HOW typical for a councillor to rush in to defend the unimaginative attitude that Caradon has towards the local economy in favour of its finances (Letters, Cornish Times, 26.01.07). When asked (Letters 19.01.07) 'Why not leave the parking prices alone for a year, or even as an incentive (to Liskeard shops), do the unheard of and lower the parking costs?', Councillor Beryl Martin's reply was that '90 per cent would remain the same and some would actually drop'. Well, that's terrific. The whole country is talking about reducing food miles to help combat global warming and a cabinet member of Caradon District Council is rejoicing in doing virtually nothing. Liskeard town centre has lost shops in recent times that provided locally-prepared produce. Of course, we could all go to Morrisons and buy their goods, brought in on lorries. Are we all going to buy Dutch tomatoes in the middle of summer again this year from Morrisons while the greengrocers in Liskeard struggle to sell their local produce? Of course we are, because Beryl Martin and her fellow councillors feel it is far better that the residents of Caradon drive to Focus, Argos or Morrisons outside the town (with their free car parks) than park in town and support the local community. The solution could be to reduce the parking in Liskeard from 50 pence for 30 minutes to 20 pence for two hours and make up the shortfall with a 50 pence for 30 minutes charge at Morrisons, Focus and Argos. Better still, the council could charge its own staff for parking in the recently extended car park at the Luxstowe House offices. Come on, Caradon, do the right thing. Encourage the shopping public to stay more than 30 minutes in our towns and actually spend their money on local produce from local people.   Ivan Callanan Golberdon