Last updated 11:40, Wednesday, 23 July 2008

I AM a regular visitor to the Lake District, last year we spent 20 weekends in the Keswick area, we support the local businesses in Keswick and are rewarded with great service and a friendly welcome. We are all year round tourists and hope to continue visiting for years to come.

Too cheap? The Central car park in Keswick

However, this weekend was an exception, we called into Keswick for breakfast and a visit to Bryson’s, we returned to our car in a hurry as we had only paid for one hour parking but decided to extend this to another hour. I knew I was parked 10 minutes over the hour but expected to be treated with respect and with some fairness. Not so. Allerdale Borough Council had welcomed me with a £50 fine. How can this be fair? I offered to go and get another ticket but was told no I must pay, no leeway and nothing I can do about it.

How can this Draconian attitude be good for the businesses already paying a premium in high rates? Surely the council could adopt a policy – bearing in mind Keswick relies on tourism greatly – of 15 minutes grace, if not then a system of payment on exit should be adopted.

I will continue visiting the lakes, but, sorry Keswick business owners, I may take my money elsewhere from now on.

TOM CAUSER

Edenthorpe

Doncaster