I understand that the Parish Council has told the dental surgery that the new parking scheme could cost the surgery up to £12,000 a year - yes, twelve thousand pounds - because they will have to buy parking season tickets.

But a parish councillor has offered to negotiate a discount for them!

Wow...how helpful. And of course, who will actually pay this stealth tax? Yes, you and me as users - or else the surgery will be unviable and have to move.

And this is just one example - it will impact all the other shops and service providers. Enjoy the privilege of living in Odiham!

I understand the PC is still pushing ahead with this scheme despite:
- our district councillor, Ken Crookes, presenting them with strong survey evidence that there was no support for it
- it is opposed by the Odiham Society on behalf of residents
- it is opposed by the OTMG on behalf of members and businesses
- it is opposed by Neighbourhood Watch

This scheme will:
- reduce the total amount of parking available in the village
- not give anyone paying a lot of money for a permit any guaranteed parking
- be a significant cost hit on retailers and threaten their viability
- be a significant cost and bureaucratic nightmare for residents

What is their reason? Where is their support? What is their right - when their job is to respresent the views of residents - not push their own agenda? 90% of them don't even live in the affected area

I know that Ken Crookes was the original sponsor of this scheme. But he is now aware that we really don't want it - and has told the PC they should also change their position. What will make them do it?

The responsibility is down to you, yes you, as an individual. If you think this scheme is not right, then tell the PC and councillors right now - ring, write, speak, e-mail, go to the next meeting on the 27th - and tell them what to do. If you don't, then you will take the consequences.