HAS Cumbria County Council gone completely mad or is it trying to close down all the local societies that meet in the evenings, and businesses including pubs and restaurants (Gazette, October 10, 'Parking blitz on the cards')?

The societies and choirs often meet in premises that have little parking, and roadside space is very limited.

There is no bus service after 5.30pm and on days of inclement weather it is often necessary to take the car out and find somewhere to park it.

Only last week I have been soaked going to history society and beekeepers' meetings. If you live out of town you have little choice but to pay the ridiculous charges in car parks.

I have a suggestion to make: allow free parking in all car parks after 6pm and remove restrictions on street parking to allow evening activities to thrive; or charge and take on more parking enforcement officers, who no doubt will be paid on results, and not be surprised when the evening economy takes a hit.

Angela Royle

Kendal