A BAND have offered to help out a fan who came to see them perform in a pub and ended up having to pay almost £500 to car clampers.

Emma Blomfield, 40, was going to see the Jayways perform at the Grand Hotel, in Leigh, last month when her car was clamped.

She had parked in the pub car park, but was seen going to the nearby Mariners Court pub first.

Miss Blomfield, from Rayleigh, had to fork out £493 and collect her car from a pound in South Hanningfield after it was seized by LBS Enforcement, based in Leigh.

Members of Essex five-piece band the Jayways were shocked to learn of Miss Blomfield’s ordeal, so they clubbed together to give £60 towards her expenses.

They also called for other members of the public to help her out too.

Band spokesman Andy Nunn said: “I was shocked and disappointed to read the story of Emma Blomfield’s experience at the Grand Hotel in the Echo.

“We are deeply concerned someone had come along specifically to see us play, but because she was unfamiliar with the area was totally unsuspecting of this practice of clamping which we feel goes against the basic principles and fair play.”

Miss Blomfield, a mum-of-two, said she appreciated the band’s kind gesture, but felt they should keep the money for themselves.

LBS Enforcement has defended its actions and said Miss Blomfield was parked illegally within sight of clear warning signs.