Last updated 13:36, Thursday, 07 August 2008

THERE is little to cheer in the news that £20,000 is going to be spent (Courant, July 25) on a new parking study for Hexham.

Parking needs: Proposals to restrict traffic in and around the Market Place have prompted a debate.

In my two years living in the centre of Hexham, I have to admit I rarely find problems parking.

I don’t mind paying for a quarterly pass and walking home from Loosing Hill, although since Marks & Spencer has attracted more users to the car park (by the higher charges in its car park) I sometimes have to follow pedestrians across the car park hoping that they are departing drivers!

I will find a problem if the council re-locates the bus station to Loosing Hill, reducing public parking by 125 places and adding to perceived problems.

Moving the bus station from its current location will also force elderly and disabled visitors to carry their shopping further if using the bus.

A recent visitor to the town commented to me in delight: “It’s not changed at all in 20 years.”

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if he could say that in another 20 years?

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Leave the bus station where it is, leave the car parking where it is, and let the town centre continue to charm people into the next century.

LORRAINE CLAY,

Battle Hill,

Hexham