My friend, who lives in Dartford, sent me a clipping from your edition dated February 22 regarding clamping at the Priory Centre.

I was clamped when I popped into Sainsbury's whilst visiting my friend. I was unaware of the need for pay and display as I had parked at the side of the store where there were no signs or machines. I was in the store for five minutes and came out to find a clamp had been placed on my vehicle.

I was amazed to have been clamped in such a short space of time. For the amount of time it would have taken the clamper to immobilise my vehicle and complete his paperwork, it is my opinion that he must have watched me leave my vehicle.

Security International state that you have consented to being clamped by not paying and displaying. I have appealed on the basis that I did not consent as, not being local to the area, I was unaware of the need to pay and display.

They have rejected my appeal but I will not give up. I have researched this subject and in certain court cases it has been found that the clamper has not been able to prove consent of the parker. I have backed up my appeal with photographic evidence.

The funny thing is when my friend moved to Dartford she shopped at Sainsbury's for six months before she realised she was supposed to pay and display. I had parked for less than six minutes and was clamped.

By Kate Adams, Colchester