Sir, - We would like to alert your readers to the imminent threat to one of Richmond's precious remaining recreational spaces.

Richmondshire District Council have put in an application to fill the grassy area at the start of the old railway line with a car-park for 31cars.

This space is currently used by locals and visitors alike, for family ball games and informal picnics, and provides an attractive open aspect for everyone.

This plan would completely close in the one piece of open recreational space, before the tree-lined path narrows down to little more than the width of the old railway line.

This sacrifice is too great.

The pressure on parking in this area is indisputable. But the current application will not solve the problem.

Before making irreversible decisions that will rob us of too much of the recreational space folk come down here to enjoy, more joined-up thinking needs to take place for a Richmondwide parking strategy, involving a re-assessment of the current use of the other car-parks and other potential car parking spaces nearby.

It would be wise, in the short term, to put a charge or a three hour time limit on the existing car parks servicing this area - which would immediately bring back into use the many spaces currently taken up on a daily basis by those who park for free here all day while they do their business in the town - then review the parking problem after a period of monitoring. RDC might also refer to other parking feasibility studies covering the area in question.

Anyone wishing to retain this open space for recreational purposes, and preserve the setting of the grade-II* listed railway station and surrounding listed buildings, should contact Ian Nesbit by the deadline of April 29, before the May 7 meeting.

RESIDENTS OF STATION COTTAGES Richmond.