A pensioner who was fined after a visit to Sidmouth Conservative Club two years ago says an ‘administrative error’ has left him facing a court appearance.

Peter Fields, 70, has refused to pay the £60 penalty because he was at the club legitimately, having stopped there for a meal after Christmas shopping in 2012.

He recently received a letter from debt recovery agents representing Premier Park, the company contracted to run the club’s car park, threatening him with court action if he does not pay.

He said: “I’m still being pursued since December 2012.

“I have contacted the club so many times, and I have actually gone down there and photographed my signature in the visitors book from when I was there in 2012.

“I agree that the club needed something in place to stop unauthorised parking, but I was legitimately there.”

The initial fine of £60 has since risen to £150, and will increase further if the matter reaches court, but Torquay resident Peter says he will not pay ‘out of principle’.

The retired engineer appealed to the club for help after he received the fine, but said management had been unwilling to take up his case.

He said that although he had been signed into the visitors book by a club member, his car registration was not taken down.

“I’m being punished because of an administrative error,” added Peter. “Seemingly Sidmouth Conservative Club is powerless to do anything about their own car park.

“I think if some 70-year-old pensioners had to deal with this they would be quite worried.

“It leaves a bit of a sour taste in your mouth.”

Premier Park was this week approached for a comment, but had not responded as the Herald went to press yesterday afternoon.

Sidmouth Conservative Club did not wish to comment on the matter.