Drivers 'asked to pay protection'

Motorists using a council-owned car park in Bath claim they are being forced to pay money to protect their vehicles from vandals.

One driver told the BBC his car was badly damaged after he refused to hand over cash to strangers who approached him as he paid for his ticket.

Police said they regularly patrolled the Manvers Street car park and urged other victims to come forward.

Bath and North East Somerset Council said it would investigate the matter.

Motorist Stewart Barratt said: "I've only refused [to pay] once and I came back to my car and it was damaged, £385 it cost me to put it right.

'Urinated over'

"My car had been urinated over, wing mirrors were broken and the wiper blades back and front were ripped off."

Another driver, Tommy Ferris, said: "You feel very intimidated and it's frightening when there are a group of people shouting abuse at you.

"If you park your car somewhere, you expect it to be safe, especially somewhere like this. Not only is it a commercial car park, it's within yards of a police station."

Anyone who has been threatened or had their car vandalised should report the matter to police immediately Avon and Somerset Police

A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: "We are aware of one incident where a motorist was asked for money before somebody urinated on his car.

"No other incidents have been reported recently.

"Officers regularly patrol the car park, making several visits everyday and often ask individuals to move on.

"Anyone who has been threatened or had their car vandalised should report the matter to police immediately."

Bath and North East Somerset Council added: "We were very concerned to hear about the alleged incident and officers are working together with Avon and Somerset Police to investigate further."