"PUT up and shut up"... I don't think so.

People power can go a long way if people stick together. Let's just hope it doesn't take too long for the council to see sense.

I've lived in Coleford for 60 years and feel very sad at the way the town is going down hill.

I work part time in Cinderford and always parked my car in Coleford and did my shopping.

I was adamant I would never pay to park in my own town, so I decided to come home, park up and walk to town.

It was ok to start but the weeks have gone on and I find this all too time consuming. So now, sadly, I've changed my habits. I go to Eskimarket post office and shop (free parking!); Gibson's, Coalway, for cards (free parking!); Lidl in Cinderford for odds and ends (free parking!); a big shop once a month in Ross (Morrisons, free parking!). I find the Co-op too expensive for a big shop.

My point is, I'm just one person who has changed her shopping habits and look at how many shops in Coleford have lost my trade. How very sad for a lovely town.

– Mrs C Hodges, Orchard Road, Coleford.