Some disabled drivers promised refunds after being clamped in the town centre are still waiting to get their £95 back - two months later.

Two disabled drivers are particularly angry as they claim the general manager of the company which runs the town centre, Jim Furnival, said he said he would personally post their cheques two weeks ago.

However, Mr Furnival, of the Town Centre Management Company, told the Evening Echo the refunds were not his problem and if it was up to him none of the disabled drivers would be getting their money back in the first place.

Edith Weaver, 73, who has a problem with her spine and a disabled badge in her car, was ill for a fortnight after being clamped on April 15, but after phoning Mr Furnival four times and sending him a letter claims she was assured her refund cheque was on the way.

Mrs Weaver, of Dunton Park, Basildon, said: "I have been promised the money for at least six weeks but I am still waiting for the cheque."

Barry Davies, 70, of Crest Avenue, Pitsea, is a disabled driver who suffers from thrombosis and has two blood clots on his lungs.

He had to pay for a wheel clamp to be removed in early April and despite reassurances has still not seen a penny of his £95 back.

Mr Davies said: "I was promised the money back by Mr Furnival last week, but when I spoke to the clamping company they said they had only received the paperwork this week."

Jim Furnival, general manager of the Town Centre Management Company, said: "They will get their refund this week, but it is not my problem.

"The clamping company have agreed to give refunds on their own prerogative and if it was up to me they would not get anything."

Published Tuesday, June 17, 2003

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