Dear Editor
I was interested to read your article, Chemical Nasties (Aug/Sept edition) warning of the dangers of sodium lauryl sulphate in cosmetic and household products; also that in the US, children’s foaming bath products carry a health warning. This reminded me of an incident in the late 80s when I worked for a public relations firm on an account for a well-known pharmaceutical company. One of the products was a new bubble bath for children. I suffered a fainting fit when I removed the lid to test the fragrance. My colleagues witnessed this and, as parents of young children, were quite shocked. The product was removed from the room. Later, I saw it in the shops.

P. Collins, West Hill Road

Dear Residents of West Hill
Complaints about selfish parking have increased, especially in Buckingham Road. I have checked the roads in and around this central area and have noticed some very bad parking by motorists who do not seem to grasp the importance of tidy parking. All I can ask is, let’s try not taking two spaces unnecessarily.

The permit ratio is still being held at 1:1.2 and as a result of this parking spaces seem to be more available, except late at night and weekends. Parking before 8pm on permit bays by non-permit holders who take a chance on the traffic officer not coming back to check just before 8pm is on the increase. The general opinion is that unauthorised parking in a permit bay should be an immediate towable offence. I have been invited to attend a meeting with Austen Hunter of the Parking Management Team at the end of September. I have had a great deal of assistance from him with regard to parking issues and when we meet I have several issues to discuss with him.

The recent announcement by the Council to use a new legislation to deal with parking at dropped kerbs has raised some questions as to legality. At the moment double yellow lines across a driveway entrance prevents parking. It seems that the Council intends to allow parking at dropped kerbs outside residents’ premises unless they object. I do not see how legislation can be flexible. Either a line is enforceable or it is not. A white line, however, is usually a matter for County Councils. As I understand it, if a car is parked on a dropped kerb with a single white line it is basically an indication of required access and is only enforceable by the Police if an exit from your premises is required, but not for access.

If anyone needs clarification on dropped kerbs outside their premises or any other matter I will do my best to answer your query. Please contact me on 07768 002328 between 11am and 6pm.

Steve Percy, (chairman) Peoples Parking Protest