A PAIR of pensioners are "in despair" after receiving a ￡294 fine for overstaying in a car park by just one minute - SIX YEARS ago.

       Terry Foster, 77, and wife Lynn, 71, said they "don't know which way to turn" after being sent the mammoth bill for the over half a decade old discrepancy.

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       Terry Foster, 77, and wife Lynn, 71 say they overstayed by just one minute and will fight the fresh fine 'on principle' Credit: Google maps

       The couple explained they originally received a fine in October 2015 for exceeding the 20-minute time duration on the car park off Hessle Square in Hull by just 60 seconds.

       Six years down the line, they thought the fine had been forgotten about -before they received an alarming letter through the door earlier this year.

       Lynn told the Hull Daily Mail: "I got my first letter about this in March this year, six years after the fine, and I told my son and he said to ignore it.

       "He passed away 12 weeks ago, and I know he'd have helped and supported us through this. I am so scared and don't know what to do.

       "When I first received the charge years ago I wrote the cheque out to pay, then I thought about it, and on principle I didn't pay, as we were one minute over.

       "I assumed it was all forgotten until I started getting letters out of the blue in March. I've had a few now, and the latest one this week is for ￡294.

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       "I don't know which way to turn."

       The car park was managed by parking enforcement firm Auto Security at the time, but the premises have now changed hands.

       But the previous owners are now chasing the OAP's for the fine and have warned the couple they could face court action if they don't stump up the cash.

       The menacing later also said the claimant is now entitled to "damages" for the unpaid penalty as well as interest at eight per cent.

       Terrified Lynn turned to the Citizens Advice Bureau for guidance, who advised her to pay ￡5 a week.

       But the 71-year-old insists on fighting the fine as a matter of "principle" and has instead reached out to Hull West and Hessle MP, Emma Hardy, for her help.

       It seems the Foster's are not the only people being followed up for ancient fines - as others have also received letters demanding payment or threatening court action.

       COSTLY CAR PARK

       A woman from Brough, who did not want to be named, said: "My amount is ￡288.70. It was called Plaza 20 minute car park when I parked there.

       "I hadn't seen the signs, which I know is no excuse but I dispute being there more than 20 minutes," she explained.

       "My parking ticket shows I was there for exactly 20 mins, not over 20 minutes.

       "I disputed it at the time, then never heard anything until I recently started getting bailiffs threats. Now I've got a court letter.

       "I'm going to defend the claim though I'm worried I'll get a County Court Judgement."

       Another local, Martin Curtis, said he too had received a County Court letter regarding his stay on the same car park in Hessle in May 2017,

       "We have 14 days to reply," he said. "I'm in the process of getting advice from a solicitor.

       "The CCJ is now for ￡275 with court costs and interest.`"

       The Sun Online was unable to reach Auto Security for comment.