AN irate Saints fan has returned his brand new £515 season ticket after being forced to pay for parking while he bought it.

Outraged Stephen Crump marched back to the front of the St Mary’s ticket office queue to demand a refund when he was told he needed to fork out another pound to drive his car away from the stadium.

Mr Crump, 64, from Hedge End, had parked at the ground while he and his son, Lee, went to renew their seats.

Fans have previously been allowed 30 minutes free parking before they incur any charge, but that time limit has now been reduced to 15 minutes.

The pair estimated they had only been at the stadium for 25 minutes.

Having been informed at the exit barrier that they needed to pay, Mr Crump and his son buzzed the help button to explain they had just shelled out over £1,000 at the ticket office.

Have you been affected by the parking costs at St Mary’s? If so, email echosport@dailyecho.co.uk.

However, when they asked if they could be let out without charge, they were told they would have to go back and insert a pound into the car park machine.

For Mr Crump it was the last straw, having also been a victim of this summer’s rise in the seniors concession age, from 60 to 65, which means the cost of renewing his seat has gone up from £300 to £515.

His son has also decided to return his season ticket.

“It’s absolutely appalling,” said Lee, 37, from Southampton, who has been a season ticket holder for ten years.

“My father was aware he would have to pay the increased cost for his ticket and he was happy to do so.

“But when he was asked to put another pound in the ticket machine he went absolutely mad and demanded his money back for the season ticket.

“If someone doesn’t buy anything I can understand them wanting to charge them, but we were genuine customers.

“Okay, it’s only a minuscule amount, but it’s just not right in my view.”

Anne Prince, 54, of Woolston, refused to park at the stadium when she found out she would have to pay.

“When I drove in, someone was coming out saying how disgraceful it was,” she said.

“People were complaining that there was no way they were going to get out in time without having to pay for their parking.

“It’s so unfair on loyal supporters who are renewing their tickets.

“I applaud (chairman) Nicola Cortese for everything he has done for the club, and I know it is difficult managing anything to do with money in these times, but I just think this is beyond the pale. There should be some goodwill somewhere along the line.”

At the time of going to press, Saints had not responded to a request for a comment.