Sir, – I don’t understand your recent correspondents (D&S letters, Feb 27 and 20) anybody not supporting Richmondshire District Council's economic development and the two totally different retail parks at Catterick Garrison and the one planned for Scotch Corner.
Both developments will have a huge impact on the economy here in the Dales and will support job creation and also play a part in keeping young people and families here. There is little or no point building homes if we are not going provide jobs and facilities.
But that’s where my support ends as I’m also a big supporter of our market towns and their independent shops
It's now time to support them all – the florist, the clothes shops, gift shops and the Dales' very own department store which has been here for hundreds of years.
The two new retail developments will bring in thousands of pounds to the council in the form of business rates so therefore all car parking charges in our market towns should be dropped and parking should be free of charge to support the principle of shopping locally.
On a visit to the market town of Morpeth recently I noted that the car parks where charges previously applied have been converted into three-hour free disc parking. What a great idea and one that should be supported in Leyburn to encourage people to shop local.
ANDY BROOK
Middleham.
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