A MISLEADING sign in the Ivy Street car park, Colwyn Bay, has been replaced following public outcry.

The original sign, which has been in place since the beginning of the year, just said free parking. But in the small print on a notice alongside it stated free parking was limited to four hours.

As a result a number of drivers unwittingly parked for too long and were issued with parking fines.

Mr Kenneth Adams, of Ffordd Bugail, Colwyn Bay, said: "I think the council has changed the sign only because of the outcry from the public. My partner parked there from the beginning of the year in the belief it was free all day. "But last week she got a parking ticket, and I know a number of others did as well. I don't know why they suddenly started issuing tickets.

"In any case they should have been more clear and not misleading with the sign"

Another resident who has been issued with a parking ticket last weekend, Gill Kimpton, said: "I believe a trader complained about the parking and after that the council instructed the wardens to give us tickets, and a dozen of us were given them. We appealed and received emails saying the fines had been cancelled."

A Conwy Borough Council spokesperson said: "Parking at Ivy Street car park is currently free under a Welsh Government funded scheme, but the conditions for parking otherwise remain the same as listed on the car park information board.

"Ivy Street has always been a short stay shoppers car park, with parking limited to a maximum of four hours. This arrangement has not changed and is unaffected by the current free parking.

"If someone has been issued with a penalty charge notice for overstaying the four hour restriction at Ivy Street car park they should submit an appeal, details of how to do so are on the ticket.

The spokesman confirmed 13 penalty charge notices were issued, 11 appeals have been received and 11 notices have been cancelled.