YOUR columnist Jeremy Craddock, August 24, accuses the council of greed' in its proposal to increase parking charges at Walton Hall.

We do sympathise with visitors facing these increases, but they should be put in the correct context.

Walton Hall and estate is one of Warrington's finest community assets but one that costs a great deal to maintain.

We make no charge for entry to the visitor centre, the children's zoo or the gardens, preferring that visitors arriving by car make a one-off charge to include these attractions.

Charges for the golf course, mini golf and putting are kept to a minimum to allow all members of the community access to the facilities.

The rise in parking charges is aimed at covering rising costs and ensuring that the cost to council taxpayers is kept to a minimum.

PAULA DARLINGTON Head of service Environmental management, Warrington Borough Council