Sir, – I write having attended the presentation by the Miller Group, consultants, who have been commissioned by Richmondshire District Council, paid-for by public money, to carry out a Lower Wensleydale Study.

The study goes into great detail on many topics which affect our local economy, therefore as a business proprietor in Leyburn, I am extremely concerned to read that we are losing 50 per cent of our local economy to other towns and shopping areas.

One of the reasons contributing to this, which was highlighted by a recent questionnaire distributed to Leyburn and district, was the current parking facilities.

Out of 170 returned questionnaires more than 70 per cent said they want better parking facilities to include short-stay parking in the Market Place. This backed up a report produced by Mouchel Parkman some years ago, which stated that “when surveyed over 70 per cent of people said that better parking facilities were needed for Leyburn.”

However, Leyburn Town Council, as with the Mouchel Parkman report, chose to ignore the public, stating in the recent town council minutes of a meeting held on October 19: “Cllrs noted the poor response to the questionnaires sent out and felt that comments that had come back regarding parking issues could therefore not be representative of the town”.

The Miller Group study also highlights the need to improve parking facilities in the Market Place, so therefore I have to question the town councillors’ efforts to represent the public.

Consultation has been at the heart of government for many years, in fact government policies have been sanctioned with far smaller majorities than 70 per cent.

The Lower Wensleydale Study also highlights poor signage, lighting and seating and states that the public conveniences are well below the standard of other towns.

It is now time that the local council listened to these publically- funded surveys, change is needed to sustain the stability of market towns such as Leyburn in order to prevent seeing any more empty shops in the town.

A BROOK Royals of Leyburn, Market Place, Leyburn.