Thank you

The Salvation Army in Caterham would like to express thanks to all who supported our Christmas Present Appeal 2011. We are grateful for all we received from organisations, schools and individuals, whether as gifts, cash donations or time. With your help we were able to help make Christmas 2011 a happier one for many people, as 153 children and 110 adults received toys, gifts and food. Thank you. Majors Chris and Karen Sandford, Salvation Army, Caterham.

For more information about Caterham Salvation Army contact Christopher.sandford@ salvationarmy.org.uk or 01883 330718.

Parking shortage

It was not surprising that late on Christmas Eve in the main centre of Caterham Valley with its choice of eateries and pubs every available street parking space was occupied. But how galling it was for those of us arriving after 11pm for the Midnight Mass at the Parish Church of St John, and searching for a space, to know that a short distance away was enough space to accommodate all of our vehicles in what we used to regard as our public car park. However, being in private ownership it is not available outside shop hours.

I was told a few years ago when making enquiries in connection with the A Better Caterham scheme that originally the car park was administered by Tandridge District Council from the time the shop (then Safeway) closed until midnight.

It required funding by the local authority but that this had been withdrawn. It is not generally known that 25 spaces are always available in the area to the right of the entrance to the main car park but it is a quarter of a mile walk from there to the main area and to the church.

I am aware that nearby residents do not want the car park open later than at present. I do not believe that their objection is to disturbance likely to be caused by responsible motorists but the fear of trouble being caused by the disruptive minority of our community who therefore would seem to have more influence over events than the law-abiding majority. Maybe mine is a lone voice – or do these comments resonate with anyone else? Harold Barrett, Caterham Valley.

Save Caterham Trees

When I moved to Caterham in the late '70s it was a quiet leafy village with an abundance of trees, a station car park (now Waitrose) a Station Hotel with church parking to the rear (now the shopping precinct) and leafy streets (now full of flats). The Hill was a quiet village with a barracks that people were proud of.

I wish to set up a 'Save Caterham Trees Group' to protect the precious ones that remain. If anyone is interested please email christine_greaves@hotmail. co.uk Christine Greaves, Caterham Valley.

Please send your letters to The Caterham and District Independent, 33 High Street, Caterham, CR3 5UE or email: editor@caterham-independent. co.uk