I THINK that if I were a trader in this town I would want to do all I can to encourage potential customers onto the streets where the shops are.

If we may assume that the majority of customers drive to the town then it would make sense to do all one can to get them onto the streets as easily for them as possible.

I would like to point out the resounding failure of the £2 parking in the little car park at the foot of Whitchurch Road.

My wife and I are both in our mid seventies and have always regarded this little car park as the most convenient for our needs. The first choice for parking is on street in West Street, Duke Street or Market Road. I never feel inclined to spend my time driving around town looking for a place to park, it is always very hit and miss.

In time passed beyond my recall now, we have never failed to park in the small car park. This also suited us.

Since the introduction of the £2 all-day rate this car park has become the most popular. And who is parking in it? All the traders. There is always a liveried van parked there and the chance now of parking is close to nil any time of the day.

Do the traders not realise that they are crowding potential trade out by this thoughtless action? If I were a trader I would go to the Riverside car park as far from town as reasonably possible and leave the near-town car parks for the people who are going to bring the money to the town.

Stupid and lazy. Too tired in the morning to walk into town.

Alan Turner

Tavistock