WOULD like to comment on the charges for car parking but before doing so thought it might be a good idea to read the proposed budget as suggested in your January 20 edition. Unfortunately I could not do so.

I found the website easily enough and then was told that for an in-depth look to 'refer to the documents below'. These included items such as 'Fees and charges', 'Budget projections' etc. Unfortunately when I clicked on them nothing came up so my comments are made on information garnered from other sources.

Apart from all the opposition to these charges including the multi- signature petition I wonder if our gauleiters have really through the matter through.

Although I was unable to read the budget I bet they are still reckoning on the same income from council tax on business and residents. It has probably not occurred to them that if many shops close due to loss of custom, then the tax revenue will fall. If businesses fold this will put staff out of work and they won't be able to pay their tax either.

Those workers who keep their jobs will have to pay for the all-day parking which is necessary for them.

What charges will be put on council employees at Coleford for instance in order to make a level playing field? If charges are levied on council workers I bet their unions will have something to say about that but why should they get free parking while 'ordinary' people have to pay?

Although I do not agree with party politics in local elections I have usually voted Conservative. In last week's town council elections I broke the habit of over 60 years and voted for one of the independents.

I very much admired the attitude of Ian Whitburn, the new councillor for Mitcheldean and Drybrook. I wish there were more like him. Neither of the two main parties can be trusted.

– B.C.?Baker, Allastone Road, Lydney.