VISITORS to Penarth seafront were left disappointed last week, after they were told a main car park was off-limits.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council had given permission for a BBC film crew to position their vehicles, base units and catering facilities in the Cliff Parade car park - leaving no room for those who wanted to park there.

Peter Bird was one local resident who was told to move on.

“I was shocked when a security guard said I had to move my car,” he said.

“I’m all for Penarth being used for filming – but a public car park is not a film studio.

“After driving around for a bit I found a space and walked back up to the cliff tops to read my paper and have a coffee in Cioni’s restaurant.

“Thankfully I didn’t have my elderly aunt with me, who has trouble walking.”

Officials from the Vale Council denied the car park was off limits, and said a security firm employed by the BBC was responsible for the mix-up.

Andrew Loosemore, operational manager for highway maintenance, said: "There was unfortunately a misunderstanding at the car park during a recent filming event by the BBC.

“Their new security company was not made aware of the protocols for allowing the filming, for which the BBC has apologised. They have rectified this immediately.

"Filming in the Vale of Glamorgan brings economic benefits to the area and is something that is not wished to be lost – however it has to be managed effectively.

“The car park is certainly not off limits for use by the public and any occupancy by film crews is restricted to a specific area of the car park,” he added.

“This has worked satisfactorily for a number of years. Filming requests are generally received a week or two in advance so it is not possible to produce an advanced programme, however we write to all properties directly affected.

"The fee charged for filming contributes to staff time in administering the process and coordinating the activities of the film crews. Any surplus remains in the general maintenance budget."

Filming is next due to take place in the clifftop car park on July 7.