Parking is the key to High Street success

Now, in a report by Rob McDonald (last week’s Observer), of a meeting organised by the local Chamber of Commerce, we are informed that the High Street is the key.

And all sorts of fancy ideas were suggested for attracting more shops and more visitors there.

But all these ideas (if successful) would only increase the number of cars looking for parking spaces, yet car parking was only briefly referred to at the Chamber meeting.

Not only is the current parking system chaotic, but it is also unfair, especially for private motorists.

In my opinion, most of the yellow lines, and spaces allocated for commercial vehicles, should be done away with, and the police, instead of issuing tickets to private motorists (killing trade) should be there to control traffic when a problem occurs.

The system in the RDC car parks is also unfair, particularly to local residents, for not only are the charges exorbitant, but also the machines are both unreliable and do not give change.

I know a number of local residents (my wife included) who have reason to feel aggrieved by the way their complaints on this matter have been dealt with by Rother.

The key to the success of the High Street is not the High Street itself, but car parking - solve that and Battle will prosper.

John Hill

Glengorse, Battle