DEAR EDITOR - I was appalled to read in the Advertiser that car parking charges are to be increased in Droitwich.

Wychavon District Council is not doing anything to encourage residents to shop locally and support local businesses.

Why should we pay these extortionate charges when we can visit Worcester on the 'Park and Ride' bus service for £1, where the quantity and quality of shops is far greater?

I live off Primsland Way, close to where the new convenience store is being built and, unlike Councillor Hope, will be happy to support the local store where I can purchase newspapers and groceries without paying to park. Alternatively, I shall visit the nearby Tesco at Warndon, Worcester, where again, car parking is free and the choice, quality, and cost is far superior to our local supermarkets.

As Droitwich rapidly expands with the many new housing developments, the town's facilities should be improved to accommodate the ever-growing population but our local councillors vote for a further housing estate instead of a much needed edge-of-town supermarket requested by people in the recent poll.

In the past I have always voted Conservative but shall not do so in the future as I do not believe our representatives are looking after the best interests of Droitwich residents. I urge others not to squander their votes in the next local elections and elect people who care for our community.

Concerned.

(Name and address supplied).