A WOMAN has criticised a local authority which issued her with a parking fine while she was caught up in terror attacks in London.

Louise Gardner, 24, from Woodland, Teesdale, left her car in a Darlington Borough Council car park when she took a train to London, in July.

She had paid for a ticket for three days but was unable to get back to Darlington in time when bomb attempts on July 21 threw the capital's transport system into chaos.

As a result, she was six hours late getting back from Darlington and has now been issued with a £60 fine.

The council has written to Miss Gardner ordering her to pay the fine.

But she has written to the council saying it was not her fault as it was due to circumstances beyond her control.

She said: "I find it a bit shocking really.

"I'd intended to return on the Saturday, but with all the commotion that was going on at the time, it was so much more difficult to get a train.

"My train was also delayed at York as someone left a bag on it and that added to the delay.

"I have offered to pay the difference for the extra time I was parked there, but it looks like I'm going to have to pay £60."

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said a standard letter was sent to Miss Gardner because of an excess parking charge.

She added: "However, we have not yet heard back from the lady and so are unable to comment on what our response will be."