AN MP is urging landowners to stop hiring a controversial car clamping company to manage their car parks.

Rochford and Southend East Tory MP James Duddridge said he wants to find out which shops and businesses use LBS Enforcement and write to them.

He said: “I would encourage anyone using this company to cancel their contract immediately.

“Landowners have a right to control who parks in their spaces, but it damages their reputation completely if they use such a disreputable company.

“Echo readers can write to me with the various locations where the company operates and who owns them.

“I will write to them as an MP explaining what’s happening and asking them to reconsider.”

The Echo has revealed LBS owes £14,000 to 19 drivers who have won legal battles against them and is using a VAT number on their receipts that belongs to Barclays Bank.

But one landowner who uses LBS said they do an “excellent job” for him and his tenants, adding they are nice people.

Mr Foley, who did not wish to give his first name, owns a private car park off Websters Way, Rayleigh.

He said: “If I got rid of LBS, who would police my car park?

“Who would tell members of the public to get off my land?

“Nobody likes clampers, but they are a necessary evil I have to employ to keep my land clear.

“Any other clamping company would do the same thing.

“If an MP wants to get involved, it’s up to him.”

In May, a nearby business, Rayleigh Motorist Centre, decided to stop using the services of LBS which the previous owners of their premises in Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, had hired.

Lorraine Hilburn, a partner at the vehicle servicing centre, backed Mr Duddridge’s actions and described the company as “a menace”.

She said: “I think it’s a really good idea. I believe they keep people away from the businesses that use them. I’ve heard people clamped say they will never visit the area again.”

An LBS employee told the Echo they did not wish to comment on the issue.

However, LBS previously told said it has contracts to clamp and remove cars from more than 100 locations across Essex.

It is known to operate sites in Rayleigh, Southend, Chalkwell, Leigh, Benfleet, Brentwood and as far away as Romford and Clacton.