SIR, The first anniversary of Kendal's new traffic system is an appropriate time to congratulate Cumbria County Council, South Lakeland District Council and Capita on their Machiavellian policy of divide and rule.

The letters in the Gazette had Kendal Green residents arguing with Windermere residents over the merits of residents' parking. There is more to Kendal's traffic system than this but the councils and Capita refuse to address the main problems, which are:

1 The system does not work; and

2 The number of parking spaces has been drastically reduced over the last 24 months.

Kendal's businesses continue to suffer and it is important that the councillors start to understand that Kendal is a market town and is so because of its businesses, not because it is a car-free environment.

More importantly they must try to understand that a business is more than just its owners - it is made up of local people (employees, customers and suppliers). A failed business affects many lives.

Stuart Jones

Kendal

May 2, 2003 13:00