Sir, – It was fascinating to read your letters column today, with excellent letters from Colin Hutson, Miles Garnett and Mike Darwin who has to be an experienced expert on the local property scene. The whole issue of Northallerton parking seems to be finally getting to people so local councillors and their officials should take note, the usual "whitewash" of consultation and review will not do! There needs to be significant change of mind and not defending political or personal capital.

To say that 67 per cent of people stay less than 30 minutes is laughable, it is a self fulfilling prophesy, as they cannot stay without having to pay, so they curtail their stay and you cannot do much in 30 minutes; meaning local traders suffer, as we learned with last week's report about Origins closing.

Council officials are not interested about the economical good of the town, they are only interested in revenue and traffic flow which will never improve until we get a bridge at North End. If there has been an upturn as they ridiculously suggest, why are traders complaining about reduced footfall and takings.The accounts do not lie.

As as past manager of a chain of franchises, I know that you need to make a turnover of ten times your rent and rates to produce a decent return and future investment. Business rates in Hambleton are very high and rents are prohibitive but still the councillors back outside advisors and their own officials (not the residents) and feel the need to strangle retail in Northallerton whilst sanctioning cheaper parking in Thirsk.

Stockton Council have after a lot of trying, imposed parking in Yarm High Street however it is at £1 for 3 hours, I could live with that and so would a lot of residents and retailers.

ANDREW REID South Parade, Northallerton.