SIR - Last week I had the most expensive fish and chips in Hitchin, and probably the UK come to think of it. No, it was not at a five star Michelin restaurant, nor was I short-changed when I came to pay. The truth of it was that I was clamped in the priv

SIR - Last week I had the most expensive fish and chips in Hitchin, and probably the UK come to think of it. No, it was not at a five star Michelin restaurant, nor was I short-changed when I came to pay.

The truth of it was that I was clamped in the private parking area behind the row of shops on Hermitage Road in Hitchin while nipping over to the chippie opposite.

I will admit I was totally in the wrong, as it was clearly signed, but I did not want to park illegally on double yellow lines by the chippie and I assumed that clamping did not apply to evenings when the area is totally empty of cars.

A total of £193.88 later, I wished that I had parked illegally then at least a ticket would have been cheaper. So a warning to all your readers, if you do not want to pay an extortionate amount (to two dodgy geezers in a tatty white van) for your fish supper, park elsewhere.

STEVE BARLEY

Lavender Way

Hitchin