SIR - There is a spirit of meanness in Durham today and this is due solely to our council. There are two reasons for this.

Firstly, the council's greed has put the rents and council tax so high that many shops have had to close. Claypath and North Road are now deserted. There are only the chain stores left in Durham and they can afford to pay. Unlike York, there are no interesting shops for tourists and residents.

Secondly, there is the question of parking, particularly for disabled drivers. Yes, I am a disabled driver and I cannot believe that disabled drivers will have to pay for parking in Durham.

Able bodied drivers have an option of using then cars, disabled drivers do not.

This is such a nasty, mean and petty policy. In Newcastle disabled drivers can park free for as long as they like, as I suggest that the residents of Durham stop shopping in Durham and go to Newcastle.

I would like the councillors of Durham to come and talk to disabled drivers and find out what they need and not make Durham a no go area for its citizens.

Durham should be for the people of Durham as well as tourists.

Irene Slater, Nevilles Cross, Durham

Don't abuse parking

SIR - I refer to the letter from N Owens (You Write, August 8) regarding car parking charges for disabled badge holders. Mention of elections suggests that there may well have been a political motive for the letter.

As far as the question of accountability is concerned, the cabinet meeting where the decision was taken - like all other council meetings - was held in public and the matter was extensively reported in the press.

Last year the Independent District Auditor recommended a review of the policy of providing free parking for disabled badge holders. Previous consultation through the Durham City Access group indicated a general level of support for all drivers to pay the same parking charges in order to discourage abuse of the system. Indeed, private operators do not offer free car parking to all disabled badge holders.

The city council wishes to have regard to the need for disabled persons using the city council's car parks and will continue to provide designated spaces. I would urge able-bodied persons to refrain from using these areas.

Mick Bennett, Durham City Labour Group

Look again at leaflet

SIR - I would like to respond to the letter from L Catterson, August 17, regarding the recent Liberal Democrat Focus on Durham leaflet. I understand the comments in our leaflet sounded negative, but the sad fact is that many negative things are happening to our city.

We feel we have a duty to inform everyone of the Liberal Democrats' view of these. We are trying to change the situation.

The leaflet mentioned contained a petition calling for more beds at the University of North Durham Hospital. It has received a tremendous response and more than 4,000 residents have signed it. I am receiving letters every day from people who feel we are doing the right thing.

I would like to suggest that L Catterson read our leaflet again as we do offer an alternative, not just a criticisms of Labour's policies. We want a democratic, open and accountable administration, which we state in all our literature. This would be a huge step forward for Durham.

Carol Woods

Chair, Durham City Liberal Democrats