March 1st 2009

Dear Sir

A few months ago, I was in a meeting at the Madina Mosque where we discussed how to overcome anxieties of non-Moslem neighbours. I said that I thought local white people were more concerned about parking on Fridays than differing religious beliefs. Leaders at the Madina Mosque were already working with the police to agree and encourage responsible parking on Wolseley Road when a local resident complained to the Star.

I agree with Paul License ("Show red card to parking antics", Star 20th
Feb)that illegal parking should be dealt with in an even-handed way wherever it occurs. But arguing about the precise powers of parking wardens and the police misses the point. Football grounds, churches and mosques should all encourage their visitors to drive less. We have "travel to work" plans. Why not "travel to match" and "travel to prayer" plans? With just a little effort, people could share lifts, use the bus, walk or cycle. They would then be true ambassadors for their sport or their religion.

Yours

Cllr Jillian Creasy
Sheffield Green Party