Has the council at last gone too far as it attempts to impose a tax on outdoor leisure by making a charge and a time limit for using the Rowntree Park car park?

The main people to be hit by this will be those families with young children and the elderly.

There may be a slight abuse of this car park by some shoppers and city workers but the numbers are very small and I am sure other means of preventing this can be devised.

This car park is not just used by patrons of Rowntree Park and it's caf but by many who wish to walk along Terry Avenue to the Millennium Bridge. It is the only place where those who find walking difficult can get to the bridge.

Others, myself and my wife included, use this car park as a base for a brisk winter walk, over the Millennium Bridge, along New Walk to Skeldergate Bridge and return along Terry Avenue as well as a stroll round the park and, often, a snack in the caf.

The Millennium Bridge and its approaches on both river banks were intended to be used by the people of York. Are we now going to have to pay for this facility?

I urge all people who object to this charge to write to Rod Jones, Acting Assistant Director, City Development and Transport, 9 St. Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7ET as soon as possible.

Alec Acomb,

Hillcrest Avenue,

Nether Poppleton,

York.

Updated: 09:28 Monday, December 06, 2004