A DISABLED driver cried with tears of joy when she heard her penalty charge had been waived.

Blue badge holder Irene Jamieson feared she could be marooned in her home after her town centre parking spot had been deemed 'illegal'.

The retired businesswoman had been parking on Service Road One between the old public toilets and the markets for more than 10 years.

She had been incensed to discover a penalty charge notice on her windscreen.

But after her plight was highlighted by the Winsford Guardian, Cheshire West and Chester Council said they would cancel the £70 fine.

Irene, of Bakers Lane, said: "I am overwhelmed, that's fantastic news. It is a worry off my shoulders.

"I am so pleased that I won't have to pay this out of my pension, £70 is a lot of money, I would have had to go without something else to pay that."

Irene has osteoarthritis in both knees and uses two walking sticks or a trolley with wheels to get around.

"I have to park as close as I can to the shops because I can't walk that far," she said.

Irene, who struggles to walk from her home to her car, lodged an appeal but had been told it was rejected.

The u-turn has come as a great relief.

She added: "The help I have received from the Guardian has been awesome. If it wasn't for you, I'd still be fighting this.

"I am so happy if I could do a double somersault I would do."

CWAC confirmed they would cancel the fine as the Guardian went to press last week.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment said: “This area has a Traffic Regulation Order in place and there have been some enhancements to the area to make it as obvious as possible to people to try and prevent mistakes being made.

"This penalty charge notice was correctly issued but, on this occasion, we will cancel the PCN and issue a warning and advisory letter instead.

"The area now has limited waiting bays in place where blue badge holders can park all day with their badge on display ”