Council Scrooges Can you imagine anything meaner at Christmas time than the Council reducing the Free Parking time in certain areas of the village from 20 minutes to 10? The intention is clear - instead of taking it away completely, reduce it to an impractical level, alert their army of wardens and watch this much appreciated 'free gift' die from neglect. Motorists will now pay from the start rather than risk a hefty fine. Revenue up; respect down. Happy Christmas Scrooges!

Based on information supplied by Michael Archer.