The Mayor of Ross-on-Wye appeared on a national television programme, ITV’s Parking Wars, on Tuesday, September 29th, saying town residents would have to pay a parking ticket he received for overstaying in a Hereford car park.

However the Deputy Town Clerk, Mrs Rachel Lewis issued a statement on Wednesday, September 30th, denying that the Council paid the fine. She said: “The Mayor received a parking ticket but he did not ask the Town Council to pay it. He paid the fine from his own pocket the following day.”

Councillor Colin Gray was wearing his Mayoral chain at the time he received the ticket, as he was attending an event organised by the High Sheriff in April. He asked the parking enforcement officers why he had received a ticket and said he would appeal the £50 fine ‘the rate payers of Ross will pay for it otherwise’.

The dispute was caught by a television crew filming in Hereford for the ITV documentary.

Cllr Gray added that he would ask his secretary to appeal the ticket. He told the film crew he had put £4 into the machine but only £3 registered.

The documentary sparked outrage on social media, Martyn Bolt tweeted: “Not good advert for area on #ParkingWars as Town Mayor got ticket.”

Catherine Finlay said: “Lets hope he has reconsidered his position on that!”

And Neil Jackson said: “Did a Mayor just admit on TV to putting his fines on expenses? Does anyone else see the issue with that? #ParkingWars”

Stu E said: “So the Lord Mayor of Ross on Wye feels he is above the law then. The arrogance of this man is unbelievable!”

The Ross Gazette has spoken at length with the Mayor, Cllr Colin Gray this morning but he said he has been advised by the Herefordshire Association of Local Councils to make ‘no comment’, other than to reiterate the official statement from Ross Town Council.