Sir, – Where are the men and women with the vision to make Northallerton a county town worthy of the name and its residents proud to live here?

Not at Hambleton District Council it would seem as its unimaginative plans for the historic prison site in the town are merely to demolish it and, as a quick fix, build a pub/hotel and housing in its place, which is not what the people of Northallerton and surrounding villages or potential tourists need nor want.

Why can the district council not embrace this unique opportunity and develop an attraction such as The Station at Richmond that would add to the economic, educational and cultural life of the town?

Where are the people who will make the county towns of North Yorkshire vibrant and prosperous again?

Not at North Yorkshire County Council it seems as their introduction of parking charges has decimated the use of High Street parking in Northallerton; a decision which was made purely on the basis of bringing in revenue and has done nothing to alleviate congestion in the town, which is, as everyone else seems to know and acknowledge caused by the crossing at either end of the town. How about a bit of refreshing honesty which would gain them more respect and support?

Trade has consequently reduced for many shops and £121,000 of parking fees has been sucked out of the local economy in the first six months of charges (see Freedom of Information Act request obtained by Northallerton Retail and Business Forum).

It is estimated that the county council will make a net profit of over £200,000 each year from these charges – how is this adding to the economic wellbeing of the town?

COLIN HUTSON

Northallerton.