I ATTENDED the weekly rehearsal of York Musical Society at the Central Methodist Hall on St Saviourgate.

I have been a choir member for six years, and have never had any trouble finding somewhere to park, usually on the roadside, but occasionally on Haymarket car park.

This week I arrived to find that not only had all the roads been painted with double yellow lines, but Haymarket car park was closed.

Along with 150 other members of the choir, I then had to find alternative parking, which I eventually did find, on a very isolated, dark side street.

I would not normally have parked there because I do not feel particularly safe walking from there on my own. But, having driven around for ten minutes, I had little choice other than return home.

I am very angry that I and many others in the group were put in such a situation. The charges I shall have to pay to park weekly will equate to almost the equivalent of a year's subscriptions to be a choir member. This is ridiculous. I should far rather give this extra money directly to the choir where it will be of direct benefit.

These new parking charges are more a money-making exercise than a rationally thought-out scheme.

Jenny Knowles,

Northfield Way,

Appleton Roebuck,

York.

...AS a York resident I am writing to express my anger at the council for their strategy on parking in the city.

Not only have prices been increased in the last two weeks but the imposition of evening charges seem designed to kill the city and its businesses.

York Musical Society rehearses in the Central Methodist Hall. Having been warned of the evening charges I drove into York to park on what were single yellow lines last Tuesday, only to find that in the space of a week they had been transformed into freshly-painted double yellows.

Driving around in circles I found one space in an unlit area where I could legally, but not safely, park.

I know of at least one of my fellow singers who had to turn around, drive home to Clifton, and cycle back in again. What will happen when we perform our concerts in the Minster? Will the audience be seated while choristers are stuck in a fruitless search for parking?

Claire Sansford,

Lycett Road, York.

Updated: 09:35 Saturday, March 20, 2004