IN your report “Meeting puts off action on car parking”, it was stated Councillor Michael Webb told members he hoped the forum would “look at the review and now be able to make an informed choice”.

Well, for year 2012/13 pay and display income – £1,125,779; excess charges – £29,001; smart card – 63 permits – £35,951; other– £230.

The total income is £1,191,022 – profit (stealth tax) £667, 584.

Bromsgrove Forum for Older People believes it is reasonable for some of this “profit” to be used to reduce car parking charges, a view forcibly expressed by Eric Pickles, Minister for Local Government.

The forum did not expect Bromsgrove District Council to necessarily accept the Altrincham model. What would have been acceptable is a gesture of meeting somewhere in the middle – perhaps Mr Pickles’ 30-minute free parking?

This would have shown the council has some sympathy with both traders and the people and they really want Bromsgrove to be a thriving town.

The forum also believes that if the council feels unable to relinquish some of the “profit”

they should explain their reasons for this to the traders and users of Bromsgrove car parks.

CAROLE TIPPING, Chairman MARY ROWLANDS, Secretary CHARLES BATEMAN, Spokesman Bromsgrove Forum for Older People