A van taking donations from Raynes Park to victims of the Grenfell Tower fire was slapped with a parking ticket, a church has said.

The arts centre at Lantern Methodist Church in Merton was "overwhelmed" this week after offering to become a donation drop-off point.

Three vans from west London business Space to Build came to the church this morning to take dozens of bin bags of clothing, toys and baby items to the North Kensington residents affected by the devastating fire that killed at least 17 people.

But one of the vehicles waiting to be loaded attracted the attention of a parking enforcement officer, and was slapped with a fine.

Wimbledon Times: Oona Jack organised the donations for victims of the Grenfell Tower fire

David Kirkland, administrator for the arts centre, said: "We have contacted the council and asked if under the circumstances they will cancel it.

"If they don't agree, we will publicise it and arrange for a donation box in the coffee house to pay for the fine, so that the company doesn't have to."

He said the donations, organised by local woman Oona Jack, filled three vans but another van load had to be left behind.

The church hopes it can be taken at some point over the next week.

A spokesperson for the council said: "The vehicle ticketed was unmarked. As soon as we were aware the vehicle was being used to collect donations for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, we cancelled the ticket immediately."

An appeal for food, clothing, toys and baby items was launched on Wednesday after an "unprecedented" inferno that ravaged the 24-storey tower block in the early hours, leaving many residents homeless.

The death toll is currently at 17, but this is expected to increase as emergency services enter the building.

Kensington and Chelsea Council have now issued a statement asking for people to hold off on donations at this stage.

On its website it said: “We would ask you to please hold off for now as we have been inundated with useful items. When we need donations again we will update via our website and social media.”

  • Wimbledon-based construction contractor Cappagh also offered out its vans to ferry donations to north Kensington this week.

Wimbledon Times: Van driver Dean Yates with donations in Staines, north Surrey

Driver Dean Yates asked his boss if he could drive a company van from Spelthorne leisure centre and Staines fire centre in north Surrey to victims in Kensington and Chelsea borough.