I HAVE been an admirer of Councillor Len Lawton for many years. He has given a great deal of his time flying the flag for Newent and indeed the Forest in general.

I do feel though that on the issue of the introduction of parking fees his normally fine-tuned political antenne have on this occasion deserted him. The mayors of the other three towns were lucid and eloquent in their arguments for not introducing parking fees and I don't need to reiterate their points of view in this letter.

I would though, point out to the mayor the article in the Ross Gazette about a similar issue. Councillor Chris Bartrum is canvassing people to sign a petition to oppose a 50 per cent increase in parking charges proposed by Herefordshire County Council without any consultation. If we start to charge for parking in Newent this could be the thin end of the wedge.

We are living in difficult times, the council has to balance it's budget and the pot isn't infinite, most reasonable people understand that. But without independent businesses and retailers paying rates and attracting people into the town then the council would be redundant. The shops and businesses in Newent are the lifeblood of the town, they are what make people want to live here, they give the town it's vibrant and unique appeal to locals and to tourists.

So I say to Councillor Lawton if you want to truly represent the wishes of your constituents then search your heart and your head and I believe you will reappraise your stance on this issue.

Come on Len, you know it makes sense.

David McIntyre

Newent Business Club