I would like to respond to Mr Tayler’s letter which addressed the local issue of parking charges in our town centres.

He has suggested that I join forces with other people purposing changes to parking charges.

However, I would like to clear up any doubt. I launched my campaign to reduce parking charges back in January before any other parties. The pressure and case that I built up encouraged Wiltshire Council to consult on the charges.

I am now working with them to find a solution that is affordable and will address the needs of local people as well as helping businesses.

While I want to ensure that charges are reduced, I would like to decline the offer to join forces with any organisations that have adopted similar campaigns to piggy back off the work that I have done.

My main interest is to ensure that we reduce charges to encourage more local shopping and help revitalise our town centres.

Michelle Donelan, Prospective Conservative MP for Chippenham, Monkton Park, Chippenham.