THE elected representatives on the City of York Council are struggling to plug the hole they have found in their budgeting in any way they can to raise much-needed cash.

Several times they have tried to sort out the difficulties that have emerged out of their hasty decision-making, but I gather, for example, that the affronted churchgoers, having been conceded the right to worship without having to pay for parking, find other people are taking advantage of their right to park without paying and they are no better off.

The ruling group has also drastically interfered with the evening activities of many worthwhile voluntary activities which take place all over the city in the evening.

They have negated the efforts to get life and activity into the city in the evening and are wrecking the businesses which feed and entertain the visitors, tourists and the local people in York's catchment area.

This is dangerous folly for a city which has now become so economically dependent on tourism.

The Liberal Democrats who now control the city council are not using their common sense, intelligence or imagination with their parking policy.

FCR Rudd,

Scarcroft Hill, York.

...The latest Press article on parking restrictions (June 16) once again highlights the effect tighter parking restrictions are having on small businesses in Blossom Street.

Do these restrictions not apply to the wagons that deliver goods to Prudential House, New York WMC and the Windmill? These wagons either mount the pavement or block the inside lane while they unload, causing tailbacks down Holgate Road and The Mount; and they deliver often after 9.30am.

Possibly they are just lucky and hit the traffic wardens tea break.

AP Cox,

Heath Close,

Holgate, York.

Updated: 11:16 Monday, June 21, 2004