Sir, – I refer to the letters “Don’t ruin High Street” and “Council’s parking proposals”

that appeared in your newspaper in January 2011.

I am concerned that Mr Chatburn, as a newcomer to the area, thinks that he will be able to cure all Yarm’s ills. Our present council representatives have supported the introduction of Yarm parking proposals without any thought for the unfortunate people of Yarm who do not have private parking attached to their dwellings.

They had so many opportunities to oppose the proposals but refrained from doing so.

The council’s cabinet in November 2009 considered the proposals and at a further meeting in May 2010, where charging was mentioned, no comment came from our councillor who was present.

All three councillors were given the final details by Stockton council officers on August 1, 2010. It would have been so easy for them to inform residents in their monthly “Gossip” column or in a post-general election leaflet, but they chose to deprive residents of information on this important issue.

I do find it somewhat odd that a new candidate should try to make capital out of a scheme that his own party has clearly supported. I also feel that he should be reminded that the council introducing these proposals, including charging, is Conservative-led and so obviously our councillors must have known all along about the introduction of restrictions and charges, but chose to remain silent. Please, let us have a bit of openness and honesty, MARJORIE SIMPSON Yarm Independent Association, Mayes Walk, Yarm.