PARENTS who were hit with a parking fine while watching their children s carol concert have been given a reprieve. Believing they had permission to park on yellow lines outside Tannery Drift School, Royston, parents were issued with £30 fines by two traf

PARENTS who were hit with a parking fine while watching their children's carol concert have been given a reprieve.

Believing they had permission to park on yellow lines outside Tannery Drift School, Royston, parents were issued with £30 fines by two traffic wardens.

But there has now been a new twist to the controversial decision with North Herts District Council deciding to cancel the parking fines.

The move came after an appeal from Cllr Peter Burt to his colleagues on the district council's Royston area committee.

Cllr Burt said there were "exceptional circumstances" surrounding the issue.

"There was no intention on the part of the parents to break the law and this is a situation where we could be seen to act in a compassionate way," he said.

One mum, Emma Johnson said: "The decision to cancel our fines comes as a surprise.

"It seems that they have seen sense, I wasn't very happy with the way it was initially handled. It was our children's first concert and it was a shame that something like this spoilt such a lovely day."

Another mum, Julie Pool said: "I just hope that I get my money back.

"To me it all seems unnecessary and a problem that they could have avoided. They should have given the parents more flexibility on the day."

Mum Cheryl Holden said: "We've always believed that we've had permission to park there. So what happened came as a shock.

"But it's good news that the decision is being turned around and to get the money back is fantastic. I was hoping that they would change their minds.