I HAVE just read in the Malvern Gazette about the proposed new parking charges and was shocked to read that while virtually all charges are going down, the residents’ parking permit is to rise by 66 per cent.

The only other reported rise is for two hours in short-term car parks.

While I can see some point in this latter proposal – presumably to encourage a faster turnover, thereby freeing up more spaces closest to shops – there can be no justification for increasing the burden on residents by such a large percentage. It is unfair and unbalanced.

As a resident I have regularly bought a permit because of my loyalty to local traders and the local amenities, including the theatre, all of whom need all the support they can get in these tough times. Surely this should be encouraged, not penalised.

To put up residents’ parking permits at all when other charges are being reduced is unfair, but to put them up by 66 per cent cannot be justified under any circumstances.

To put this rise into perspective, hourly parking will cost 16 per cent less, annual tickets 35 per cent less and quarterly tickets 38 per cent less.

CAROLINE CARVER Malvern