Sir, – Jean Jones, the chairman of the South Durham Conservative Ladies’ Group, makes some wild statements (D&S letters, Jan 21) about Darlington town centre.

She claims the Labour council has reduced car parking spaces and that other car parks are to be redeveloped.

The new car park on the old bus station site has provided more than 250 extra spaces that will more than cover any loss if part of Beaumont Street is developed. There are no plans to develop Abbots Yard and the planned shopping centre on Commercial Street will have a new car park.

Over a number of years, user groups, traders, and the council have worked together to improve the town centre and changes have been welcomed by local and out-of-town shoppers, but one area seen as a problem was illegal parking.

Complaints of obstruction and congestion came from wheelchair users, the visually impaired and families with buggies and prams. Parking in loading bays, taxi ranks and disabled areas needed better control. The new powers of enforcement that the council now has is in its early stages and adjustments will need to be made but already there are comments of improvement.

Jean Jones brings up the old Tory idea of digging up the market square and building a car park. What a backward step. Obviously, she does not visit some of the very popular events that take place on the square throughout the year.

Coun DAVID LYONETTE Haughton, Darlington.