I WAS sorry to read in the SNJ that parking charges might be introduced.

When it was considered some years ago I fought vigorously with others to oppose this, and the proposal was abandoned.

I know how difficult it is for shopkeepers in Nailsworth.

Car parking charges would be the ‘nail in the coffin’ for some of them.

These charges would undermine the viability of our market towns – very strange when SDC have put aside £50,000 each year to supposedly increase the vitality of these same towns!

In Bristol their on street car parking allows the first half hour free of charge.

If applied to Nailsworth and other small towns it would at least be a help for shops and shoppers.

Without this, as before, I would oppose the straight introduction of such charges and would urge other councillors likewise to reject the idea.

Norman Kay

Green Party district councillor Nailsworth