Unfair Parking Charge

[dogz]

Hi,

I'm after a bit of advice on a parking charge which I'm contesting which is rumbling on. Facts are as follows:

a) I own a flat in Chester which I rent out. Parking permits are required for both visitors and owners / tenants to park
b) Previous tenants vacated taking permits with them
c) I requested new permits from VCS. The time taken for the new permits to be issued meant that I could not pass to the painter in time
d) Painter came to paint and didn't have a permit and got ticketed
e) I spoke to the painter and said I'd sort on his behalf
f) I contacted VCS stating that charge is unfair for a variety of reasons but mainly that permits weren't issued in a timely fashion. I provided emails to this effect including responses from VCS permits department
g) A few letters have gone to and fro but this is the latest:



Guess I'm after advice on how best to proceed? I don't really want to trouble the painter

I'm tempted to reply saying that I'm referring to the ombudsman. What is my best course of actions?

Cheers

Dogz