Sir, – Whilst I am always against further government interference in our lives, I never thought that the new parking regulations in Northallerton would make that much difference. People could still use the car park at Tesco and there was adequate parking space available in the Hambleton car parks, so what was to change?

Well, a lot actually, and I was completely wrong. It seems that the North Yorkshire county councillors have unveiled one of those famous tins of unintended consequences we hear so much about. The town is empty.

I go down each day for the purchase of fresh bread, meat, vegetables etc, and to brush shoulders with my fellow humanity – and a lot Northallerton’s humanity ain’t there anymore.

The shops are empty.

It is probably an improvement for those who just want to pop into town for a newspaper or last minute birthday card because now they can park so easily, but for those who want to browse the shops for a while or stop for a cup of coffee, it now seems that Northallerton has lost its charm; its allure.

What we now have is a town with our own community enforcement officer patrolling the streets with satchel and camera administering the law like a latter day Wyatt Earp and the whole high street resembling nothing more than a film set from High Noon. The dried sage brush is ready to blow along the road as soon as the director gives the word.

So, what’s the solution?

Well, I do suggest that whilst rethinks and about turns are not usually acceptable in testosterone-fuelled politics, our representatives at county hall should, just for once, admit to an error of judgement, and soon before my Wild West parody becomes a North Yorkshire fact.

DAVID SMITH Romanby, Northallerton.