But, for the record, I have no intention at all to "smear and undermine the integrity of Diss Town Council".

I share the town council's view that the car park charge proposals by South Norfolk Council are not right for Diss, or, indeed, other market towns.

For me, the most important issue is how we maximise the vitality and viability of our market towns. They are all different with different parking management issues, so it follows that adopting a principle of consistency across the district was inappropriate.

The correct approach would have been to sit down with each town council/community first to discuss the local issues, problems and opportunities and how to achieve the best strategy for each town.

Adopting the principle that users should pay for car park maintenance, ignores the point that almost everyone, even those with no car, benefits from thriving market towns.

It follows that car park maintenance can be funded from the council tax unless parking charges are wanted and needed to control limited parking spaces.

This is the case in Wymondham where the town council is happy with the present charging regime and does not want a free first hour.

Harleston is much smaller, with a more fragile local economy and parking charges are not wanted or needed.

South Norfolk Council needs to be more responsive and understanding of the local situations and the real concerns of local communities.

Dr Murray Gray, Leader, Lib Dem Group, South Norfolk Council

n I refer to Sid Taylor's letter (Diss Express, April 4) in which he said I had remained silent about car parking in Harleston.

It is no secret that I have expressed my opposition to charges. I have spoken at public meetings to this effect.

I have also made it plain that as things are at present I will be voting against the party line when this comes to council.

I hope this clarifies my position. I will always work for what I consider to be the best for Harleston.

Barry Greenway, Conservative Councillor, Harleston Ward, South Norfolk Council

n For business and local people's shopping purposes, a free hour is sensible.

Many people park at the supermarket car parks, as they offer three hours free parking.

This certainly deters some people from shopping in Diss.

Perhaps there are people like me who live just far enough from Diss who need to use a car to carry heavier items of shopping, who are also retired and who see car parking charges increasing everywhere, when pensions do not keep up with inflation and (often) absurd increases in car parking charges.

Norwich's park and ride is a good example as is the car parking area behind Woolworths in Diss, which increased to 50p per hour.