As a Hitchin Triangle resident I am ambivalent about the need for a parking permit scheme but stupefied at some of the criticisms of the Residents Association which have been expressed. I have attended five of their public meetings over the past four year

As a Hitchin Triangle resident I am ambivalent about the need for a parking permit scheme but stupefied at some of the criticisms of the Residents Association which have been expressed.

I have attended five of their public meetings over the past four years and am happy to confirm that far from being a secret cabal furtively meeting by candlelight behind closed doors plotting the death of the motor car whilst skinning cats for clothes their committee are representative of all walks of life and ages and the only thing they have in common is a willingness to give up huge amounts of their own time to try to improve our part of town.

Their newsletters are distributed regularly and invite all residents to the public meetings they organise which are also advertised on notice-boards in Nightingale Road and Dacre Road. I was at the widely publicised meeting several years ago which discussed the parking issue and all shades of opinion were expressed quite forcefully in an animated evening. Sadly, although the residents association seem to do everything they can to encourage participation from all, there will always be some who find it easier to sit on their backsides at home and moan.

As regards the proposed scheme, of course NHDC should have asked every household their views. Apparently the double yellow lines at the junction of Kings and Alexandra Roads are likely to go ahead and the double yellows on the NE side of Florence Street may still go ahead which would significantly cut parking space and needs to be considered.

Sadly it seems that an ill-considered and hurried decision could be made (responses to the council proposals are needed in two weeks) with insufficient time to look at all angles and with disinformation playing its part.

PETE MYATT, John Myatt Woodwind & Brass, Instrument Specialists, Nightingale Road, Hitchin

* Regarding tenants of Kings Road, I cannot believe that someone wrote in expressing that the above road was not overcrowded with cars.

It is bedlam in Kings Road and Florence Street especially Fridays when the Florence Street Mosque is exceptionally busy, not to mention people who park their cars in these roads but do not live here.

When the extra four flats are ready to sell, the new owners will probably have cars. The only time it is not too hazardous is when the children are off school, no congestion.

NAME AND ADDRESS WITHHELD