I received a letter from our Mayor Bill Taylor - I'm wrong and he and Andrew Stewart at council are right, but don't look too closely.

They say with the mall there's increased parking and council's purchase of land to park in Gipps St is significant.

It is.

But what they don't grasp is "proximity".

Yes, close parking to banks, pharmacies, the newsagent, the PO and so on.

Does the Mayor or Andrew park on top of the mall when they come to town or to do the family shop?

The letter claims that in some ways the Ayres Walkway project exceeds the Australian Standards.

You'll recall Andrew I've raised it directly, many of the "disabled parking" spots as allocated are not level.

It makes no difference, I might as well talk to myself.

In this respect Bega Valley Shire Council does not meet the Australian Standards.

Do you understand why these spots need to be level?

For example the disabled spot nearest the takeaway isn't level.

I've backed a wheelchair out of the wheelchair taxi and the camber makes it extremely difficult.

Is the council going to rectify all its mistakes?

Two years ago I suggested the council incorporate National Park-style tables in Ayres Walkway, their design provides for wheelchair access.

The council has exceeded itself, the tables in place now are unsatisfactory for wheelchair users.

Bill Taylor's letter holds promise for more parking for people with disabilities and seniors, but not everybody else!

His vision does not address the possibility of less pedestrian traffic in the future with some businesses on Carp St finding it increasingly difficult to keep their doors open.

That's why we pay rates, because Bega Council doesn't have to turn a profit.

Ian Dalwood

Kalaru