I NOTE with interest that local councils are looking at ways to encourage more shoppers into town centres.

The simple solution is parking, lots of it and make it free.

Councils seem to explore all other means to encourage shoppers except this obvious one. Forget the park-and-ride and other such schemes and learn the lesson of Castlepoint , face up to the fact that shoppers want to be able to park close by.

Yellow lines, parking meters and high car park charges, all deter shoppers from visiting town centres.

C D MOYES, Harkwood Drive, Poole