I would be the first to agree that Duncan Hames has been a first-class local Member of Parliament for the Chippenham area over the last four years. But I must take issue with his petition to Wiltshire Council to restore one hour’s free parking in our local town centre car parks.

Yes Duncan is right, and I’m more than happy to add my name to his petition. However, the question must be asked why Duncan put his hand up to reduce funding to Wiltshire Council by Central Government by 40 per cent.

If he had not done this, just maybe we may have had our one hour free parking.

Coun Terry Chivers, Independent Melksham Without.