Having lived and worked in New Addington for 43 years my greatest complaint has been the extortionate parking charges recently applied in Croydon.

I have always patronised the shops in Central Parade. That was until I received a ticket within three minutes of parking whilst I foolishly obtained change for the ticket machine from a shop. That was almost a treasured item as it was the only ticket I had achieved in 53 years of motoring. Not being well heeled at the time I could not take advantage given to the rich by paying early and halving the fine. Now I never shop there unless I walk.

Today however I needed a magazine from a newsagent in West Wickham and parked in the borough of Bromley for 20p. On arriving home I found that the CD I had also purchased was missing from its case. It cost me another 20p to park whilst I obtained the missing item. Less than a single stay in Croydon.

David Jennings Dunsfold Way New Addington