckley Square on Easter Monday Pic: Tony Worrall

Chef Paul Heathcote has taken to Twitter to complain about parking fines being issued on Easter Monday in Winckley Square.

Many people attending Preston’s popular egg rolling event in Avenham Park had parked on the Georgian square.

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Paul, who owns 23 Winckley, believes the incident will damage the hard work being done to get people back into the city.

He tweeted: “Every car on Winckley Square has a parking ticket. Avenham Park full with families Easter egg rolling, retail and city centres need encouragement – agree or disagree?”

In a comment, Paul added: “Just appears out of sync, the wardens will be paid Bank Holiday rates and a day in lieu, and all the hard work of driving people back into a city with goodwill is lost.”

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Many agreed with Paul, including a spokesperson for BID Preston who commented: “Agree… the city centre needs the support of crowds and families, not great at all.”

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However a spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said restrictions are in place Monday to Saturday, regardless of bank holidays: “Parking restrictions around Winckley Square are in place to ensure all visitors to the city can enjoy their visit conveniently and safely.

“The restrictions are in force Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, with a one-hour maximum stay and no return within two hours.

“Signposts detailing these parking restrictions are placed around Winckley Square.

“For longer stays there are a number of car parks within a two-minute walk of the area.

“Enforcement officers are able to provide members of the public directions and further information regarding the parking restrictions.”