My wife and I recently spent a few days on the South Coast.

On our first afternoon, we paid a visit to Eastbourne and decided to park on the seafront close to the shopping centre and were surprised to find the charge was only 20p for two hours.

Walking along the seafront, we saw the huge Victorian hotels were clearly doing good business as they were immaculately maintained. As darkness fell, floodlights came on to reveal their architectural charms, which were complemented by illuminations along the gardens and pier.

The town’s seafront is clearly prospering – perhaps because of its low parking charges?

The following day we visited Seaford. After we parked on the road at the top of the beach, we set off to find the pay machine, only to discover parking was free!

Contrast this with Southend. Parking on Western Esplanade is £1 an hour, with the prospect of a warden slapping a fine on your windscreen if you dare to overstay by a few minutes.

Coupled with the fear of a spy car hunting motorists down for the slightest misdemeanour, it is little wonder our hotels, shops and businesses are struggling to attract trade.

Anyone taking a break in this town for just a few days would soon run up a sizeable bill for parking alone.

Isn’t it time for a change of heart by our council?

Instead of hounding and fleecing the town’s residents and visitors at every opportunity, why cannot it create a town which serves the needs of those who use it?

It seems other towns can, although they, too, must be hit just as hard by the spending cuts.

James Hardy
Blenheim Chase
Leigh