CARE workers accused of using a street as their car park have hit back in a bizarre row, saying their cars have been covered in flour, glue and fake parking tickets.
Staff from Norvic Healthcare have been accused by angry locals of parking all day on Baldric Road, in Taverham, Norfolk – despite there being no parking restrictions.
The company’s manager has now hit out at the abuse his staff are facing after two came back and found their cars covered in flour.
Aaron Bellwald, manager of Norvic Healthcare for the last six years, said: “Staff have had super glue and flour thrown onto their windscreen, as well as threatening notes.
“Just the other day, someone’s car had a paint-like substance marked on the door’s keyhole.
“There are people doing end-of-life care around the city and I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it must be to come back from a 12 or 13-hour shift and see this on their cars.
“My staff aren’t doing anything illegal, they’re not blocking any access and it’s only three or four cars – I’d understand the frustration if it was more – but it’s not.
“I’ve reported the incidents to the police but they don’t seem bothered.”
Mr Bellwald added: “There’s very limited space on site so we’ve spoken to other care homes and The Silver Fox pub nearby to get spaces elsewhere but we can’t.
“It’s not like we’ve ignored it. It’s a shame people can’t be more considerate of people’s personal belongings and are damaging them instead.”
The strange row has seen fake parking tickets placed on cars, making claims for fines to be paid.
One stated: “Payment is required no later than five seconds from the date of this violation. Note you have five seconds to contest this citation.
“Please send payment via cash (lots and lots of it) or a cheque made payable to [blank] so as to avoid a penalty.”
A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: “On February 16 we received a report of criminal damage to a vehicle in Fakenham Road.
“An investigation was launched and enquiries conducted and has since been closed pending any further evidence that may come to light.”
The Chairman of Taverham Parish Council criticised the care firm previously and said it was “disappointing they couldn’t be more community minded”.
Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou said: “It’s been a constant issue here.
“I know that both county councillors and police have tried talking to Norvic but it doesn’t seem particularly interested in resolving the situation.
“It’s disappointing they couldn’t be more community-minded and have some consideration for their neighbours.”
According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, your parking ticket should be cancelled if one of the below points applies:
You got a Parking Charge Notice more than 14 days after parking
You were parked correctly
The parking signs or road markings were unclear
There was no way to pay
You were charged too much
You weren’t driving when the ticket was issued
You couldn’t get back to your car
However, if none of these apply, it’s a good idea to pay your ticket early as Penalty Charge Notices will be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days and 40-60% if a Parking Charge Notice
