Outrage has greeted a decision to book part of a funeral cortege for parking outside a Cardigan chapel where mourners were attending a service.

As the large gathering left Bethania Baptist Chapel in William Street and saw a parking ticket on a car carrying pallbearers there were cries of “disgusting”, “disgraceful” and “outrageous”.

The hearse was in a parking bay in front of the chapel gates followed by a limousine transporting the deceased’s immediate family and behind it came a Nissan Qashqai driven by pallbearer James William Bowen, accompanied by three other bearers.

Part of the Nissan overlapped the bay onto single yellow lines and when this was spotted by an eagle-eyed traffic warden the zealous council civil enforcement officer slapped a parking ticket on the vehicle.

Mr Bowen paid the £35 penalty but despite submitting extenuating circumstances council officials decided that the penalty should remain.

A council spokesperson said they could not discuss individual cases but in a letter to Mr Bowen an official wrote “After careful consideration I have found no grounds for the cancellation of the Penalty Charge Notice.”

The official, who explained that the Nissan was booked five minutes after being spotted by the warden, expressed sympathy over “the situation you found yourself in.”

He added “I can confirm that we have accepted your cheque and this case is now complete and closed.”

Mr Bowen, who could not recall being booked for parking in 25 years driving warned people attending funerals and other events to be vigilant.

“My car was not causing an obstruction, therefore it was quite a shock to see a ticket on it.

“This was a sad state of affairs during a very sad occasion,” he said.

Another mourner asked “Whatever happened to common sense and compassion?”

Expressing his disappointment funeral director Colin Phillips said he had not experienced anything like it at a funeral in 24 years.

“The Nissan was part of the cortege and was in that position so as to follow behind the hearse and limousine to the cemetery in Netpool Road.

“I was absolutely amazed that a parking ticket was issued,” he said.