"INTIMIDATING" wheelclampers have left scores of unsuspecting Canvey motorists £155 out of pocket and chased much-needed shoppers away from the town, a councillor has claimed.

Many drivers have been forced to shell out £155 after being pounced on by "burly" wheelclampers operating in Furtherwick Road.

Councillor Ray Howard, who represents the Canvey West ward, has criticised traders in Furtherwick Road for allowing the London-based firm Shadow Clamp-down to penalise drivers for using a private car park behind their businesses.

Mr Howard has been inundated with calls from distressed drivers who have been stung with hefty clamping release fees after using the car park.

One woman was so intimidated by her ordeal she asked not to be named.

She said: "The irony is I dropped clothes off at the Little Havens charity shop and then two tough-looking men said I had to pay £155 to get my car unclamped.

"I was so gutted. I've got four kids and that's a whole week's shopping."

Paul Marsh, 55, of Gibson Close, Leigh, has delivered cigarettes to newsagents News For You for 15 years and always uses the car park.

However, on his most recent visit, he found his vehicle had been clamped.

Mr Marsh said: "The two blokes said if I didn't pay my car would be towed away and I'd have to pay £350."

Councillor Howard said: "If shopkeepers want to introduce policies to stop irresponsible parking they should consult the traffic management officer at the council.

"The way this clamping was introduced is unacceptable and I think the people who have been forced to pay £155 fines should be reimbursed."

A Trading Standards spokesman said clamping in Furtherwick Road had ceased. "Essex County Council Trading Stan-dards have received reports of a company illegally clamping vehicles at a car park in Canvey," he said.

"Vehicle clamping is not illegal, but anyone in the industry has to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority.

"If anyone has any information on illegal car clamping operations they can contact the authority on 0870 2430100."