THREE motorists are set to take legal action in the belief they were illegally clamped.

Michele Nash, Louise Gough and Robin Gray parked in the Tiles R Us car park in Bursledon Road as they have done every day since starting work at neighbouring Mazda Southampton.

But they got an unpleasant shock when they found clamps on their cars - even though they held permits which were valid until September 2003.

Group after-sales manager Malcolm Nancarrow said: "It's pathetic. We're going to take them to court. I don't believe my staff have been legally clamped."

Staff from Car Park Security, who run a clamping operation on behalf of the DIY store, said they had informed a Mazda staff member on Saturday that their permits were no longer valid.

The trio were told if they did not pay £75 each - in cash - tow trucks would be sent to remove them.

Mr Nancarrow moved his car and formed a blockade while police were called to deal with the matter.

Two officers attended and advised the Mazda staff to pay up.

"There's clearly been a break down in communication between the two companies," said PC Andrew Cole.

Administrator Ms Nash said: "I've got to pick my kids up from school in an hour. What am I supposed to do?"

Mr Nancarrow loaned the disgruntled motorists company cash to pay the fee.

But he warned: "We're going to take this matter to court."

Tiles R Us has been at the centre of complaints from others who claim they were clamped unnecessarily in the past few weeks.

A spokesman for Car Park Security said: "Two members of staff from Tiles R Us informed the manager at Mazda the permits were no longer valid and to hand them back."