Can't wait to leave I HAVE given up! Due to the Big Dig and extortionate car parking prices (when I can actually find a space), I no longer shop in Liverpool city centre. I take my business to the Speke Retail Park, Cheshire Oaks, Widnes, Bootle New Strand and the Trafford Centre, where parking is plentiful and either cheap or free. In Friday's ECHO, Steve Cook of Merseytravel proudly announced that "On Saturdays, between 70-80% of city centre visitors come in on public transport". Has it occurred to Steve Cook that this is because like me, people are voting with their feet, or more specifically their cars! I actually work on the outskirts of Liverpool city centre and I am now actively looking for a job elsewhere. I often work a late shift and I also have childcare to consider so for me, using my car is the most practical and safest form of transport. However, the congestion problems and the parking issues have made me decide it's just not worth the bother any-more. I read in Friday's ECHO that park and ride schemes are seen as being the answer. So, basically, a motorist would go to the expense of running a car, driving to the nearest park and ride facility and then paying an extra charge to use public transport? So, I no longer shop in Liverpool city centre and hopefully soon will no longer work there. I'm just one person, but I bet I am not alone. Well done Merseytravel and Liverpool city council! Mrs C.L., Woolton,
(full name and address supplied) Sorry state of city I BECAME a victim of a violent assault last month. Fortunately, all I suffered was a fracture to my nose, a bump to my head and a neck injury only. I feel fortunate after hearing of the terrible events of the two young men who have lost their lives for just being in the city centre socialising with friends or alone. The attack outside a city centre club was unprovoked yet when I approached the staff they did not want to know. It's a sorry state. I have always been proud to be from this city but recent events make me very wary. It's up to all the decent people in this city to make a stand and tell these thugs that their behaviour will not be tolerated. I express my sincere condolences to the families of recent events and hope that time is well spent with all the authorities concerned to get this right before the name of this good city is once again highlighted for the wrong reasons. Name and address supplied | 
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