THE lead story in the Times (January 31) is slightly promising if the car parking is due for a review because it presently is one of the reasons Okehampton does not prosper as it should with too many empty shops.

My wife recently received a penalty notice because she was unable to use the pay machines that were not working; sadly, not a unique happening.

She has never sought to avoid payment and was told she should have rung a certain telephone number, but this requires you to have with you a mobile phone and a credit card.

It would be much better if the car park was handed over to Waitrose who understand customer service and would not see this as a money raising opportunity.

David Bagshall

Broadbury