SIR - I work up this morning feeling great. Took my dog out for his walk up over Tidenham Chase for an hour.

On my way home called in for my daily paper and a copy of The Forester.

Then it happened. Reading The Forester with a nice cup of coffee, I thought the world was about to end. Quote by Purple Kate, "Parking Charges Killing Trade. " Women running out of her shop to feed the parking meter--20p for two hours, how long does a women have to be pampered ? Would it not be better to park for three hours?

Seven empty units all shutting up and all indicated that it was the car parking charges.

I would like to suggest that there may be other factors that the shops are closing in Coleford and in the rest of the country rents of shops, overheads such as maintenance charges . electric and gas bills , and let us not forget BUYING ON LINE !

This is what is killing all the small local shops and not 20p for car parking. I feel very sorry for Purple Kate and and Lisa Preest and all the other small shop owners in the forest, but please have a look around and see what other council's are charging for their car parks -- Chepstow, Monmouth, 80p for two hours, Gloucester City £2.70p for two hours.

Please don`t think that super stores will help in any way. They trade and sell everything under one roof.--- Food, papers, key cutting, dry cleaning, clothing for all, pharmacy goods, electrical goods, wine and spirits, I could go on and on.

I am afraid the times are changing on our way of shopping, all we will have left in any High Street will be betting shops, estate agents, and charity shops.

It is not the 20p car parking charge it is the changing times we live in.

Gethyn J Davies,

Councillor for the Tidenham Ward, Forest OF Dean District Council.

Tutshill