A Norfolk woman has won her case against a fine after parking outside a former Norfolk Hospital.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Mia Arthur has won a parking fine case. Picture: Mia ArthurMia Arthur has won a parking fine case. Picture: Mia Arthur (Image: Archant)

Thetford Cottage Hospital closed in 2007 after serving the community for more than 100 years.

It has since stood empty on Earls Street with fencing around the building to stop people entering.

Mia Arthur, 28, from Cloverfields, parked her Peugeot in front of the hospital on Friday, April 26 when she could not find a space in town so she could attend a baby group.

The mother-of-one said: "There was no parking anywhere in town and I would've had to walk for ages with a toddler had I not parked there.

"I was adamant as soon as I got the ticket that I wasn't going to pay it. I would have taken it further had I needed to."

Details were highlighted on the £70 charge how to appeal the ticket and with the help of her father-in-law Ms Arthur wrote to West Norfolk Council, which handles on-street parking fines.

The part-time waitress added: "You appeal it by the website on the ticket, but you need to expect to get rejected and have to appeal again.

"The first time I wrote a short statement then the second time I went into further detail. My father-in-law is brilliant and he helped me with my second statement after I received my first rejection.

"They gave me the option of having someone else decide or a telephone hearing, I opted for the hearing and the lawyer wholeheartedly agreed with us."

The lawyer who conducted the hearing agreed that due to the fencing and road markings the space resembled a lay-by and the council should look into making it clearer.

The council also sent a charge certificate after the appeal was lodged.

If an appeal is made against a parking fine a charge certificate cannot be issued because an appeal is in process.

In Ms Arhut's case this was down to human error.

A spokesman for West Norfolk Council said: "While a representation is being made the charge should go on hold.

"Unfortunately on this occasion that did not happen, and so the fine was cancelled at Tribunal because the proper procedure had not been followed."