FOURTEEN extra parking wardens are taking to the streets of Swindon. Hooray, we all thought, thinking the obvious targets would be places like Commercial Road and Gorse Hill, where free parking is provided for shoppers.

Not a chance. Who will they target? Residents of course! Residents, who do not affect traffic flow, do not obstruct disabled access and bus lanes, but simply want to park their car in close vicinity to their home not much to ask.

Coun Bawden can't seriously expect us to park in a town centre car park and walk home. Would he walk past Faringdon Road park after a late shift at 12.30am or for an early shift at 4.45am? Not to mention the cost or the vulnerability of our cars to theft or vandalism.

Coun Bawden says we should consider these factors before buying these houses. But things change over the years families grow, teenagers buy cars and people change jobs. I take it from the new proposals that moderately improving our lifestyle with a company car, or a second income which is dependent on a second car, will not be possible for residents in these areas. It's ridiculous!

When we bought our house 13 years ago there were no yellow lines on the straight road of Dean Street, only on the corners or junctions, and parking was not a problem, but for some bizarre reason the lines were extended, leaving fewer spaces.

Has Coun Bawden any idea what effect £60 fines will have on families on low incomes who are constantly trying to make ends meet?

We are not obstructing any other traffic flow in the town, it is only residents who need to use these roads.

I have never seen a problem with access for ambulances' in Dean Street. As for fire engines they find access more difficult anyway, lines or no lines, but they have always managed in the past.

More thoughtful parking could sometimes create a couple more spaces, but would Coun Bawden like to give us any sensible suggestions that may help us long term?

WENDY R THORNE

Dean Street