Sir, – It is both ironic and disappointing that the letter “Open and honest” (D&S, Feb 4) should contain so many misleading inaccuracies.

To state as fact that the proposed changes to parking restrictions in Yarm – and in particular the introduction of parking charges – proceeded with the support of Yarm’s Conservatives is simply not true; it is, however, a timely reminder that an election is just around the corner.

The environment select committee – chaired by Eaglescliffe’s Lib-Dem councillor Maureen Rigg – did not recommend to Cabinet the introduction of parking charges to Yarm until December 1, 2010; all previous committee discussion on the subject of charging reiterated that there was no intention to introduce parking charges in the short term.

When Cabinet met on December 16, 2010, the recommendation was voted on and regretfully passed, despite Yarm ward councillor Jennie Beaumont voting against the motion.

Since then, Yarm’s Conservatives, with the assistance of our MP James Wharton, have led the way in increasing public awareness of the issue, highlighting the deadline for concerns and objections to be received by the council. We continue to work hard with concerned residents to figh these potentially damaging proposals and have distributed more than 5,000 newsletters, to Yarm and parts of Egglescliffe and Eaglescliffe which could be affected.

At a time when everybody with Yarm’s best interests at heart should be working together to protect the town’s unique nature and heritage – particularly following Stockton Borough Council’s recent decision to abandon the Yarm and Eaglescliffe Area Action Plan – it is disappointing that some instead resort to cheap and misleading politicking. Meanwhile, we will continue to work tirelessly to secure what is best for Yarm’s present, and to safeguard its future.

MARK CHATBURN Yarm’s Conservative council candidate.