AFTER reading "Hit by the blue meanies" (LET, August 12), I feel I had to write to let you know about our dealings with a traffic warden in Southport.

On a wet and windy Tuesday, (August 10), we parked on the sea front at Southport and paid 80p for one hour's parking (only 10p more than Blackburn).

We sampled Southport's fine fish and chips in an amusement arcade and as we made our way back to our vehicle a traffic warden was prowling.

My husband broke into a run as we realised we were ten minutes over the hour.

The traffic warden was fiddling with his machine as I enquired how much the ticket he was issuing was going to cost.

"Don't worry love," he replied. "It will just take a moment to cancel this ticket. Thanks for not trying to drive off."

How refreshing to see the compassionate side of these people.

I don't expect the same response from Blackburn with Darwen wardens.

MARIE DAWSON, Openshaw Drive, Blackburn.