I HAVE used the Christmas park-and-ride on the Droitwich Road every Christmas since it started but this year I have been told by Worcester City Council that I will have to pay £2 to use this service when the other areas of the city will pay 50p.

When I asked why the residents from the north side of the city where being penalised, I was told it was because it was a secure car park and the facilities were better.

There has always been a security guard at Metal Castings in past years and the facilities do not matter for such a short time.

I was also told I could use the city bus service and the park-and-ride scheme was for "out-of -town" shoppers. If I catch a bus, I have a 15-minute walk to the bus stop and would have heavy shopping to carry.

The idea of park-and-ride is to be able to put your shopping straight into your car when you get off the bus. Also, if the park-and-ride is not for me to use, are my rates not being used towards the cost of setting up and maintaining the site?

I would use the service at times of the year if they did not charge a flat rate of £2 on a Saturday.

Again, I feel I am being penalised for travelling on my own. I can park in town for £1 for all the time I need.

MRS P GIBSON, St John's Close, Claines, Worcester.