I was shocked that I received a fine for parking in McDonald’s car park in Borehamwood on December 22.

I went to McDonald’s the previous week to arrange a child’s party. Finding out they do not do parties anymore, I asked if I could arrange to have one myself there, they agreed to this and offered to supply the balloons.

So on December 22, I arrived at approximately 3.50pm, parked up and went in to get a tea while I waited for the guests to arrive.

Everyone arrived by 4.30pm and I got the children settled with the parents near the play area. I then went to get their food. The children were only two years old so they loved playing and took a bit of time to eat.

A couple of weeks after the party, I received a parking fine from MET saying I had been parked in McDonald’s too long as it is only a 90-minute stay car park – I was there 130 minutes.

I called McDonald’s to assist me in this and was told the car park does not belong to them, I said that was fine but I wanted like to speak to someone that could help me and write a letter to say I was there the whole time and did not leave the premises.

I was told to call back after 2pm, which I did, but still got nowhere.

I then went online to appeal the fine and wrote a letter to them on the MET appeals website explaining all the above.

I received a letter on Monday, January 12 saying I lost the appeal.

I think it is an outrage that I didn’t get any support from McDonald’s and that I got fined for holding my granddaughter’s party there.

If they see my car on the premises then I am sure they could have seen me on the premises at all times.

I just want parents to be aware that even if you pay to eat there you will get fined for staying to long.

Ms C Etheridge

Farriers Way, Borehamwood