I WRITE in response to the letter from Mr Clive Stannard published in last week's edition, regarding parking restrictions outside the Tim Parry Community Centre in Great Sankey.

The issue is one of community safety and does not simply apply to children playing but to all pedestrians visiting the park, be they young or old. In these days when car is king it is essential that there is open space protected from traffic. There may have been no accidents in the past but that is no guarantee for the future.

No-one is attempting to restrict access to the community centre by law abiding ratepayers. Users are able to park in the car park and walk up the path, as in fact the vast majority have been doing since the barrier was reinstated. It takes me less than a minute and I am not a quick walker. Disabled people can continue to park outside the centre.

The Parish Council has a duty not to make it easier for drug dealers and should not expect the local police to take all the responsibility.

Mr Stannard misunderstands the insurance matter. The Parish Council's insurance only covers vehicles parked in a designated parking area and is therefore only insured for disabled parking outside the centre. The other community centre in the park has its designated car park outside the building.

MRS HILARY COOKSEY

Parish Councillor for Great Sankey

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.