HARDLY surprising that councillor Davis denies parking charges are even partly to blame for the closure of local shops.

I would like to reassure the councillor that small business owners are well aware of rising overheads and price their products or services accordingly.

One thing that is out of the hands of local traders is the footfall in Forest towns. Councillor Davis can offer as many different reasons for businesses failing as he likes, but can he give a reason for the footfall in Coleford dropping almost 80 per cent since July 2, 2012?

Can the councillor also explain just how the Forest towns have benefited from the car parking charges?

According to the Government, funds raised by car parking fees can only be spent on traffic management and car park maintenance.

As this is the case maybe the councillor would like to explain the complete lack of car park maintenance when we had inches of snow covering the public car parks.

Shoppers were still expected to pay for parking, some having to be pushed or towed to get out within their ticket time.

Amazingly, the car park for the council offices was cleared by a snow plough.

Unfortunately, it appears the council felt residents, traders and shoppers didn't warrant similar treatment.

A private car park for shoppers within Coleford (at the time charging 20 per cent less than the council car parks) was cleared daily when it snowed, on a day when there was continual snowfall it was cleared three times.

On the separate topic of a supermarket being built within Coleford, I think the councillor sells the local shops short, they are able to compete by continuing to offer fabulous customer service and quality.

Building a supermarket near to the town centre gives shoppers a chance to walk the few yards to the local greengrocer, butcher, baker etc and also to be able to purchase the many items not currently available in Coleford, whilst parking for free.

Why is the council seemingly hell bent on hastening the demise of our High Streets, instead of helping to keep the hearts of the Forest towns beating and ensuring locals have High Streets with open businesses to stay and shop in?

Purple Kate

Coleford businesswoman