In a recent press release East Hants District Council told us that they were raising all the fees for their services by the rate of inflation except for parking fees which would be raised by over 25 per cent from their pre-Covid base line.

This would of course only affect Alton and Petersfield as all the other village car parks are free.

What  is this going to do to the fragile retail situation in the the district? Wealthier Petersfield might be able to weather it but Alton High Street is gradually dying in front of our eyes.

And why is Bordon still classified as a village with free parking when it is certainly nearer to both Alton and Petersfield in size than any village. Surely if the cost of parking was fairer spread the price hike would not need to be so high?

One could speculate about the council now being run mostly by councillors from Petersfield and Bordon and Whitehill, and most of the Alton councillors not being part of the ruling elite but this will not help the retail situation in Alton.

Please think again EHDC. This could be the final nail in the coffin for Alton High Street. And Alton EHDC councillors, please make a bit more noise on behalf of Alton retailers!

Pat Lerew

Complins, Holybourne