DISABLED motorist from Andover is blasting the actions of a private parking operator for not recognising a disabled parking badge and issuing him with a ticket.

John Devine from Admirals Way was given a warning notice after parking in a disabled bay at the new Lidl store in Western Avenue.

Although not a fine, the penalty notice stated it was an infringement for Mr Devine's vehicle to be parked there.

"I just couldn't believe it," said the 50-year-old.

"I was in the store for less than ten minutes, and when I came back out I had this to face.

"My car is a registered mobility car provided by the government and on the dash board was my disabled parking card.

"It was issued to me by Hampshire County Council five months ago.

"It's blue, shows a picture of a wheelchair and replaces the old style orange badge which I used to carry.

" I've been a disabled driver for 34 years and have never once had a parking ticket."

Mr Devine claims the car park 'enforcer' told him he'd never seen a blue badge before and he'd only accept an orange disc as a valid permit.

A spokesman for the management company Beaver Property Management, agreed: "We're not aware that these badges have come in to force.

"I can remember hearing a while ago they were going to be introduced.

"But no one's sent information to the private operators it seems. We will make sure we get in touch with area managers so they can tell their car park enforcers about the change."

But general manager of Beaver Property Management, Chris Haywood has a different attitude.

He said: "BPM manages more than 140 sites across the country, including many for Lidl, and there are always people who want to complain.

"I think this man should just calm down a bit."

BPM is temporarily managing the Lidl car park, while Test Valley Borough Council and the store negotiate an agreement for the council to take it over and introduce a pay-and-display system.

It means for the time being, the council has no jurisdiction over the area, and neither do the police. A spokeswoman for Lidl said the store was not responsible for its car park once a company has been appointed to look after it.

But she was concerned about the incident. "I will alert all management to these changes," she said.

"And will personally phone Mr Devine to apologise," she added.