THE council's decision to introduce pay and display parking in areas of Blackburn which were free (LET, November 21) is not fair on local residents who perhaps just want to buy food or do business for an hour or less in the town centre.

I know of the case of a young woman motorist who was recently looking for a place to park just to buy fish at the fish market, and did not think it worth her while to pay for car parking -- quite rightly so, as the recent 20 per cent increase in charges beggars belief when inflation is so low.

The present situation is already policed and will have been budgeted for in council tax. So why is more money needed when parking areas have already been reduced for the extension of Barbara Castle Way?

They have no on-street parking in Bolton since they did not rebuild the town centre like Blackburn and just pedestrianised the streets. Also the present waiting restrictions ensure that a lot more cars can be parked in a space during the day than just one.

My sympathies go to market traders when motorists decide enough is enough and do more shopping at out-of-town-centre stores.

L WHITESIDE, Azalea Road, Blackburn.