IS it Kennet District Council's intention to finally lay Devizes to rest by the introduction of parking charges in the Market Place?

I understand that this move to introduce charges was made without the knowledge or any consultation with the town council, the Mayor or the general public.

Trees being cut down in the Market Place at 5am come to mind, after a statement by the chief executive that this would not take place.

Is this the way the council intends to conduct its business now or in the future?

Parking has been free in the Market Place for time immemorial and I see no reason to change this. The number of parking spaces has already been reduced and this move is the final nail in the coffin.

It is interesting to note that the only council car park remaining without charges is Kennet District Council's. I wonder why?

Its employees must be better placed than most to pay parking charges.

May I suggest that the parking meters be installed there instead.

Had Kennet District Council not wasted £1,000,000 plus of our money wrecking the Market Place in the first instance it would not need to charge for parking now.

It claims that it would generate £87,000 per annum which would have been the equivalent of 11 plus years' free parking.

If Kennet District Council is so short of revenue as it claims, perhaps it should stop wasting valuable resources on consulting Gillespies.

One would have thought that we employ enough people at Kennet District Council to do this.

What is the point of employing a town manager to promote business in the town if you then enforce parking charges that will drive every one away and kill the business activities of the town?

Your early response to this letter would be much appreciated.

A C SHEPPARD

Devizes

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