CAR giant Vauxhall is recalling 250,000 cars after telling a Kirklees man there wasn’t a problem with their handbrakes.

The company has told owners of Vectra and Signum models to take their cars back to their nearest dealer to be looked at after dozens of customers complained about parked vehicles rolling away.

The recall comes nine months after the Examiner reported the case of Anthony Burley, of Ravens-thorpe.

Mr Burley’s Vectra rolled down slopes on several occasions, including one in which it hit another car.

He had to pay £500 for repairs.

At the time Vauxhall admitted other owners had reported the same problem, but said repeated tests had failed to find a fault with handbrakes.

It said it would be sending advice to drivers about how to park.

But now the company has agreed to a modification after discovering the handbrake could become partially released, particularly if the car is not in gear.

A spokesman said: “Vauxhall believes that the handbrake system used in the Vectra and Signum is safe.

“However, Vauxhall treats all matters relating to the safety of its products as its highest priority.

“In line with this priority, and that of continuous improvement, Vauxhall has decided to implement, as a customer satisfaction programme, a modification to the handbrake mechanism, to reduce the possibility of a partial release when incorrectly setting the handbrake.”

Mr Burley has since has the handbrake on his car replaced by the company.

But he said Vauxhall had continued to deny there was a fault.

He added: “The car’s fine now, but I’m still annoyed because I’m £500 out of pocket for something that wasn’t my fault.”

Owners who have concerns about their car should call Vauxhall on 0845 090 2044 or email vauxhall.customerassistance@uk.gm.com