I WAS annoyed and amazed to read about car park charges being introduced in Northwich.

We used to drive over from Widnes regularly on a Saturday to shop in this quaint market town.

We always enjoyed mooching for bargains round the charity shops, buying something a little bit different in the independent retailers and having a bite to eat.

However on our last trip we were very disappointed to see so many empty properties.

Weaver Square is deserted. Many shops and cafes that have been there for years have disappeared.

We were not at all impressed by your new steel monstrosity Barons Quay.

Undercover shopping malls are everywhere and many offer much more choice than this one.

Now to discover we will have to pay for the privilege of walking round a ghost town is rubbing salt in the wounds!

I really feel for your traders.

Councillors should listen to their concerns. Their livelihoods are at stake.

You should be encouraging shoppers into your town instead of putting obstacles in the way.

There isn’t even time to park for free for two hours at Sainsbury’s, visit shops and have something to eat and drink.

Halton Council has the right idea with free parking across Widnes and Runcorn. Shops and the market are booming and there is plenty of new trade and investment.

Even St Helens trialled free parking on Saturdays and it was a huge success.

Towns are now fighting for survival against a growing market of online shopping which people can do from the comfort of their own homes.

Free parking is the only way you will encourage shoppers and start to revitalise your town.

They will stay longer, spend more and enjoy their visit.

It is not only jobs that will be lost when your footfall drops but Northwich itself will become another sad, empty shell.

Mrs B Jones Widnes