Sir, – I write to express my disappointment with the outcome of my council's recent judicial review over the imposition by Stockton Borough Council of pay and display parking changes in our historic High Street.

Of course I’m very disappointed by its outcome and it would be easy to see it as a failure. However, let’s not forget, this course of action had the unanimous support of the town council, traders and more importantly, the wider population of Yarm.

So while there are many aspects of the verdict that leave a sour taste in the mouth, the principle to challenge the decision in court was sound. Simply put, no one in Yarm wants pay and display parking on the High Street. Currently and somewhat more importantly, no one in Yarm wants an additional 3,000 houses either.

I note a quote from Neil Schneider chief executive of the borough council this respect. He says: "I do not agree that public comments are disregarded. Disagreement is not the same as disregarded." Well Mr. Schneider being representative of opinion is not the same as having an opinion. I note your right to an opinion.

Certain quarters have suggested a more conciliatory approach should be adopted with the borough council. Those people might like to cast their minds back a few years. I was certainly guilty of a few, naive attempts at bridge-building. I wasted a lot of time too.

Moving forward, there is some time pressure (ie. the next few weeks) to set up a public meeting as we now need to fully engage in the statutory process that SBC will be undertaking and the public will play an important role here. Stockton is aware that this process will have to be carried out correctly; its usual cavalier approach is very much open to scrutiny.

Sadly, we can’t win every time, but rest assured Yarm Town Council will work diligently in delivering, in this instance, the “least worst” (sic) option for Yarm.

Coun JASON HADLOW

Chairman, Yarm Town Council.

Sir, – As expected Yarm Town Council has lost the judicial review and I refer to a comment made by the chairman, Coun Jason Hadlow, in a recent article that Yarm Town Council voted unanimously to seek legal advice and proceed to a judicial review. This is not so.

From the outset, Yarm Independents on Yarm Town Council were completely against the possible expenditure of £50,000 which would be a complete waste of our precious resources. Around February 2012, we had a closed meeting to discuss the judicial review and by this time we had a barristers’ report.

Before the meeting, I studied the report which was full of misinformation and I asked that this was debated but the chairman refused as it was on the agenda to be noted and he did not intend for this to be extended to debate. I pointed out that if I could challenge the report, Stockton Borough Council’s barrister would have no problem at all. This was ignored.

It was therefore no surprise that Yarm Town Council lost the case. The town council was at a disadvantage as the clerk, who should have been dealing with our solicitors, had the matter taken out of her hands and it was given to a new councillor with no experience.. From that point, we received two updates of information they wanted us to know but no questions were answered. Three people were involved in the inner sanctum and mum was the word. When a meeting was arranged with Stockton Borough Council officers, Yarm Independents had to go to unusual lengths to find out the time, date and venue.

There should be a call for the resignation of these people and those who support their actions should hang their heads in shame especially when negotiation with SBC would have been adequate and free of charge.

Coun MARJORIE SIMPSON

Mayes Walk, Yarm.