Parking plan good - but is it enough?

It would seem churlish not to welcome, with caution, the Royston First initiative (Crow, October 23). Although the Royston business community is to be applauded, there are some questions that arise.

The sweetener of offering one-hour free parking is welcome, but is it a palliative when a purgative is required?

Some would say that more drastic change is required, such as free parking throughout.

My investigations, through a crude but honest survey, show that there are 49 active business premises in the High Street and Angel Pavement.

There are 12 that are for sale or lease, and three that are zero rated for charitable purposes. That's one in four, approximately, business premises not functioning as a going concern.

Chris Hollins was accurate in describing the situation as "make or break". The parking regime is contributing to the difficult commercial conditions.

The financing of Royston First seems acceptable, providing it is all Royston businesses, and not just those in the town centre. It is beholden on all business to ensure a vibrant town centre, even large supermarkets on the edge of town.

The report said that the distribution would be carried out by a steering group of business people, and that approximately £900,000 would be raised. This smacks a little of oligarchy, and I would suggest there was some political community representation on the steering group.

The condition of the town centre is a concern to all Royston residents, not just those in the business community.

It would be a happy moment in the town's history to see a cinema return, as the old site seems to have been neglected.

I would broadly urge support of the Royston First initiative and hope that these considerations are addressed.

Carlo Zambonini,

Gresley Lodge

Old North Road

Royston