I READ with great interest the article on page 38 (Echo, Nov 6) which stated that Darlington Borough Council’s (DBC) cabinet members are to discuss ways to increase footfall in Darlington as a shopping experience.

Well, I know it is an old chestnut to DBC but surely the obvious answer is to reduce or eliminate all together the exorbitant car parking charges.

What people do now is pay for the minimum parking time, then pop into town do what they need to do then leave, alternatively they get their spouse etc. to drop them off, then pick them up again at a prearranged time and place.

Surely a pound spent in the shops and cafes is better than one spent in one of those money guzzling parking machines.

Isn’t it obvious why so many people would rather travel to Teesside Park where there are numerous outlets and free parking?

Come on DBC let’s at least have an amnesty for the Christmas period, spread a little joy and happiness, and you will see the results you are looking for.

There, the gauntlet has been laid down, let’s see if anybody from DBC picks it up. I am not holding my breath on this issue.

Mr A Elders, Newton Aycliffe