SIR, — The Herts Advertiser (August 28) included the gloomy information on the downturn in the economy and various shop closures. The struggling hotels and shops are not helped however by the relative rise in rates versus the premises takings. The possibi

SIR, - The Herts Advertiser (August 28) included the gloomy information on the downturn in the economy and various shop closures. The struggling hotels and shops are not helped however by the relative rise in rates versus the premises takings.

The possibility of a future budget hotel - badly needed near the city centre - is not helped by the fatuous statement that "parking will be no problem; the local car parks are free after 6.30pm". Can anyone imagine a tired sales rep or tourist arriving at, say 5pm, and not having parking facilities at the hotel? The first thing tourists check out with the hotel chains is the parking facilities.

We all have to tighten our belts when the economy is down. This should include St Albans District Council. Help people to help themselves by reducing rates on business premises - and have a council tax rise holiday. How could this be paid for? Simply put on hold grandiose plans to "revamp Westminster Lodge - we desperately all need an Olympic-sized swimming pool" and "we desperately need to completely revamp Verulamium Park". Such schemes are bluntly profligate in these difficult times.

P.H. FIELD,

St Stephens Avenue, St Albans.