I AM not surprised by the falling number of visitors to the World of James Herriot attraction and Thirsk in general.

My family spent a wonderful three hours there recently.

Why three hours I hear you ask? Because of my blue badge, otherwise just two hours parking is a joke.

I blame Hambleton District Council for driving people away.

We had no time to shop or get something to eat.

All councils are the same.

Look what has happened to Stockton and its market – they are more or less dead.

I feel for the people and traders of Thirsk.

Can’t councils be stopped from ignoring the people at the sharp end and pursuing their own interests?

Malcolm Stephenson, Stockton.