AS secretary of Hope Church, Trinity Street, Wey-mouth, can I say on behalf of our members how concerned we are over the effects of car parking in the Hope Square area since Christmas.

Over the years the managers of the previous development, generously appreciating our work in the area, allowed us free parking passes Sunday mornings and for evening meetings.

Now members pay £2.60 every Sunday and other times they attend (one hour is not sufficient).

They arrive at the last minute and depart without stopping for coffee or a chat. With few other spaces available in the area – then only an hour – we really are feeling the pinch.

Members are generous – they support special appeals, Christian Aid, etc, apart from weekly offering.

At least £260,000 is required for our listed buildings renovation fund for new floor, support beams etc – so special events and concerts are held in order to raise additional amounts.

Where do they park? One visitor to us had a £60 fine for returning to his car one minute late.

I have written to the firm – no reply, I have phoned – answer phone response only.

With our eighth Christmas Tree Festival coming – where we raise over £1,000 for national and local charities – we are again concerned about parking, especially for those who steward.

Our new Minister was inducted at the beginning of September in our Radipole Church and because of local parking.

Our churches have a fine history dating back to 1662 when the Revered George Thorne left St Mary’s.

Our Gloucester Street church produced Weymouth’s first woman mayor – Charlotte Wooton and Roy Gainey another Mayor. They and others served the town.

Little appears to be happening in the square. Please councillors help us. We have worked so hard, don’t kill us off now.

As part of the local community we offer our premises to various charities, community events, elections – an average week will see 400 to 500 people using the building. We are only too pleased to help – but car parking is vital – so please help us.

ANNE PITMAN Secretary Hope Church Weymouth