FINE WAS UNFAIR: This is a copy of the letter I sent recently about a parking ticket: Further to the parking penalty received on January 12, I enclose a cheque for £40. I was only three minutes over the time limit when this fine was imposed, and according to an onlooker, the traffic warden had waited beside my car for nearly 10 minutes. Is this normal procedure? Whereas I do believe parking restrictions are an important discipline, I think the situation has got out of hand when wardens are deliberately waiting for time limits to expire. I arrived a couple of minutes after the penalty was given and I do feel strongly this is too harsh. I think it is time for normal law-abiding citizens to make a stand.

S KILDEN

Starts Hill Road

Farnborough

SERVICE CHOPPED: In reply to H Benney's letter about over-hanging tree branches (Saw Something Daft, News Shopper, January 10). Transport for London used to have its own in-house tree surgeons. They were used as branches damaged the nearside corner dome of double decker buses and in some cases the front of the top deck. But this service job got the chop, possibly in the run-up to privatisation, along with other jobs to make the sell-off look a bargain and with less outlay.

MR F NYE

South Street

Bromley

SAD CLOSURE: I was saddened to hear Kennedy's butcher in Beckenham will be closing in March, due I think to the increase in cost of rent or lease. I was then absolutely disgusted to hear the shop, and at least one other next to it, are to be converted into a McDonald's. Beckenham is losing a small, friendly shop to a multinational fast-food outlet, another eatery to add to the 17 already in Beckenham High Street. The planners responsible for approving this should be ashamed of themselves.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

STAFF WERE GOOD: In reply to M Ward's letter regarding Bromley ice rink (Council Is On Thin Ice Over Rink, News Shopper, January 17), I too took my family there on Christmas Eve. I have to agree with him about the lack of Christmas decor but totally disagree about the staff. I had quite a nasty fall and was helped straight back up. Every time my son fell over, there was a member of staff there to help him back on his feet. We all enjoyed the experience and can't wait until it returns.

F DEMECH

Biggin Hill