I WAS delighted to learn (Review, April 10) that the Forest Council's Cabinet member for planning policy and finance was quoted as saying: "We are pleased to be able to introduce this additional parking in Lydney. We hope these spaces will be well used by residents." As they are free (for an hour) I am sure that they will be well used.

However, as the council's parking operations across the Forest towns cost Council Tax payers about £40,000 per annum because parking receipts are less than the cost of collecting them, why not make all the parking spaces free?

By dropping the collections cost, we can encourage more use to the benefit of Council Tax payers, visitors and local businesses and stop the Conservatives wasting of £40,000 per annum of our taxes.

Both Labour and UKIP understand how to stop this waste of money and the inconvenience it pays for. Indeed, if elected, they each pledge to stop this waste of our money and, consequently, reduce parking stress and encourage the use of our High Street businesses. Why will the Conservatives not stop wasting our money?

– Tom Atkinson, Lydney.