DEAR editor,

How much longer will we be able to park without charge when attending hospitals? This highly successful policy seems to be at risk following the rejection in England of allowing free parking for carers when taking patients for treatment.

This did not include all people visiting or ordinary patients attending hospital. It simply related to carers taking patients.

With the worry and stress associated with hospital attendance at least the financial burden can be lifted in this small but welcome way.

If such limited concessions were rejected by the UK Government in England logically free parking at Welsh hospitals will be undermined if ever the Conservatives get any serious influence in the Welsh Assembly.

All too often our local MP complains about what councils or the Assembly is doing. He rarely faces up to the actions of the UK Government of which he is a Minister. It might be appropriate for him to concentrate more on his job.

Fortunately the chance of a Conservative run Assembly is very remote. The contest will be between old Labour Ministers or a dynamic Plaid Cymru with ideas and ambition to improve Wales.

Plaid has published its plans to invest significant additional money in the Welsh NHS which will have real benefits for residents of the Vale.

Nic Hodges

Romilly Road

Barry