By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 12:19, Thursday, 14 February 2013

A driver has notched up thousands of pounds in parking tickets dating back to 2005 but refuses to pay them.

Andrew Pattinson, of Cumbria Denture Clinic, says their business is suffering

James McGlinchey, 48, who lives in Denton Street, Carlisle, says nothing will stop him parking outside his own home, despite the fact he’s blocking a dental business below.

A bitter war of words has broken out between Mr McGlinchey and the owners of Cumbria Denture Clinic, Andrew Pattinson, 37, and his partner Lisa Boland, 39.

They say their business is virtually hidden behind his large red van.

“He used to park a car with a trailer outside, and that wasn’t a problem but then he bought the van,” Mr Pattinson said.

“Lots of people comment on it, and ask us how we can run a business with that thing parked outside.

“He’s had hundreds and hundreds of parking tickets but he doesn’t stop.”

Miss Boland said trying to resolve the problem had become a nightmare.

Neither she nor Mr Pattinson can understand why the authorities allow the problem to persist, despite the double yellow lines.

But Mr McGlinchey said nothing would persuade him to not park his van in front of his front door.

He said: “I’m not going to park my van anywhere else. They’ve been here for three years, and I’ve been living here for the last 25 years. I’m not moving it for anyone.

“I’ve got parking tickets going back to 2005 – and I owe thousands for them.

“I used to park it round the corner but that’s not going to happen now.

“I collect wood from the river bank and bring it back here in my van. I burn it, and it’s my only source of heat.

“I’ve got no hot running water and I haven’t had mains gas for eight years. I can’t afford it. I have to cook on a camping stove. The parking tickets don’t bother me.”

Mr McGlinchey said he had moved his van for his neighbours on one occasion but he blamed them for reporting that his van was parked on double yellow lines.

Another neighbouring business, hairdresser Sandra Mitchell, 71, said: “I’ve known Andrew for a long time and I know that he parks there when he really shouldn’t.

“But it doesn’t bother me. He’s a nice enough lad but he’s parked there for a long time.”

A Carlisle City Council spokeswoman said: “We are doing everything we can to resolve this issue.

“Numerous parking tickets have been issued and we’re now making progress looking into other options, within the legislative framework we have to follow.”

First published at 12:17, Thursday, 14 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk