SO it's 'smiles all round' now that the city centre evening parking charges have been drastically reduced.

How about City of York Council spreading a little of that festive cheer to some more of York's residents by also reducing the residents' parking scheme fees, currently standing at £1 per visitor to our homes?

Having family members stay for a special occasion recently over two weekends cost me £6.

While agreeing with the scheme, I fail to see why we should continue to pay such a high price. Previously we paid 35p for each visitor to our homes. Prices were raised at the same time as the controversial charges recently brought in for the city centre car parks.

While we do not have as strong a lobby as the business community - we don't bring 'commercial wealth' into the city - we are just as important. So come on City of York Council, recognise that fact, surprise us and bring a smile to these other York residents of yours!

Mrs B Treend,

Diamond Street,

The Groves, York.

Updated: 11:26 Monday, November 29, 2004