THERE was no happily ever after for parents attending the Tannery Drift School Christmas play. For some, the production was cut short when two traffic wardens were spotted in operation outside the school gates on Tuesday morning. Some parents had parke

THERE was no 'happily ever after' for parents attending the Tannery Drift School Christmas play.

For some, the production was cut short when two traffic wardens were spotted in operation outside the school gates on Tuesday morning.

Some parents had parked on the single yellow line outside the school in Tannery Drift.

Although illegally parked and knowing it, they believed they had permission to leave their vehicles there while watching the nursery classes' Christmas concert.

One disgruntled mum said: "We were under the impression that parents were allowed to park there, as long as there was an event at the school.

"Parents have parked there for years. Christmas parties, nativities, sports days... it's never been a problem.

"We feel outraged that such a lovely day has been ruined like this.

"It's a penalty that we could all do without, especially at this time of year. I will definitely appeal."

The yellow lines were put down to stop commuters and people who worked in the town from parking outside the school.

And following the law, traffic wardens issued the parking tickets and with them a £30 fine.

A spokeswoman for the school said: "Legally they are not permitted to park there. But in the past, wardens have always come into the school after realising that something was going on here.

"They must be new to the area, because we didn't even get a warning.

"Unfortunately there isn't enough parking space on the school's grounds and we feel partly responsible for what has happened. This is such a shame, because it really has ruined a very lovely day."

A spokesman for North Herts District Council said: "The council was responding to complaints from residents about the lack of parking enforcement in Tannery Drift and the consequent disruption to traffic flow.

"The attendants waited 15 minutes, during which time some of the drivers came and moved their cars.

"Thirteen cars were moved, but five remained, and these were duly and correctly ticketed.

"The drivers of those cars have a legal right to appeal against their penalty charge and should they do so, their cases will be considered in the normal way.

"The council's parking attendants have acted correctly throughout and have exercised discretion and leniency in applying the penalties.