CUSTOMERS are still being fined for parking after spending their hard-earned cash in a large DIY store.

As previously reported in the Guardian, Sarah Branley received a £95 penalty after spending nearly £100 in a branch of Homebase in Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow.

And now pensioner Mavis Hart, of Amberley Road, Leyton, has received a threatening letter from security firm G24 Ltd ordering her to pay a £70 parking fine after spending £70 in the store during a three-hour visit with her husband on April 11.

In an angry letter to store bosses, the 75-year-old, who suffers from asthma and spinal problems, said: “Seeing as we can't walk around your store fast enough we won't come again.

“I resent being accused of leaving my car and going somewhere else.

"How come a photo was not taken of us coming out with the shopping trolley, with goods we had purchased and loaded in the car with one of your workers carrying a very a large vase?

“I took time to look around as I can’t walk very fast. When we got to the counter there was a large queue.”

Like Mrs Hart, Miss Branley says she was not aware of the parking restrictions.

She also received a second £95 fine for a visit she made the following weekend and only received refunds when she complained in person to store bosses.

Miss Branley said: “When I went in to complain about the fines a staff manager said ‘this happens all the time’.

A Homebase spokeswoman said: "Homebase has made every effort to ensure customers are aware of the parking time limit through signage."

“The policy is to ensure genuine customers have the convenience of parking and the limit should allow ample time.”

She added that genuine shoppers who exceed the time limit should speak to the store's staff to ensure they are not penalised.