SIR - Re: Sarah Foster's article about the self-styled Hawthorn Terrace Neighbourhood Parking Group (HTNPG).

We would like to point out that this group does not represent the wishes of the masses.

We in the Hawthorn Terrace Neighbourhood Popular People's Parking Group (HTNPPPG) also wish to make our views known. We also believe that at least one member of the HTNPG does not own a car.

We of the HTNPPPG are unanimous in the requirement for a parking scheme identical to Crossgate and Allergate ie: short stay 30mins (or multiples thereof) without a £1.50 all-day option and allowing residents two permits per house. This would have the effect of curbing commuter traffic thus benefiting residents, visitors, shoppers and businesses.

The council is going to introduce double yellow lines along one side of the entrance to Hawthorn Terrace and at the junctions of the side streets. We of the HTNPPPG are unanimously behind this as this would reduce congestion and allow emergency and refuse collection vehicles better access.

The council has stated that it is 'not prepared to give any further consideration to proposals which would result in residents-only parking'. The council can also introduce parking restrictions, without consultation, at any time if it so wishes.

We of the HTNPPPG suggest that all residents should back our proposal instead of fighting for something that we were not, and never will be, offered.

The HTNPG does not represent all residents in the area. It is just very persuasive in getting people and non-residents to vote 'no' on the promise of paradise in the form of a personal parking space.

It is not the council which should back down. If I may paraphrase a great man: "Never before in the field of parking turmoil has so much been ruined for so many, by so few."

Nick Trowbridge, Durham

Pleas over parking

SIR - Sarah Foster's article in October 19's edition of The Advertiser (Residents want rethink on parking) explained the situation regarding parking in the streets surrounding Durham Bus Station very well.

As a nearby resident I agree entirely with what Colin Green said; may I add one or two points?

In case anyone is wondering why the residents of this area rejected the county council's scheme, they need to know that it was promoted by the council as encouraging short-term parking close to the city centre. Would any of your readers vote for such a scheme to apply outside their own front door?

We have been asked on two occasions to vote on the same identical scheme (not a 'similar' one). No surprise that the answer was the same, except for those who felt forced to change their minds (our choice was between the council's scheme or no scheme at all). To call this 'consultation' is outrageous.

Certain streets round here were offered parking for residents only - and not surprisingly voted for it. We were not. There is nothing sacrosanct about the council's proposals that makes it impossible to modify them.

The council seems proud of its claim (eg on its web site) that it listens to people. No comment needed.

As it happens, on Page 4 of the same issue you publish a letter from the vice-chairman of the Liberal Democrats which emphasises that they are the real opposition party in Durham. They could establish their claim very effectively by doing some more serious opposing on this issue.

S Squires, Durham

Tolls harm elderly

SIR - I have read that 8,000 toll exemption cards have been issued for access to the cathedral area. I would like to know who has them.

Durham County Council told me there were no concessions. All I wanted was exemption once a week when I use a taxi to go up there. I am 76 with a disabled husband. Now I have to pay for the taxi plus £2 toll.

What is the city council doing? North Road is a lost cause. Silver Street and the Market Place are like 'Dodge City'.

People in power should take care of the elderly. Old folk with walking aids find the cobbles dangerous and parents with kids in buggies get stuck.

I say ban the toll, get rid of the cobbles and go forward, not back to gas lamps and the dark ages.

Mary Goodwin, Bearpark

Who pays for bus?

SIR - Arriva's bus services may be poor. However, compared with Durham City Council, they have sufficient commercial nous to realise that it is not realistic to run a frequent bus service with no passengers. Where will the council turn when it discovers that passenger income and toll charges are not covering the costs of running the cathedral bus service? You've guessed it!

D.Berry, Durham

Democracy in action

SIR - Three cheers for local democracy; it can work.

At the Durham City Forum on October 16 in the town hall, councillors from Gilesgate and Pelaw, Elvet, Crossgate and Neville's Cross wards met residents. The meeting, chaired by Coun Muriel Sawbridge, was well attended with three officers seated at the front to answer questions.

As there was no fixed agenda, residents were invited to raise pressing concerns to which the officers were asked to respond.

A genuine dialogue developed about the dismal state of the bus station, the North Road Heritage Regeneration Scheme and the state of street paving.

At the end of the meeting everyone was invited to write down suggestions for the agenda of the next forum on January 16.

This was a refreshing change from the previous models. A consultation. Please keep it up.

Kirsty Thomas, Chair, Claypath District Residents' Association