A LIBERAL Democrat councillor has written to York businesses which advertised in the Evening Press' recent parking protest supplement to ask for "constructive suggestions".

A music shop owner today condemned the letters from Coun Christian Vassie, claiming they were "a half-baked attempt to intimidate us".

The tabloid supplement was brought out as part of the paper's Stop The Highway Robbery campaign against City of York Council's new and higher parking charges and restrictions.

Coun Vassie wrote to traders to say he "noted" their recent advert in the supplement, and said it had already been stated that there was to be a review of charges later this year. "If you have any constructive suggestions to aid that process, these will be gratefully received," said the letter.

He went on to complain about City of York Council's low grant from the Government, and urged businesses to join the "Fair Deal for York" campaign.

"I would also like to draw your attention to the immense and ongoing budgetary difficulties faced by City of York Council," he said, enclosing details of the pressures faced by the council when deciding on the 2004/05 budget.

But at least one of the advertisers was less than impressed by the letter.

Lloyd Massingham, of Rock-Ola Music Co, in Walmgate, wrote back to Coun Vassie to say it appeared he was "personally offended that we have had the temerity to dislike your parking policies."

He went on: "Your argument that your job is difficult because you are under-funded is ridiculous at the very least. We have all got difficult jobs and we cannot charge more for our services, just because we don't sell enough!

"I am also stunned that you have got the time and resources to identify and mail out this half-baked attempt to intimidate us."

He added: "Perhaps your time would be better served obtaining more funding then whingeing at ratepayers expressing their democratic right to question your methods."

He told the paper that, like other businesses, Rock-Ola had been badly affected by parking charges. Coun Vassie denied the letters had been intimidatory, saying they were merely part of the democratic process.

Updated: 10:39 Monday, August 02, 2004