RESIDENTS are fighting back against clampers who have been targeting unsuspecting motorists outside a Southampton supermarket.

They took to the streets to stop motorists falling victim to clampers who have brought misery to scores of motorists using the Tesco Express at Merryoak.

Drivers pulling into the car park next to the store are being warned of the clamping dangers by a group of residents.

They now have vowed to continue patrolling the area to stop clampers from pouncing on any more victims.

Outrage sparked by the actions of Whites Car Parking Solutions in Spring Road has been so strong that the funeral directors opposite have now stopped the firm from patrolling the front of their premises.

As reported in the Daily Echo last week, police had been called to calm angry motorists whose vehicles had been clamped in the 15-space car park owned by Vets4Pets.

Clamping signs appeared overnight and since then clampers have been pouncing on as many as 30 motorists a day charging release fees from £150.

Today supermarket and vets bosses will meet to discuss the issue.

But residents have started standing outside the supermarket to warn motorists away before the clampers have a chance to pounce.

Pensioner George Constable, 85, stood for hours alerting drivers this weekend.

He said: “I’m determined not to let these clampers get their hands on any more money. It’s disgusting what they are doing and we will continue to stand here and warn people for as long as it takes.

“At this time of year £150 is a lot of money and for many that is cash saved up to spend on Christmas presents.

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“We saw one mum-of-three break down in tears when they started clamping her wheel before she was even given the chance to get out of her car.

“So far we have turned at least ten cars away and the clampers have left.”

Keeping George company was 27-year-old carer John Miller, who had his car clamped last week.

He said: “I know how it feels and want to stop other people going through what I’ve been through.

“We know we won’t be able to save everyone but even if we stop five people being clamped then it is a job worth doing and I’m happy.”

Witnessing the angry scenes outside the supermarket, Simon Waters from Waters and Sons Funeral Directors has decided to stop using the firm to monitor parking in front of his business.

He said: “I have decided not to use Whites Parking Solutions to control the area at the front of my shop anymore, although I will continue using them for the back entrance as access is vital for my business.”

Neither Vets4Pets or Whites Clamping Solutions were available for comment, but the vets has promised an investigation.