Sir, – North Yorkshire County Council has asked that objections to the closure of High Street parking places in Northallerton be sent to Area 2 Thirsk Highways Office, Thirsk Industrial Park, Thirsk YO7 3BX by April 16.

This relates to the desire of a few members of Northallerton Town Council, in fact a minority after the last town council meeting, to spend a vast amount of our money – estimated to be £125,000 but no figure has actually been produced – on the “town square”, a small patch of pretty stone south of the town hall.

This figure does not include the cost of the plaque paying tribute to the wisdom and farsightedness of the would-be folk heroes who dreamed this up.

Northallerton High Street is crucial to the prosperity of the town. It trades at a level way above that expected from the immediate population, with shopping visitors from far and wide who value one of the few remaining towns with such a wide mix of shops including many independent service-led outlets.

It is under threat. From parking charges (more money for the council boyos), from out-oftown centres (with free parking), from rising business rates and from a viciously competitive retail environment.

Northallerton cannot afford to lose any parking places, especially those on the High Street which turn over up to seven times a day, and erecting futile and expensive monuments to the self-important should not be part of civic activity.

TIM GROVER High Street, Northallerton.