As the local North Yorkshire councillor, I am responding to the two letters about Helmsley that were published last week.

Sue Foden from Shropshire wrote about the parking fine notice that she received when visiting our stunning market town.

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First, I would like to thank Ms Foden for coming to and shopping in Helmsley.

As soon as I read her letter, I went to check the car park and asked for the signage to be reviewed and for enforcement to be paused.

As the Gazette & Herald previously reported, this is not the first time I have raised concerns about unfair parking penalties.

In relation to the letter that was signed by a ‘local business owner’, I agree that it has taken a long time to repair the bridge between Market Place and Castlegate.

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However, I would like to clarify that the increase in car parking charges was introduced across all of North Yorkshire, not only in Helmsley.

The sound financial management together with the savings from local government reform mean that North Yorkshire Council has so far withstood the significant inflationary and cost pressures.

On the other hand, faced with similar challenges, some local authorities lost control of their finances and were forced to raise council tax by astronomical amounts and to make major cuts to crucial services, measures which have not been necessary in our area.

In terms of the investment in Helmsley, local people and regular readers of the Gazette & Herald will be aware of the projects completed and improvements achieved.

While more could always be delivered, a huge progress has already been secured. I will continue to keep residents updated through the media.

I am also using every possible opportunity to make the case for Helmsley. So far, my public attendance record at Council meetings at County Hall in Northallerton since my election in May 2022 is 100%.

With respect to the remarks that Helmsley receives no promotion, articles in local, regional and national papers tell the full story.

Over the past two years, Helmsley hosted the finish of one of the stages of the Tour of Britain, was part of Small Business Saturday’s 2022 notable roadshow, was on the list of the UK’s best locations to live and was declared the prettiest market town in North Yorkshire.

Furthermore, the Good Food Guide named Helmsley and the Howardian Hills the ‘Most Exciting Food Destination’ for 2024. To demonstrate the scale of this accomplishment, Birmingham was the previous winner of this prestigious award.

Having said this, we must carry on standing together as a community - residents, businesses and local organisations - and working hard to ensure that Helmsley remains the successful and thriving place that it is now.

Cllr George Jabbour Helmsley and Sinnington division