WOULD like to congratulate councillor Robinson and his cohorts on their decisive and far-reaching decision to charge for car parking in the Forest towns.

Over the last few days I have been monitoring the aforesaid car parks in Cinderford and Lydney, and they are now half empty (or half full depending on your perspective).

As these councillors appear to be incapable of cohesive thought, I will spell out the result of their actions: People are not coming into the towns any more. The cars which are using the car parks belong mainly to those who work in the towns and have no option but to pay the charges.

This is resulting in reduced trade for the remaining shops and businesses, and is set, in my opinion, to get worse.

But then you had already been told that,

hadn't you, councillors – you just chose to ignore it.

– P. Southey, Park Hill, Whitecroft.