AS a Leyland resident and former councillor I am very worried about the damage to my home town which will be caused by the council's proposed car park and street parking charges and restrictions.

These are my views on these proposals.

Why must the council take a 50 per cent grant from Lancashire County Council in order to equip and man Leyland's streets and public car parks to rake in revenue?

Why are Leyland and Lostock Hall shoppers not going to get a free one or two hours parking allowance, just like other parts of the borough, like Walton-le-Dale, Bamber Bridge, Penwortham and Longton etc?

If, as the council says, day long parking on Leyland's car parks is a problem then why is the council looking into allowing business people to park all day providing they pay £10 per day for a space which, the council claims, is stopping shoppers' short term parking?

If all day parking in Leyland is so very desirable, why are the council's own public car parks eg, behind the Civic Centre and leisure centre, still going to be free of charge to councillors and their staff?

Why should a pensioner have to pay 20p to buy a loaf when other borough areas are allowed 'free time' to make the same purchase?

Look at Hough Lane and Chapel Brow. How many shops have shut providing the council with nil business rates. How many more will buckle with combined rates and parking fees?

It appears to me that Leyland councillors, from all political parties, just seem loath to fight for their electors.

Oh for a group of Leyland folk who will stand as Leyland's first candidates in the next local elections.

Keep Pandora's box closed and keep Leyland's parking free or at least in line with the rest of the borough.

Bob Wilkinson JP, full address supplied.