OK, yeh I agree... not going to counterclaim, just going to defend it and keep it simple. Thanks again for all the help... Im definitely pleased I came across this site!!

So Im still not sure whether to put in a counterclaim... but think Im not going to- will just do a basic defence. Though wont be happy about having to take a day off work to attend court when they wont even turn up! A|27 - I assume you got my email then... is that defence OK to send in as it is or do I need to reword it?

Thanks for all the comments everyone... and for the PM, which I've now responded to. Just can't believe theyve taken this case so far, its crazy.

Thanks Michael... so what would you do in my position?

Thanks - so do I need to formally submit and pay for a counterclaim now when responding with my defence or can I just reject their claim without submitting a counter, but then ask for any costs / compensation at the end of court when I win? Also, is there a chance they could drop the case upon seeing my defence and is that chance reduced by me counterclaiming? I basically just could do without the hassle of attending court, whether I get compensation or not! Also... I will win this one yeh - can't see how they could possibly win based on that sign?!

UPDATE... Ive just received a claim via the courts (money claim online). I will defend this for sure and am very confident about winning in court. My question is about compensation though- do I need to file a counterclaim to get compensation (for time wasted writing letters, day off work to attend court etc) or can this be offered regardless of whether I formally claim against them? I do not want to complicate the case by submitting a counterclaim (and I would need to pay a fee to do this too). Thanks for any advice...

Thanks mate... that's kind of what I thought but good to get the reassurance- Im absolutely convinced their sign is ridiculous! Is it even worth replying to the debt letter, just to say Im prepared to take the case to court and reiterating my defence or is that a complete waste of time? I just dont want to waste the time taking the day off work to go to court if it can be avoided, even though Im very confident of winning the case

Hi guys, would love some advice on how to proceed. Here's a quick sum up of where I am now: - I parked in a resident's bay which I thought was a pay-and-display bay as it was next to a pay-and-display car park. - I got a ticket for being in a resident's bay - Ive sent a few appeal letters (all rejected) to OPC on the basis of a few things, mainly that the residents parking sign wasnt clear. - Just recieved a letter from Windsor Smythe & Partners threatening to pay £200 or face court. Please can you give me advice on what to do now. I know Ive made mistakes by contacting them in the first place, but as of now how should I proceed? I am adament this sign (attached) is totally misleading and not at all clear. It was impossible to read from its height & small text, but even when you can read it, it is unclear. See the word attachment to see a closer view of the sign so you can read the text. I have a feeling they will follow through with the court threat and if they do I am fully prepared to fight it all the way. Guess I just want some unbiased views though please... Thanks! sign word.doc