The loss of free parking in Midsomer Norton would be a catastrophe for our High Street. The availability of parking is one of the High Street’s best assets and if that is lost now it will only encourage more shoppers out of the town.

The Auton Compromise of 2 hours free parking is no compromise, it’s a capitulation. Through your pages I would urge Councillor Auton to reconsider his position and join the Rainbow Coalition of Councillors Johnson, Jackson and Hughes in fighting this latest attempt by B&NES Council to impose parking charges on our Town.

Can Councillor Auton please use his influence within the ruling Liberal Democrat administration to fight this policy. Establishing parking charges, even only after 2 hours, will set a precedent the town will never recover from. When will 2 hours become 1? When will free parking be lost for ever?

A vote for the Liberal Democrats needs to be more than just a vote against the Tory Government. Midsomer Norton needs all it’s Councillors to stand together to oppose this ridiculous policy and protect our Town.