A VALET parking company which charged customers for using free spaces at Southend Airport has vowed to make amends for its errors.

Southend Airport Car Park (SACP) was exposed by an Echo investigation that showed it had taken advantage of the airport’s offer of free long-stay parking, which ended last month, by block-booking the spaces.

Despite cars being parked for free just a stone’s throw from the terminal, customers were still charged up to £20 a day.

Lorraine Larman, SACP’s financial director, blamed the scandal on a rogue employee and offered to pay the airport for any losses.

In a letter to Alastair Welch, the airport’s managing director, she said: “Since this episode came to light, we have thoroughly investigated the incident and can confirm to you that the member of staff who was responsible has been dismissed.

“Our company policy has also been reviewed to ensure that all members of staff employed by SACP are absolutely clear as to the correct method of operating, at all and every level.

“If it is considered that there was any financial loss to the airport, due to the loss of parking revenue, we would be happy to reimburse the normal required parking fees.”