OK so you go on holiday, leaving your car in the care of the MEET AND GREET parking staff at Manchester airport.

On your return you find a letter from the police advising that you are to be prosecuted for a speeding offence committed while you were away.

Gary Thorburn and Clare Beards flew to Spain on 3rd August leaving their GOLF GTI in the tender care of the parking staff, returning on the 16th August.

But on 10th August a speed camera snapped a GOLF GTI bearing the identical number plate, 11 miles from the airport and being driven at 55MPH in a 30 MPH speed zone.

Gary said, “I’ve used meet and greet firms before and never had an issue. I knew they take the cars off site to somewhere else, but you never imagine you’ll be accused of speeding 11 miles away from the airport.”

A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: “We are aware that a customer who booked Meet & Greet car parking at Manchester Airport has received a notice of intended prosecution from Greater Manchester Police, which relates to an alleged speeding offence that took place while they were on holiday.

We understand this would be distressing for the customer concerned, and launched an immediate investigation after being notified. This investigation has indicated the car that was booked in with us remained in a secure storage area until it was collected by the customer on their return. The key to the vehicle was also securely stored throughout.

“Further investigations indicate the vehicle shown in the speed camera image is different from the one that was left with us. While the customer concerned has not made a complaint to Manchester Airport, we have made several attempts to speak with them directly, in order to share our findings and remain eager to do so, as well as assisting the police in any enquiries they wish to make into the matter.

“We want to assure customers that there are a number of strict security measures in place to monitor the whereabouts of vehicles left with us and ensure they are kept safe at all times.”

Oo er!

Being a Tuesday Margaret Mills was back with me and this week took a look at the connections between Essex and the Wonderful World of Disney.

And believe it or not there really are connections between at least two Essex villages and the big names of Disney and Washington.

The Disney name is associated with Fryerning and you will find a monument in Fryerning churchyard commemorating the Disneys from Essex who travelled to the New World.

There is an even closer connection between Purleigh and Washington as back in 1635 Lawrence Washington a forebear of George Washington, was actually rector of All Saints Church.

And you can listen again here to what Margaret had to say on this subject: –

I look forward to having your company again tomorrow.

Yes truly I’m going for the treble this week!
Scott