We, the undersigned, wish to strongly appeal to Oldham Metropolitan Council for the reintroduction of FREE short term parking for local shoppers at the Mumps end of Union Street, Oldham, Lancashire. Alternatively, if a charge must be levied, then a common sense system to cope with people accidently over running their tickets when delayed should be implemented.

We believe that the excessive cost of parking together with the aggressive way that accidental overstays are prosecuted with no discretion shown is driving many small retailers to the brink of bankruptcy as more and more shoppers stay away from the Mumps/Union Street area of town.

There should still be a place for small businesses and specialist retailers in town centres such as Oldham. They provide a community service but councils seem set against them in favour of supermarket type operations and out of town business parks.

On behalf of the small businesses and retailers of Oldham, we simply ask for a fighting chance for them to carry on their trade and contribute to the vibrancy of the town which will be all the poorer for their loss. There are already serious problems resulting from antisocial behaviour which the retailers away from the Town Square Shopping Precinct have to deal with on a daily basis. How about a little assistance with one of the issues that could help revitalise Oldham and support the hardworking businesses that make it tick?

Thank you for your kind attention.