I AM fed up with reading how the 20p parking charge is being blamed for lack of shoppers and shops closing down in Coleford and Lydney.

Get real, more likely the quality of the shops and the products for sale in these shops was the real reason they are now closed.

If I want household cleaning items then I'll go to one of the supermarkets.

I want anything else then I'll go to a town where the shops offer products I want and are up to date.

If shop owners want their businesses to succeed then sell what is wanted and give a service that includes being open during lunchtimes etc.

If those that live in the Forest want to keep the shops open then use them and don't go shopping elsewhere. 20p for one hour – I spend less time than that in Lydney and Coleford but would happily pay 50p for two hours if there were shops worth browsing and shopping in.

– M Field, Lydney.