ON SATURDAY, June 13, my daughter attended a party at the ice rink in Oxpens Road in Oxford.

I arrived to pick her up and found you had to pay to use the temporary Oxford City Council car park next to the ice rink for a five-minute pick up.

Having not brought my purse with me, I asked the very nice lady in the parking office if I could leave my car there for a couple of minutes.

I explained my predicament but was told no, it was not possible.

I’m sure the lady was only sticking to Oxford City Council’s rules.

I decided to try to park in a nearby petrol station further along Oxpens but was told no, so I tried the tyre place next door and told no again.

By the time I was getting very anxious as my daughter would be waiting and I’d not brought my mobile either.

I was starting to lose hope and thought maybe I shouldn’t have been so polite by asking if I can park my car, and instead just leave it for five minutes.

I finally pulled into the car park opposite the ice rink run by the City of Oxford College, which charges £5 per day.

I explained my problem and the young security guard told me I could park there.

I would really like to thank that young man for restoring my faith in people and helping a lady in distress.

I hope he doesn’t get into trouble for the kind gesture.

And shame on the council for not providing a pick up area for ice rink.

My daughter enjoyed her first time skating, but I will not be taking her there again.

I’d rather travel miles than give Oxford City Council any of my money.

LAURA BURNS
Bayworth