ALAN BARRASS is wrong to say that he can park more cheaply and easily in Stockton town centre when compared to Darlington (HAS, Sept 3).

Shoppers can use the council-controlled East Street multi-storey car park in the heart of Darlington town centre, for example, at a rate of £1 for three hours or £2 all day.

Recorded car crime in Darlington’s car parks is almost non-existent, meaning shoppers can park safely and securely. There is a fantastic mix of larger stores such as Binns, Marks & Spencer and BHS side-by-side with independent retailers and, of course, our great covered market.

Opening early in 2016 is a new multi-storey car park at Feethams next to the flagship cinema and restaurant complex. This will be pay-on-exit, relegating the fear of incurring a car parking fine to history.

I am sorry that Mr Barrass had a bad experience at the privately-operated car park he chose to use. Ironically, East Street multi-storey car park is next door, where he would have received a much better service.

I want to reassure Mr Barrass and your other readers that cheap, readily available car parking is being promoted, and he shouldn’t be deterred from visiting in the future.

Darlington is a town on the up, and well worth a visit.

Cllr Nick Wallis, Darlington.