CLAMPERS targeting motorists in Rayleigh could drive people away from the town centre, it is feared.

The clampers have been snaring cars parked in the back yards and forecourts of shops in Websters Way and Bellingham Lane.

Among those caught was Tony Capp, 54, who was clamped when he parked in front of ATS Euromaster Tyres in Bellingham Lane.

Mr Capp had to fork out almost £200 on Saturday evening to LBS Enforcement bailiffs in Leigh, which monitors the private forecourts in Websters Way and Bellingham Lane.

He returned with his town councillor, David Geach, 55, on Sunday to check the warning sign and the same company tried to clamp them again.

Mr Geach said the car’s engine was still running when the two parking enforcers pulled up behind them to block them in and only a swift manoeuvre meant they avoided paying another £200. He said: “It’s terrible. These guys are clearly lying in wait for people in an unmarked car. The whole thing stinks.

“I don’t want people frightened away from the town. I’m concerned because we have the Rayleigh lights switch-on and the Remembrance Day service coming up.”

Ashit Miah, manager of Tandoori Hut in Berry’s Arcade, off the High Street, said ten to 15 cars had been clamped at the ATS forecourt on Saturday night.

Carl Watson, chairman of Rayleigh Chamber of Trade, said: “We just want to warn people about what’s happening.

“There’s been some negative feedback and the last thing we need is to antagonise people coming into the town.

“It’s not a black-and-white issue. Landlords get fed up with people parking all day and being a nuisance.

“But the clampers are being a bit heavy-handed.”

Nobody at ATS would comment about why the restrictions were introduced about a week ago. But a spokesman for LBS, who did not wish to give his name, said everything the company did was legal and it was properly registered.

He said: “There are very visible signs in all the car parks we manage warning people about 24-hour clamping.

“If they want to take a risk and park there it’s up to them.

“There’s lots of free parking available. These people are parking on private property. We are contracted to keep these areas clear for clients and their customers.”