SOME while ago, Wyre Forest District Council warned that as a result of the considerable redevelopment of Kidderminster town centre, there would be a severe shortage of car parking spaces until the end of the project.

Since this time the press has reported a diatribe of invective from those critics who accept disruption as long as it doesn't affect them.

The truth is, the department responsible in the district council took action which has undoubtedly improved a near catastrophic situation with:

A convenient park-and-ride scheme.

The colour coding of time zones in the surface parks (this latter idea, although simple, is quite brilliant).

My wife and I visit Kidderminster about four times a week (both mornings and afternoons) and we choose a colour zone where other visitors wanting a like duration are coming and going.

We don't wait long and often there is a vacant space.

Previously, one had to tour the ranks of parked cars (even changing sites), hoping that a vacancy would occur within fighting distance.

It led to many bad-tempered clashes.

The one-hour spaces in front of the superstores are proof of this.

In the past, one parked as close as possible, took a packed lunch, and was prepared to lug a trolley Olympic distances.

Now the story is different - the long-stay hoggers have been evicted - there is always a vacant space (plus one you made earlier).

Come on, let's be fair - it's nowhere near as bad as sometimes reported. The district council should be congratulated for its quick thinking.

I am not alone when I say that the actions taken are proving most successful, and are very much appreciated.

R MOORE

Windermere Way, Stourport