It was a council car park on thre road side

I was parked for approx 1 hour in the town centre but i could not get a meter ticket as this was out of action - we placed a note in the windscreen explaining the time we arrived and that the machine was not working. We received a ticket when i got back to the car stating no valid ticket (completely ignoring my note). I appealed against the PCN and was rejected as i could have gone to another meter to get a ticket!! Where do i stand - Its £50 (reduced to £25 if i pay quick)???