Sir, - As has become the norm over the past few months the letters page in recent editions of the D&S has contained well-argued correspondence as to why Hambleton District Council is working against the interests of its community by proposing car parking charges.

A number of correspondents have suggested quite rightly that everyone should make their views known to their local councillors.

However, it seems that many of us have been effectively disenfranchised as some councillors have already stated their support for this stealth tax regardless of the views of the voters who elected them. We seem to have the possibility of the imposition of taxation without representation - you might call it a democratic dictatorship.

If the council truly believes that the only solution is to impose car parking charges, presumably it would have the courage of its convictions and put it's case to the residents of Hambleton in a referendum..

If the case is as convincing as they must believe, the politicians should surely win such a truly democratic process by the power of their arguments.

If, however, the council does not have that degree of confidence in the will of the people, it would seem that the only democratic answer is for independent candidates who will listen to the electorate to be nominated to stand at the next district council elections.

GEOFF SOLOMON Danby Wiske, Northallerton.