Window cleaner Allan Dixon has been left dismayed and disappointed at his treatment by wheel clampers who struck as he finished work.

Mr Dixon, 64, of Sharphaw Avenue, Skipton, had just parked his car in the town’s Devonshire Place car park to pick up his ladders when he turned round to find the device being fitted.

Despite his explanation that he had been away only seconds to retrieve his ladders, he was told he must pay £100 to free the clamp.

Mr Dixon, a window cleaner in Skipton for the past 30 years, said:”I tried to explain that I was a local trader going about my business and not somebody trying to avoid a parking fee for hours, but they said they couldn’t take the clamp off because it was now in the system.

“I wasn’t angry, just so disappointed to be treated like that without any understanding of what I was doing. And I thought they were very aggressive in their approach, but not threatening.”

Mr Dixon said he was well aware that Carstoppers operated in Devonshire Place because of the signs.

“What I did that day was park my car in Brookside and carry my ladders. On completion of the work I walked back for my car, drove it round to Devonshire Place and left the ignition running and hazard lights on.

“I walked for my ladders and as I returned I saw them putting on the clamp. I couldn’t believe it – I had been away hardly any time.”

He had to pay out £100 in cash and was told if he was unable to find the money within the hour, the release charge would go up by £150.

Mr Dixon has written a formal letter to Carstoppers outlining his side of the incident and hoping for a refund.

A spokesman for Carstoppers said the car was parked when the men arrived and Mr Dixon appeared several minutes later. The spokesman said the engine was not ticking over. The company said it had received calls from Superdrug about people parking in the area and leaving vehicles for some time.