DRIVEN OUT OF TOWN

I WAS born and raised in the Accrington area, and spent my entire career working in various parts of East Lancashire before retiring and settling overseas six years ago.

I return for a couple of weeks each summer to visit family and always make a point of taking my custom to the Accrington shops.

However, following my experience this year I will regrettably not be making any further purchases in Accrington.

Last week I spent three afternoons visiting shops in the town centre and spent a considerable sum.

I parked in the multi-storey which I always believed to be free.

This week I have received TWO ‘parking charges’ from the Arndale shopping complex, each of £100.

Apparently the time limit is three hours and on each occasion I parked for around three and a half hours.

I am not questioning the legitimacy of these ‘charges’ (despite the ludicrously inflated amounts).

I expect there were signs and warnings posted somewhere in the car park.

However, I am questioning the wisdom of whichever decision maker was responsible for implementing this policy; which can only act as deterrent to a spending tourist and no doubt many other categories of ‘shoppers’.

A sarcastic ‘well done’ to whoever decreed that I will not be spending in Accrington ever again - and this is especially sad because the town centre is clearly in steady (and possibly terminal) decline. Accy Ex-pat Name and e-mail address supplied