KENNET District Council is misleading people into thinking parking has been restored in the centre of Devizes.

The truth is a staggering 79 places were taken out. Only 14 have been reinstated.

It cannot be lost on people what a devastating effect this is having on the economy of the town as a whole. It is biting hard.

There have been no less than three consultations. Enough is enough.

The time has come for Kennet to accept that future prosperity depends on convenient parking. We are a market town serving many villages with poor public transport. Kennet is proposing hundreds of new homes and a development at Northgate. Parking is a vital issue. No large retail business will consider locating in Devizes unless this issue is tackled now.

It is time Kennet admits it has got it wrong and takes note of the strength of local feeling, and acts now before Devizes generates into a ghost town.

And no, Station Road car park is not the answer as everybody well knows. It is convenient parking that is the real need.

Pat Rugg

County councillor